Most people don’t know even today that Havasu Falls is one of the hidden gems of the world. It is hidden deep inside the Grand Canyon and consists of purely turquoise water. This is an oasis that is situated at the heart of the Great Canyon and has been an attractive tourist spot for a very long time now. It is a mesmerizing waterfall, cascading over a 100-foot cliff into a series of vibrant blue-green pools.
Havasu Falls shows great power and purity of nature in the best possible form. The falls are nestled within the Havasupai Indian Reservation which is a remote & sacred land where the Havasupai people have lived for centuries, preserving their traditional & deep connection to the land.
How to Reach the Havasu Falls?
To reach havasu falls is surely a great adventure as tourists need to embark on a journey of 10-mile hiking through the canyon to reach there. During this hike, they can cross and admire the stunning landscapes and crossings of Havasu Creek. The reward of this journey will be the beautiful and mesmerizing Havasu Falls, its shimmering waters, just like liquid turquoise against the backdrop of red rock cliffs.
The starting point of the Havasu Falls hike is from the Hualapai Hilltop. People can take their vehicles to this hilltop and leave them here in the parking lots. From this point, their 10-mile hike will start. Initially, the road or trail is pretty flat and crosses through the desert landscapes. As you descend deeper into the canyon, the scenery transforms, with towering red rock walls framing the path.
Throughout the trail, tourists cross Havasu Creek a lot of times. While walking on the trail and close to reaching the Havasu Falls, tourists experience some other waterfalls such as Lower Navajo and Fifty Foot Falls. Lastly, they will reach the Havasu Falls and see a glimpse of what the heart of the Grand Canyon actually looks like.
History Behind the Evolution of the Havasu Falls –
The history of the Havasu Falls is interconnected with the history of the Havasupai people, who have inhabited the Grand Canyon for more than 800 years now. Havasu Falls have undergone significant changes due to natural forces, primarily havasu falls flash floods. Before the 1910 flood, the falls flowed as a continuous sheet and that is why they were called “Bridal Veil Falls”. However, the current configuration, with a distinct notch & a single stream is different which emerged after the flood.
The Havasupai people have a deep spiritual connection to the falls and the surrounding landscape. They consider the water sacred and essential to their cultural identity. The falls have played a vital role in their history. This provides them sustenance and spiritual significance.
For the same reason, the Havasupai people are still very determined and consistent towards protecting and preserving this natural wonder. Also, they are always eager to make sure that its beauty and accessibility remain intact for future generations as well.
Why should people prefer Group Tours to Havasu Falls?
Nowadays, traveling doesn’t follow some specific rules and regulations list and depends on an individual’s choices. However, even today, a lot of people believe that traveling is much better in groups than solo. This may be true to some extent because of the amazing advantages that group tours can provide to people, especially while on a tour to Havasu Falls.
Some of these advantages are:
- Expert Guidance can be Provided –
Tour guides are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the trail conditions, area, and Havasupai culture. They can ensure a safe & enjoyable experience and provide valuable insights while touring.
- Shared Costs for Tour Expenses –
Group tours often offer cost-saving benefits and this can save a lot of people’s money. By sharing expenses for permits, transportation, and camping fees, you can reduce the overall cost of the trip.
- Increased Safety of Every Person in the Group –
Traveling in a group provides an added level of safety, especially in remote areas like Havasu Canyon. Guides can assist with navigation, first aid, & emergency procedures.
Considering the above advantages, it is effective to say that group tours do provide a lot of benefits and efficiencies. However, it still depends on the choice of the individuals whether they want to go for solo or group tours to enjoy their tours to the fullest.
Significance of the Havasu Falls in Cultural and Natural Aspects –
Havasu Falls are recognized for their great natural and cultural significance. Some of the important points to better understand this significance are:
- Diverse Natural Ecosystem –
To become the Havasu Falls that they are today, they have gone through a lot of ecological and geological processes. These processes have resulted in the remarkable beauty of turquoise water and travertine formations that it represents now. Also, it provides habitat and home to a lot of rare species who would surely be lost in the world outside.
- Culture and Beliefs of Havasupai Tribe –
The Havasupai tribe of the Havasu Falls have great cultural beliefs and importance for this place. Also, they survive on the pure and nourished water that flows through the Havasu and other waterfalls into the Great Canyon.
That is why Havasu Falls hold a great significance culturally and for the livelihood of the Havasupai tribes.
Considering the above significance of havasu falls in both natural and cultural circumstances, it is not wrong to say that the world should surely treasure this natural gem and not miss out on the opportunity to explore it at all for sure.
Why can Group Tours to Havasu Falls be better than Individual Tours?
Nowadays, traveling doesn’t follow some specific rules and regulations list and depends on an individual’s choices. However, even today, a lot of people believe that traveling is much better in groups than solo. This may be true to some extent because of the amazing advantages that group tours can provide to people, especially while on a tour to Havasu Falls.
Some of these advantages are:
- Expert Guidance can be Provided –
Tour guides are led by experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the trail conditions, area, and Havasupai culture. They can ensure a safe & enjoyable experience and provide valuable insights while touring.
- Shared Costs for Tour Expenses –
Group tours often offer cost-saving benefits and this can save a lot of people’s money. By sharing expenses for permits, transportation, and camping fees, you can reduce the overall cost of the trip.
- Increased Safety of Every Person in the Group –
Traveling in a group provides an added level of safety, especially in remote areas like Havasu Canyon. Guides can assist with navigation, first aid, & emergency procedures.
Considering the above advantages, it is effective to say that group tours do provide a lot of benefits and efficiencies. However, it still depends on the choice of the individuals whether they want to go for solo or group tours to enjoy their tours to the fullest.
Activities to Perform in Havasu Falls –
Apart from havasu falls hiking, there exist a lot of other activities that can be performed by the tourists according to which month of the year they are visiting it.
Undoubtedly, the havasu falls offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, some of which are:
- Photography –
For stillness and relaxation, tourists can perform photography in the Havasu Falls. They can capture the beauty of these falls and the surrounding landscape with their cameras or smartphones through photos or even videos.
- Sunbathing –
Vitamin D is a very important nutrient required by our body and taking it calmly after a long hike is surely a great idea. Relax on the rocks or sandy beaches & soak up the sun to experience its power and great impact on you.
- Swimming –
The clear waters of the pools allow you to explore the underwater world while observing the fish and other aquatic life. Also, the turquoise pools at the base of the Havasu and other waterfalls can be a great refreshment for you after a long busy day of your tour.
While enjoying yourself with the above activities, always remember to respect the environment and the Havasupai culture & not to cause any damage to the wildlife, plants, or humans there.
Conclusion –
Visiting Havasu Falls either in your short or long tours will undoubtedly be a great decision. You will not only enjoy the view temporarily but will make lots of friends and make a lot of memories back home. So, undoubtedly, this will be one of the best experiences of your life & you should definitely go for it so that you don’t regret missing this opportunity later at all.
