NEWS - The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in several closed natural wonders in an effort to help prevent the virus' spreading. One of those attractions, Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon, closed in May 2022.
Now, this distinct feature located inside the Grand Canyon reopens to the public on February 1, 2023 (permit required).
Interested visitors can request a reservation to the Havasu Falls by going to havasupaireservations.com or calling 928-448-2111.
Protecting and Preserving Havasu Falls
The Havasupai Tribe announced the closure of the falls in 2022. The falls' Tribal Council said the natural attraction is going to undertake "necessary repairs and enhancements." These upgrades aim to help ensure that guests are safe while enjoying the experience brought by the falls.
Aside from the updates to the Havasu Falls, the healthcare issues faced by the Havasupai Tribe and other Native American communities attributed to the long closure.
Back in March 2020, the Havasu Falls only accepted fewer guests than normal. This decision was in light of the risks involved in experiencing the falls' organic beauty. However, in October 2022, the natural attraction encountered severe flooding, damaging bridges and trails.
Months later after its closure, the Havasu Falls reopens its gates to welcome guests as of February 1, 2023. The management committee prioritizes access to individuals with existing reservations before its closure.
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Havasupai Tribe Keeps The History Of The Blue-Green Water Alive
The "Havasupai" means blue-green water, which is the color of the Havasu waterfalls. But it also comes from the Havasupai Tribe, which lived in the vicinity of the falls for over 800 years.
The tribes folk consider themselves the guardians and keepers of the grand canyon, including the Havasu Falls. Governing the tribe is a seven-member Tribal Council, which also manages the beauty and integrity of this natural wonder.
Today, many guests can enjoy the Havasu Falls and the splendor of its surrounding environments. But it wasn't the same back in the late 1800s when cowboys and miners staked claims throughout the land.
At that period, war erupted between the Pai tribes and the US Army. Despite the three-year war breaking out, the Havasupai didn't join in the combat, making them a separate entity.
In 1880, President Hayes limited the Havasupai's land to 38,000 acres surrounding Havasu Creek. But it was only two years after that declaration that this land mass shortened to a mere 500 acres.
Moving forward 37 years later, the Grand Canyon National Park came to be. From this point, the Havasupai Tribespeople fought many legal battles to have their land returned to them. Today, over 185,000 acres of land in the Grand Canyon belong to this Native American community.
Plan Your Trip To Havasu Falls
Interested visitors should proceed with your Havasu Falls trip with careful planning. The first step is to secure a reservation for the management committee might still be limiting its visitors at the time of reading.
Once a reservation is secure, take note that the trek to the waterfalls is a 10-mile hike from the Havasupai Indian Reservation area. Also, visitors should have a permit from the Havasu Falls committee.
Prices to secure a permit starts at $100 per night.
Restrictions And Guidelines To Follow
After reaching the falls, guests should follow the guidelines and restrictions to keep the natural feature in pristine condition. Some rules to follow are:
- It's not advisable to hike to and from the Havasu Falls at night as the trek becomes dangerous.
- Avoid diving or jumping into the waterfalls as rocks and other obstacles are hidden underneath the water's surface.
- All guests should yield to all horses walking on the trail.
- Avoid walking outside the trail to prevent getting lost.
- Don't leave garbage on the trail and campgrounds.
Also, a maximum number of 20 people can apply per reservation. However, the Havasu Falls' management committee may only allow up to 10 people to experience the falls at a given period, depending on current conditions.
A Beautiful Sight To Visit Again And Again
@_james_burns How dramatic is this? #havasu #havasupaifalls #havasupai ♬ My Tears Are Becoming A Sea - M83
Many people, particularly previous visitors, express their desire to return to Havasu Falls. One TikTok user commented on the video above that she finds the falls to be the "best thing I ever did was hike this." She continued by saying, "Want to go again so desperately."
Author Ryan Puckett of ourtripylife.com also says in a post that "the falls are amazing!" But he also explains that the hike to the falls is also one of the toughest he encountered.
Before the Havasu Falls closed, one TripAdvisor reviewer said:
"This a life changing experience it is a long hike in and out but it is worth every step of the way.bring a camera you will need it."
Chairman Thomas Siyuja, Sr. also expresses his excitement for guests to return to the falls as he said:
"We have seen our tribal lands return to their natural beauty over the last two years and are eager to share their beauty once again."
Interested visitors can request a reservation to the Havasu Falls by going to havasupaireservations.com or calling 928-448-2111.
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