Bird's-eye view of the Havasu Falls
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How to Secure a Permit for Havasu Falls in 2023

Ready to experience one of the best adventures in the United States? Then start planning your journey to Havasu Falls AZ, a paradise located in the famous Grand Canyon. To be one of the lucky ones to see this piece of heaven, you have to snag a precious permit for Havasu Falls.

Once the permits go on sale, it is just a matter of minutes until they are all sold out for the entire season. Getting a permit for Havasu Falls will be the most challenging part of your adventure. But we promise you, your efforts will be rewarded once you lay your eyes on the blue-green Havasupai Arizona waterfalls.

The Havasupai Indian tribe changes the permit process and other regulations frequently. Since we know how annoying it can be to find incorrect information online, here is our promise to give you the NEWEST Information for the Havasu Falls Permit Process for 2023

This is what we will cover:

  1. Newest Information about the Havasu Falls permit in 2023
  2. Best Time to Apply for a Permit
  3. Where to Stay on Havasupai Land
  4. Where to Apply for the Havasu Falls Permit
  5. How to Get a Permit
  6. Costs for the permit for Havasu Falls
  7. Best Tips for Landing a Permit for Havasu Falls
  8. FAQ’s: Havasupai Falls Permit
  9. FAQ’s: What to Know about Havasupai

Our Other Resources for Havasupai:

If you are interested in other information regarding the Havasupai Indian Reservation and planning a trip to Havasu Falls AZ, you can check out these posts:

UPDATE: Newest Information about the Havasu Falls permit in 2023

After a long shutdown from COVID and other issues experienced by the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The Tribe is happy to be welcoming back tourists in 2023. The Reservation will be opening back up as of February 1, 2023.

Here is what you need to know about Havasu Falls permits for 2023:

  • Any current reservation from February 1, 2023, through May 31, 2023, will remain the same.
  • Reservations for the dates June 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, will be rescheduled for the same date in 2023. This applies to Havasupai Campground, Havasupai Lodge, and Pack Mule reservations that have been booked.
  • New permits that will be available for 2023 are the ones posted to the Cancel & Transfer List. The list can be checked each day at 8:00 AM Arizona Time.
  • You will need to check-In for all permit reservations at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, located at Mile Marker 115, Route 66 near Seligman, Arizona 86434. Check-In will NO LONGER happen at the Tourist Check-In Office located in Supai Village.
  • New Check-In Procedures: The trip leader must check-in for the entire group starting the day before your arrival date and no later than 5:00 PM on the first day of your reservation. Failure to check-in will result in your reservation being canceled.
  • Unfortunately, Havasupai Lodge is still closed to tourists due to ongoing construction. The tribe hopes to open the lodge to tourists starting July 2023. Reservation holders affected by this will receive notice from the Havasupai Tribe.
  • No information regarding the Havasu Falls permit lottery has been posted.

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Do You Need a Permit to Hike to Havasu Falls?

Rachel hikes down the Grand Canyon to reach the Havasu Falls
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To hike to Havasupai you have to have a permit

The easy and simple answer is, YES, absolutely! The Havasupai Falls permit is your access to be on Havasupai Indian Reservation. Trying to visit Havasupai AZ and the waterfalls without a Havasu Falls permit is prohibited.

The Havasupai permits are strictly enforced by the Havasupai Indian Reservation Tribe and are checked at various times. Be sure to obtain a permit for Havasu Falls on the day they go on sale. Don’t drag your feet too long or you will be waiting a whole year for your next chance.

Note: The word “permit” can be a little confusing. Since day hiking is not allowed, you always have to stay overnight in Havasupai AZ. Your reservation for your overnight stay is essentially your permit for Havasu Falls. You will find out more about the step-by-step Havasu Falls permit process later in the post. 

When Can You Purchase a Permit for Havasu Falls?

