Deep within the Grand Canyon lies a little piece of heaven on earth, with turquoise waterfalls and flourishing greenery amid desert red cliffs; a place of unrivaled beauty where nature remains in its most pristine state. Havasu Canyon is a small paradise enclosed in the rugged and secluded scenery of the Grand Canyon. Whether by yourself or on a guided tour, the Havasupai adventure is a definite must for any outdoor enthusiast.

Calling the canyon home, the Havasupai tribe, meaning “the people of the blue-green waters,” inhabits the village of Supai. With only 600 tribal members, the Havasupai comprise the smallest Indian Nation in America. In the 1800’s, the tribe survived solely on farming but today tourism has become their main source of income, with Havasu Canyon and the falls attracting more and more visitors each year.

Perhaps the biggest allure of Havasu Canyon is the blue and green waterfalls, located two miles away from the village. An underground river forms Havasu Creek, which has a steady flow of about 28,000 gallons of water per minute. The river forms three different sets of waterfalls: Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, and Mooney Falls. The river has a high concentration of calcium carbonate and is lined with limestone which reflects sunlight, giving the water its stunning and unusual turquoise color. The temperature of the falls remains a constant 70 degrees year round.

Reservations are required to visit and the tribal government limits the number of visitors to the village at any given time. The best times of the year to visit Havasu Canyon are typically April through May and September through November when the climate is temperate on both the canyon rim and floor. Going during these times typically allows you to avoid the tourist season and summer heat.

Since there are no roads to the village, visitors must travel by foot or horse. There are helicopter services that you may use as well, though one-way trips to and from the village are roughly $85.

You can park your car at Hualapai Hilltop, where the trail head is. From there, it is an eight mile hike to the village and an additional two miles to the campground and the waterfalls. Campers going to the falls are encouraged to plan accordingly; you must carry in everything you need. However, there is a general store located in the village but supplies are limited and very expensive. Visitor fees include an entrance fee permit, campground fee, and environmental care fee. If camping is not your idea of fun, there is a lodge where you can stay. It also requires reservations and has a fee per person per night.