Havasu Falls
Swimming hole in Flagstaff, Arizona · Waterfall
Havasu Falls is a waterfalls swimming hole. It is near Flagstaff, Arizona. Fee notes: Yes-entrance fee and camping or lodge fee. Best season: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for mild temperatures and ideal.
Typical season: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for mild temperatures and ideal
About Havasu Falls
Havasu Falls is a Waterfalls swimming destination near Flagstaff in Arizona. The setting stays informal and low-key.
There are places in this world that seem too vivid to be real, and Havasu Falls is one of them. The color comes from travertine. Calcium carbonate deposits that saturate Havasu Creek and give the water its signature blue-green glow. Even photographs don't fully prepare you for the moment you round the canyon trail and see it for the first time. Towering red and ochre canyon walls frame the scene on all sides, their warm tones in striking contrast to the cool, jewel-toned water below.
Cottonwood trees line the creek corridor, offering shade and rustling softly in the canyon breeze. The air carries the faint mineral scent of the creek, and the constant roar of the falls creates a natural white noise that makes the whole environment feel sealed off from the outside world. This is the ancestral homeland of the Havasupai people, and their deep cultural and historical ties to this land give the place a significance that extends far beyond its visual beauty. You can wade in from the sandy shoreline, swim beneath the misting curtain of the falls, or launch yourself from the rope swing that adventurous visitors have used for years.
Treat Havasu Falls as a wild swim: no lifeguard, variable depth, and rules that can change by season.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Waterfalls
- Water body
- Havasu Creek (tributary to Colorado River)
- Fee
- Yes-entrance fee and camping or lodge fee
- Nearest town
- Flagstaff
- State
- Arizona
- Coordinates
- 36.25630, -112.69910
- Best season
- Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for mild temperatures and ideal . Summer can be very hot, while winter offers solitude but cooler air temperatures.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate to Difficult - An 8-mile hike from Hualapai Hilltop that requires preparation and physical stamina.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Camping
- Camping at site, requires reservations
- Activities
- Swimming, rope swing
- Facilities
- Facilities include a lodge and campground with basic amenities. Reservations are required for both.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for mild temperatures and ideal . Summer can be very hot, while winter offers solitude but cooler air temperatures.
- Access Moderate to Difficult - An 8-mile hike from Hualapai Hilltop that requires preparation and physical stamina.
- Facilities Facilities include a lodge and campground with basic amenities. Reservations are required for both.
- Camping nearby Camping at site, requires reservations
Highlights & features
- Turquoise blue waters from travertine deposits
- 100-foot breathtaking waterfall plunge
- Rope swing for adventurous visitors
- Havasupai cultural and historical significance
- Stunning photography opportunities
- Surreal turquoise waters from natural mineral deposits
- Deep cultural ties to the Havasupai tribe
- Remote location accessible only by hiking, horseback, or helicopter
How to get there
Havasu Falls lies in Arizona near Flagstaff, Kingman, and Peach Springs. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Havasu Falls lies within the Havasupai Indian Reservation in northern Arizona. To reach this stunning destination, follow the turn-by-turn directions below. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Driving Directions from Flagstaff, AZ
Start in Flagstaff: Begin by heading west on Interstate 40 (I-40).
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Exit 149
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Take Exit 149 for Seligman/Route 66. Route 66
Merge onto Route 66 and continue west toward the small community of Nelson. Route 18: At Nelson, turn north onto Indian Route 18 (also known as Hualapai Hilltop Road).
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Drive to Hualapai
Hilltop: Follow Route 18 for about 64 miles until you reach Hualapai Hilltop. This is the end of the road and the starting point for the hike to Havasu Falls.
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Parking and Trailhead Information
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Parking
Hualapai Hilltop has a designated parking area where you can leave your vehicle. The lot is unpaved but spacious, accommodating both day hikers and overnight visitors. Be sure to secure your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables inside. Trailhead: From the parking lot, you will find the trailhead leading into the canyon. This marks the beginning of the 8-mile hike to the village of Supai.
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Hiking Directions to Supai and Havasu Falls: Trail Overview
The hike from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai is about 8 miles and typically takes 4-5 hours, depending on your pace. The trail descends into the canyon and features rocky terrain, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Supai Village: Upon reaching Supai, you will need to check in at the tourism office to confirm your reservation. Supai is the gateway to Havasu Falls and other waterfalls in the area. Havasu Falls:
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From Supai, continue hiking about 2 miles to reach Havasu Falls. The trail is well-marked and leads to the iconic blue-green .
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Helpful Tips: Permits
A reservation and permit are required to visit Havasu Falls. Be sure to secure your permit in advance, as access is limited and highly sought after. Supplies: Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and appropriate gear for the hike. There are no services at Hualapai Hilltop or along the trail. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your trip, as temperatures in the area can vary greatly. Summer months can be extremely hot, while winter months may bring cooler conditions.
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Additional Nearby Waterfalls: Mooney Falls
Located downstream from Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls is another breathtaking waterfall with a . It is accessible via a steep descent using chains and ladders. Exercise caution when visiting. Enjoy your journey to Havasu Falls and the surrounding natural beauty!
Plan your visit
Havasu Falls works well as a day trip from Flagstaff or Kingman. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Cave Creek or browse more Arizona waterfall spots in our directory. For the full list in Arizona, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is strictly controlled by the Havasupai Tribe. A reservation and permit are mandatory for all visitors and must be secured well in advance through the official tribal system. An entrance fee, plus a camping or lodge fee, is required. This is an unofficial swimming area with no lifeguards on duty.
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What to pack for Havasu Falls
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Havasu Falls?
Yes. Havasu Falls near Flagstaff, Kingman, and Peach Springs in AZ has waterfall / cascade pools on Havasu Creek (tributary to Colorado River) used for swimming. Rocks are slippery and there are no lifeguards at informal access.
How much does Havasu Falls cost?
Plan for fees: Yes-entrance fee and camping or lodge fee. Rates and policies change — verify with the land manager before you drive.
How do you get to Havasu Falls?
Havasu Falls is in AZ within day-trip range of Flagstaff, Kingman, and Peach Springs. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Home to the Havasupai tribe for over 800 years, the area is sacred and deeply significant to their heritage.
Conservation
Visitors must adhere to Leave No Trace principles. Fees contribute to the preservation of the Havasupai tribal lands.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.