Hanaus Falls splashing down the rock
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Havasu Falls – The most famous waterfall in Havasupai

When booking your permit for Havasu Falls, keep in mind the 2 options for accommodations for your visit to the Havasupai Indian Reservation. You can either stay on the campground or in the lodge. Reservations for those 2 accommodations can be made on different days.

  • The Havasupai reservation system for the Havasu Falls campground permit for the current year can be purchased starting on February 1st at 8:00 AM Arizona time.
  • The Havasupai reservation for the Havasu Lodge can be purchased starting on June 1 At 8:00 AM Arizona time. The Havasupai reservations for the Havasu Lodge are for the following year. You can not reserve a reservation for the current year.

Top Tip: Please be aware of time differences when you live in another time zone than Arizona. Havasupai AZ is in the Mountain Standard time zone. 

Where to Stay at Havasupai Falls AZ?

Rachel on the Havasupai campground
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The Havasupai campground is one of two places where to stay

The Havasupai Campground and the Havasu Lodge are the 2 accommodations available in Havasupai.  

Both accommodations have their pros and cons. The major factors between them are sleeping arrangements, access to the beautiful blueish-green waterfalls of Havasupai AZ, and price. 

Let’s quickly discuss the pros and cons of each:

Havasupai Campground

PROsCONs
Closer proximity to Havasu Falls AZ (roughly 0.5 miles depending on where you are camping in the campground2 miles walk from Supai Village, which means the Havasupai Falls hike down the canyon is 10 miles long in total
Closer proximity to the trailhead to Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, and the Colorado River
You can camp in nature next to the river and cool yourself off whenever you feel like it
It is cheaper than staying in the Havasupai Lodge

Havasu Lodge

PROsCONs
You’re staying in Supai VillageFarther away from Havasu Falls AZ(2-mile hike)
Only an 8-mile hike from the trailhead down into the Grand CanyonEven farther away from the trailhead to Mooney Falls, Beaver Falls, and the Colorado River (roughly 3 miles)
Real Mattress to sleep onYou miss out on a cool camping at Havasu Falls experience
It comes with a big price tag

Where to Apply for a Havasu Falls Permit

Official website to get your permit for Havasu Falls
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Apply on the official website to get a Havasu Falls permit online – Havasupaireservations.com

It’s important to know that you can ONLY apply to purchase a Havasupai Falls permit online at the official Havasupai reservation website, havasupaireservations.com.

By now, you already know what day of the year you have to purchase your permit but what exactly do you have to do to get a precious permit for Havasu Falls?

How Do You Get a Permit for Havasu Falls: Step-by-Step Guide

Turquoise Navajo Falls in front of rock formation
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Getting a Havasu Falls permit is well worth the effort

Here are the steps you will want to take when applying for a Havasupai Falls permit:

1. Pre-Registration and Setting Up your Account

It is highly recommended to pre-register for an online account on their website (havasupaireservations.com) before February 1st. If you wait to register until the day the permits go on sale, your chances of securing a Havasupai Falls reservation decrease significantly.

Note: Everyone in your group will need to make an account on the website prior to arrival to confirm their understanding of, and agreement with, Havasupai Rules and Laws.

How to set up your Havasu Falls account:

  • Enter an email address and password – And don’t forget to save this information!
  • Check for a confirmation email to confirm your account
  • Fill out all the required information
  • Optional: Add a payment method – We would highly recommend doing this when you set up your account because it will save precious time on opening day.
  • Read the Havasupai Reservation Policy and confirm
  • Save all your information and wait for reservation day on February 1st or June 1st for Havasu Lodge reservations.

Before the permits for Havasu Falls go on sale, you should have made a decision about when you would like to visit Havasupai Indian Reservation.

The summer months are more popular, so consider experiencing this beautiful part of the USA in the colder months. But since all dates sell out very quickly, it’s best to be as flexible as possible and grab whichever date is available.

