Havasupai Falls Remains Closed Until 2023

Those hoping to get a permit to hike to the halcyon blue-green waters of Havasu Falls on the Havasupai land in Arizona will have to wait another year as the tribal council has announced its lands will stay closed to visitors until 2023.

In an announcement on its website, the Tribal Council stated they are “undertaking the necessary repairs and enhancements to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for our valued guests.”

“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,” said Chairman Thomas Siyuja, Sr.

Exploring Havasu Falls

The collection of Havasu, Mooney, and Beaver Falls draws eager hiking enthusiasts from around the world looking to experience the picturesque aqua waters. This stunning area has been the focus of countless Instagram photos, making it a popular backdrop.

Moreover, this natural wonder can only be accessed with a permit and typically requires making the more than 11-mile trek into Havasu Canyon, which is located on tribal land in the Grand Canyon and is not part of the national park.

No day hikes are permitted; thus, most visitors treat their adventures as multi-day backpacking trips.

Updates for Existing Reservations

If you have a reservation, it will be moved to the same dates in 2023, as confirmed by the tribe. This applies to reservations for the campground, lodge, and pack mules.

Consequently, the tribe has stated that they will not make any new reservations available for purchase while tourism is suspended. Prior to the pandemic, advanced reservations typically went public in February for the campground and on June 1 for the lodge.

For anyone interested in exploring the magical Havasupai Falls once it reopens, please consider the breathtaking beauty and unique experiences this destination has to offer.

This article was first published on January 11, 2022, and updated on May 12, 2022.