moosey

Hi, we are planning a trip to Grand Canyon in August. I have been to North Rim, but in late fall when trails were already closed. None of us (husband and son) have been to South or west Rim. We are interested in hiking but I am NOT interested in camping.

We have heard great things about Havasu falls. If we do the Havasu hike, would we be missing out if we do not hike down into the Canyon from the South or north rims? I am thinking we could drive to scenic overlooks and maybe hike down a mile or so on Bright Angel or Kaibab. With the time left over, we could go to Zion and/or Bryce.

The initial thought was to spend a week just at Grand Canyon, but after reading all the dire warnings about the heat, I am thinking maybe our hikes down into the canyon should be limited.

We are experienced hikers and have time to prepare including hiking with packs to carry our GALLONS of water! (although not quite for the heat I guess).

I guess as another option, we could hike down to Phantom Ranch and do the helicopters to Havasu. I am an animal lover and anticipate the mules or pack horses would just make me sad, although I have not seen anything indicating they are mistreated.

Also, any recent experience with staying at the lodge/dorm in Havasu Canyon, or at phantom ranch if we went that route?

Lots of questions here but any advice appreciated. I have seen a couple of great trip reports on Kaibab and Bright Angel but nothing recent on Havasu.

Thanks!

bigtyke

I have only been to Havasu one Easter when it was freezing cold on the rim and warm enough to go swimming at the bottom. I'm sure August is very hot so be sure to watch your water. I went years before the flood altered the falls so I don't really know what it looks like now.

When exiting the Grand Canyon, I like to go out the east exit and stop for fry bread at the Cameron trading post, then continue through Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monument, If you do that, be sure to go all the way down to the ball court and blow hole at the main Wupatki ruin, A nice short (but steep) hike at Sunset is the Lenox trail - http://www.nps.gov/sucr/planyourvisit/lenox-trail.htm

Gilbert56

"we could hike down to Phantom Ranch and do the helicopters to Havasu".

No you can't. No helicopters are allowed below the rim in the National Park (south rim) (medical rescues & NPS only). And no helicopters from south rim to Havasu either.

Do you know that the South Rim is over 200 miles from Havasu?

Phantom Ranch reservations for August 2014 were most likely sold out in August 2013. You could try & call Xanterra for cancellations (unlikely).

Your best bet would be to spend a 1 or 2 days at the south rim, hike the rim trails, or plan to go a short way down either South Kaibab or Bright Angel trail. August will be hot, hot, hot so bring plenty of water & salty snacks. And hike early before the sun gets too hot.
Do you have reservations at the south rim yet? Good chance that everything will already be sold out. Call Xanterra to check for cancellations.

moosey

Thank you both for your replies. I think my listed options were not clear - I did not mean to take a helicopter from south rim to Havasu - I meant do the hiking at South Rim trails (to get my hike in) and then, if we wanted to visit Havasu, drive there and take the helicopters down. I think this is an option(?)

Regarding lodging, there is space at El Tovar in August. We are speculating that it is a combination of it being REALLY hot, and kids being back in school. But for some reason I did not check Phantom Ranch - good point. Perhaps that makes the decision easier!

Gilbert56

Suggest you check the Havasupai tribal web site. The helicopters give priority to tribal members, so you are unable to make a reservation for a particular day or time.

lgott

I don't want to discourage you from going to Supai, but visiting there is an involved process. Helicopter flights occur only four days a week, for limited hours; flights may be cancelled due to weather or local holidays. As noted above, reservations are not available, and tribe members are given priority. Wait times are generally not too bad, but I've read reports from three different groups that waited in line 7.0, 8.0 and 8.5 hours respectively. You'll probably be able to get a flight, but be prepared to hike if necessary. The record high is 116 degrees.

You may not visit Supai without a confirmed reservation -- either at the campground (which won't work for you) or the 24 room lodge. It's quite possible that no rooms will be available; prime dates at the lodge sell out as much as a year in advance. Note: it just MIGHT be possible to stay at the campground without a reservation, but the price doubles, and it's unclear if this always works.

Also, have a backup plan. August is monsoon season, and Supai is subject to flash floods, which can close the village to visitors for anywhere from a few days to the better part of a year. There have been closures every year for the past six years.