2. Making the Actual Reservation

Whereas setting up your account was easy, making the actual reservation on February 1st (campground) or June 1st (lodge) is a little more tricky. 

Follow these steps to hopefully be one of the lucky permit holders for the upcoming season:

  1. Log into your online account (havasupaireservation.com) BEFORE 8:00 AM Arizona Time. It can be difficult just to get signed in because everyone who is looking to get a Havasupai Falls permit will be doing the exact same thing.
  2. Be ready to keep refreshing your page the minute the line opens.
  3. Continue refreshing the page until you are able to click on “make a campground reservation.” Reservations usually sell out in the first few minutes.
  4. Select the number of people (up to 12) and the days you want to reserve. Smaller groups will have a better chance of getting a permit. Also remember, there is a 3-night minimum for all reservations.
  5. The next page will direct you to the available dates. Select a set of dates that are available to reserve. It is best to have a few dates picked out ahead of time in case one isn’t available.
  6. Don’t hesitate! You will only have a certain amount of time to finalize your reservation.
  7. If you haven’t already added a payment method, do so quickly before your time is up.

Top Tip: Everyone in your group can try to make a reservation separately, just be careful that not more than one person in your group actually makes the reservation. After a reservation is finalized and paid for, no changes are allowed. The permit is non-refundable and non-changeable.

Since I had to work on February 1st, Dana was responsible for getting our permit for Havasu Falls AZ. We both had already pre-registered with an account, so Dana used one device to log in to her account, and one device to log in to my account. This system worked very well for us.

Note: The Havasupai Indian Reservation Tribe highly recommends getting travel insurance for the trip.

How Much Does the Permit for Havasu Falls Cost?

Dana standing in the Havasu creek admiring the landscape
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Visiting Havasupai comes with a price tag

The Havasupai Falls permits cost a pretty penny but they are totally worth it. With the hike to Havasupai Falls becoming more and more popular, prices have gone up. You can expect the prices of the Havasu Falls permits to rise yearly. 

At this current moment, the cost of a permit for Havasu Falls has NOT been posted for the 2023 season.

But to get an idea of the price, here is what the prices were for the previous years. Do take note that when you see the prices, you need to keep in mind that your reservation has to be for a MINIMUM of 3 nights. 

Havasu Falls campground Pricing (taxes and fees are included):

  • $100 per person per weekday night (Monday- Thursday)
  • $125 per person per weekend night (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)

You should expect to pay anywhere from $300-$375 per person for the minimum 3-night / 4-day Havasupai reservation depending on the days of the week. 

The payment for your Havasupai permit must be paid in full at the time of booking. 

Havasu Lodge Pricing

Since the Havasu Lodge pricing has NOT been released for the 2023 season, the price listed below is from the previous years. Keep in mind prices may be different when they come available for 2023. But here is a rough idea to help you plan. 

1 Room up to 4 people = $600 a night 

Best Tips for Landing a Permit for Havasu Falls

Dana sitting on a rock in front of Havasu Falls
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Havasu Falls are a popular destination in the USA

Unfortunately, there is NO way to guarantee getting a Havasu Falls permit. The Havasupai reservation system is extremely competitive. Permits are getting harder and harder to purchase as Havasu Falls is becoming increasingly popular. 

However, there are ways to increase your chances of snagging a permit before they are all gone for the whole season. The best thing you can do is to be prepared and have a plan. 

Here is how we were able to secure a permit for Havasu Falls on the first try: 

Before February 1st: 

1. Set up your account at the Havasupai Reservation website ahead of time → Please reference, “How to Apply for a Havasu Falls Permit: Step by Step Guide”

2. Keep your Havasupai group size small. Make sure you know your group is committed. Keep your group size small. Have a group strategy for getting a Havasupai reservation so you don’t book more than

3. Have multiple days in mind. It is highly likely that your date of choice will NOT be available when you try to make a reservation. Therefore, having more than one increases your chances of being successful. 

