Do read “I Am the Grand Canyon” and learn Havasupai history

The Havsuw ‘Baaj have lived in the Grand Canyon for centuries, potentially even appearing in
this area more than a millenium ago. “I Am the Grand Canyon” details the lives of the Havsuw
‘Baaj pre- and post-contact with European settlers. This book is a great insight into the lives of the
indigenous people who were forcibly removed from the land to create Grand Canyon National
Park. Remember whose land you’re visiting when hiking to Havasupai.

Do visit the museum

The Havasupai Museum of Culture is another glimpse into the history and culture of the Havsuw
‘Baaj. This is a must visit to learn about the people and the land.

Do bring cash
The Sinyella Store is the only spot that accepts credit cards ($10 minimum). It’s also 2 miles from
the Havasupai campground and a half mile up the canyon from Supai Village. Bring cash so you
can eat all the yummy fry bread without having to hike all the way uphill each time.

Do pick up trash
You’re on reservation land. Respect the indigenous people who live here and leave no trace. Pick
up all your garbage and pack it out.

Don’t bring drugs or alcohol

This one’s easy. Respect the rules of the Havasupai Reservation. It’s only a few days. You can
live without.

Do wake up early to hike down to Mooney Falls

Waking up early to hike Mooney Falls is a must in the high season. Slippery cliffs and dizzying
heights make tourists move slowly. Avoid the traffic jam by being the early bird. You’ll be glad
when you’re in Cataract Canyon, looking at the hour-long Disneyland-esque line.

Don’t hike at night

Hiking down to Mooney Falls can be treacherous. Obey this reservation rule and don’t hike at
night. If you get hurt, someone’s gotta save your butt. Make it easier for everyone and just don’t
do it.

Do go swimming
Blue-green waters in the beautiful red desert? Why wouldn’t you go swimming? In summer
months, this is your only respite from the hot, dry heat. Jump in, except not. Maybe tip toe in,
instead.

Don’t jump off the rocks

Just don’t do it. Nobody wants to have to save your butt. The water levels constantly vary in
Cataract Canyon. Reservation rules say don’t do it, so don’t do it. Respect the rules. You’re on
native land.

Do mail a postcard from Havasupai

Supai is home to one of the most remote USPS locations. A postcard mailed from here will be
stamped with Supai, AZ and brought out via mule. This is a must do!

I regret not doing this and would go back just for this.

Do buy fry bread

I regret not doing this too. We woke up too late to hike down to Mooney and Beaver Falls. The fry
bread stands were not open late. We hiked out too early for the fry bread stands to be open. We
got no fry bread. Don’t make this mistake. Bonus: you don’t have to pack in and out a meal!

TENT POLES

GROUNDSHEET

guy rope

tent pegs
front crawl

breast stokre

butterfly stroke

backstroke
side stroke

ear plughs and nose clips

swim goggles

swim caps