4. Avoid planning your adventure for the busy times of the year.

5. Mark the days in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone when you have to get your Havasupai Falls permit.

6. Figure out the time (difference) in Arizona from where you are located.

On February 1st (Havasu Falls Permit Day):

1. Get ready and log in. Log in to your Havasupai reservation account and have everything you need to make a reservation within arms reach.

2. Login with multiple devices at the same time when the permits for Havasu Falls AZ go on sale.

3. At 8:00 Arizona time, the website will automatically refresh and have a “make a reservation” button which enables you to proceed with making reservations for Havasupai. 

4. Keep refreshing the Havasupai reservation website until you find a free date. 

5. If you see an opening you want, act quickly!

Keep trying to get a Havasu Falls permit even when they are sold out. → Please refer to, “What Should You Do When You Don’t Get a Permit for Havasu Falls?”

Congratulations, on receiving the Havasu Falls permit!

What Should You Do When You Didn’t Get a Permit for Havasu Falls?

Unlucky? And weren’t able to snag a permit for Havasu Falls on February 1st? Don’t worry you still have a shot! 

Here is what you need to do to keep your adventure alive:

1. Keep checking the cancellation/transfer list

Visit the official Havasupai Reservation website daily to see if new Havasupai reservations became available. To check this list, you will need to be signed in to your Havasupai Reservation account. The website is updated frequently, so be sure to check regularly. You will have to be flexible with your dates.

2. Consider coming back on June 1st for a Havasu Lodge reservation

With only 24 rooms available, the reservation for the lodge will also be very competitive. The most important thing to remember when booking at the Havasu Lodge is that your reservation will be for the following year.

3. Try again next year

If all else fails, try again next year. A Havasu Falls adventure is worth the wait.

Frequently Asked Questions about Havasupai Permit

Permit for Havasu Falls
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The General Information Guide for Havasupai is long

What is Included in the Permit for Havasu Falls?

Your Havasupai Falls reservation is your permit to explore the Havasupai Indian Reservation. A permit grants you access to the land and a spot on the Havasupai Campground. If you would like to stay at the Havasu Lodge, then you need to make a different reservation. 

Everything else you will need for your trip to Havasupai Indian Reservation, you will bring on your own. That includes camping equipment, hiking gear, food, clothing, etc…

Havasu Falls Permit Reservation Policies 

Don’t forget to read your Havasupai permit reservation policies again, while you are preparing for your trip to Havasupai Indian Reservation.

These are some of the most important things to know before you finally start your journey:

  • No day hiking is allowed.
  • No drones, cliff jumping, alcohol, drugs, or littering are permitted.
  • There is only 1 name on the reservation. The reservation will only be valid if the person with the name on the reservation (Trip Leader) is present at the Tourist Check-in Office at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, located at Mile Marker 115, Route 66 near Seligman, Arizona 86434. A photo ID will be required at check-in.
  • Reservations are non-transferable, except via the official online Transfer System. When setting up your account, you have to put in a PATL (Potential Alternate Trip Leader). To transfer your reservation you will have to sign in to your account and click on the “Transfer Reservation” button and follow the directions. Reservations will go to the PATL (who will be the new trip leader) or will be put on the official transfer list on the Havasupai Reservation website.
  • Bring a printed copy or screenshot of your reservation confirmation.
  • Know your vehicle’s license plate number at Hualapai Hilltop.
  • Wear your wristband for the duration of your visit.

Please do not try to purchase a Havasupai Falls permit anywhere other than on the official Havasupai Reservation website. Other permits will not be accepted.

How Many People Can Be on a Reservation?

A Havasupai Campground reservation can be made for up to 12 people.

However, it is important to note that the larger your group, the harder it is to reserve a Havasupai Falls permit during specific times of the year. We would definitely recommend making Havasupai Falls reservations for smaller groups. The best is to keep your group to around 2 – 6 people.

Where Do You Pick Up Your Permit for Havasu Falls?

You will pick up your permit at the Tourist Check-In Office at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, located at Mile Marker 115, Route 66 near Seligman, Arizona 86434.

Everyone will need proof of their account (printout or screenshot of their account information page), proof of the Havasupai reservation, and their photo ID at this time. Only the person that’s name is on the reservation (Trip Leader) should go into the office.

Everyone will be given a wristband to wear for the duration of the stay and a tag to put on their tent when they stay at the Havasupai Campground. The tag needs to be visible all the time.

How Hard is it to Get a Permit for Havasu Falls?

Let’s keep it simple, it is not easy to get a permit for Havasu Falls. Getting a Havasupai reservation is probably one of the most difficult challenges of your Havasu Falls trip. But if you follow some of the tips from above, you will significantly increase your odds of securing a permit for Havasu Falls.

What to Know about Havasupai

For the hike down the Grand Canyon you need a permit for Havasu Falls
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Havasu Falls is located in the Grand Canyon

Where is Havasu Falls AZ?

Havasu Falls is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation in Arizona, just west of Grand Canyon National Park. Its remote location 10 miles into the Grand Canyon makes it not reachable by car. The only way to get to the actual Supai Village and the waterfalls is by helicopter or by completing the trek into the canyon.

How Do You Get to Havasu Falls AZ?

Getting to the Havasupai Indian Reservation is not an easy task, due to its remote location. But this should not discourage you from planning an epic trip to Havasu Falls.

The Havasu Falls trailhead is located at the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot. To get there, you have to drive on Indian Road 18 for 60 miles. On this road, you won’t find gas stations, convenience stores, accommodations, or anything else. And oh yeah, there is no cell phone service either.

Also be careful when driving down this road, because you never know when wildlife will be sharing the road with you! We saw a lot of wild horses.

Before you reach the parking lot, there will be a check-in station, where people from the Havasupai Tribe will ask you for your permit. Make sure you have this available for them.

What are the Closest Airports?

The closest airports are in Las Vegas, Nevada, or Phoenix, Arizona.

  1. McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is about 3 hours and 30 minutes drive to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot.
  2. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is about a 4 hour and 40 minutes drive to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot.

Since we visited Havasu Falls on our cross-country road trip through the USA, we were already in Arizona. The drive from Hoover Dam to the trailhead took us just about 3 hours. But if you are just flying in for this trip, you will have to rent a car and drive the last part of your way.

What is the Best Time to Go to Havasu Falls AZ?

In general, Havasupai is a great destination all your long, but different seasons bring different advantages to visiting this beautiful place. Since it is very difficult to get a permit at all, try to be as flexible as possible when it comes to picking a date.

Let’s see what’s best during different times of the year:

Warmer Months

As you can probably guess, the warmer months are the most popular months to visit Havasupai. During the earlier part of the warmer months (spring), you will experience nice temperatures during the day and lower temperatures at night. Hiking is more bearable during this time, and you can even take a dip in the several turquoise pools.

In the later warmer months (summer) the weather can become extremely hot. Temperatures can rise well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Even during the nighttime, temperatures barely decrease. But if you are looking to enjoy the majestic blue-green pools of the Havasupai waterfalls, then this is the time to go, because it is perfect for swimming.

Be aware, that it is monsoon season in July and August. There is an increased chance of rain and flash flooding. You have to check the weather before your arrival because a monsoon could impact your trip!

On our two last days in Havasupai in August, there was a chance of a monsoon. As a precaution, people who had a reservation for those days were not allowed to enter Havasupai land. No monsoon actually appeared, but safety goes first.

Colder Months


As you get closer to the end of the year, temperatures can become colder, especially for camping and swimming. Since the pools in Havasupai have 70 degrees all year long, swimming is still possible, but the outside temperatures won’t be as pleasant.

The plus side to the colder months is that it is not the most popular time to visit, which means you may have an easier time securing a permit for Havasu Falls. Exploring Havasupai land in these months is also more fun because the sun is not beating on you.

Example Itinerary for Visiting Havasu Falls (4 days / 3 nights)

Remember ALL Havasupai Campground reservations are for 4 days / 3 nights. Here is an example itinerary for your visit to Havasu Falls Arizona. 

Day 0 (the night before your arrival date): Arrive at the Trailhead

Plan to arrive in the area of Havasu Falls Arizona. We would suggest that the easiest place to stay the night before is at the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot. 

Day 1: Hike Down the Grand Canyon and Get Settled

Plan to begin your 10-mile hike to the Havasupai Campground early. We started our hike at about 4:00 AM after staying the night in the parking lot. The trailhead to Havasu Falls Arizona is right off the parking lot. 

The 10-mile hike to Havasupai AZ will take a few hours. Once at the Havasupai Campground, set up your campsite, and explore the campground and nearby Havasu Falls (if you still have some energy).

Day 2: Explore the 3 Lower Havasupai Waterfalls

Plan to explore the 3 lower Havasupai waterfalls. We would recommend starting with the hike to Mooney Falls, then continuing onto Beaver Falls. Return back to the Havasupai Campground and end the day relaxing near Havasu Falls. 

Day 3: Visit the 2 Upper Havasupai Waterfalls

Plan to explore the 2 upper Havasupai waterfalls, Fifty Foot Falls, and Little Navajo. Make sure to stop by a Havasupai Reservation Tribe stand and try a Navajo taco. And if you want to, enjoy the evening near Havasu Falls again.

Day 4: Say Goodbye to Havasu Falls

Take the 10-mile trek back out of the canyon to the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot. Or you can decide to pay for a helicopter rides out of the canyon. Either way, we suggest starting your day well before the sun comes up. Once you have made it out of the canyon, go relax and recover in the closest town. 

Days before or after your Havasu Falls Arizona Trip: See Nearby Attractions

Depending on your plans, you can extend your stay by visiting Arizona and checking out some popular destinations nearby. You may want to consider visiting:

  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Lake Mead
  • Hoover Dam
  • Las Vegas 
  • Rafting on the Colorado River
  • Antelope Canyon
  • Horseshoe Bend
  • Sedona

Information about the Havasupai Indian Tribe

Here is a quick list of additional information you may want to know before visiting the Havasupai Indian Reservation:

  • Havasupai Indian Reservation is a sovereign Native American nation. It has its own rules, custom laws, and way of life. When visiting, please respect the land, people, culture, and other visitors. 
  • Havasupai Indian Reservation is a federal land trust which means trespassing violates Reservation Laws and Federal Laws
  • Any violation of Havasupai Reservation Laws may result in the termination of your permit for Havasu Falls for the entire party. 
  • You should be aware of the weather and temperature conditions for your Havasupai reservation and be fully prepared with food and water.
  • Be aware of the summer monsoon season (usually July to September) and know what to do.
  • There are NO public health facilities in the village of Supai
  • You are responsible for keeping all of your belongings safe

Is a Trip to Havasu Falls AZ Worth the Effort?

Absolutely! It is one of our top United States adventures and we would spend the time and energy again in a heartbeat to come back and do it again.

Yes, all the preparations and effort can be overwhelming and can get frustrating, but you will be more than rewarded once you see the blue-green water of Havasu Falls. This is a one-of-a-kind destination. The pictures you see of this place are already beautiful but seeing everything in person is just unbelievable and surreal.

If there is one adventure you do not want to miss, it is this one.

Did you already snag a precious permit for Havasu Falls? Or do you have more tips on how to be successful?

Share your experiences with us or drop a question in the comments below!

Our Other Resources for Havasupai:

You May Also Like:

Spending more time in Arizona? Use our Arizona Travel Guide to plan your trip!

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