I was trying to decide between going to Zion NP or Havasu Falls for a weekend trip... I think I've decided on Zion, but Havasu is on the list for my next weekend trip. Can anyone help me with the following questions?

1. Driving directions from Las Vegas to the parking lot for the trail head to Supai village?

2. Is the hike to the village and then to the Falls doable in a weekend (i.e. leave Las Vegas early Saturday morning and return late Sunday night)?

3. Any special information I should know prior to going regarding access to the Havasupai Indian reservation, etc.?

4. Is November still an okay time for this hike? If not, how late into the season would you recommend?

5. How SCARY is the hike? I am in good shape and hike fairly frequently, so I'm not concerned about the difficulty as much as the fear factor... I understand it's a steep trail and some of the trails to the waterfalls are pretty crazy. I certainly wouldn't let this prevent me from doing the hike, but I'd like to be mentally prepared.

6. Is the hike to the bottom of Mooney Falls worth the effort? I've read several descriptions of the hike itself (chains, tunnels, etc.) but haven't noticed whether anyone actually thought the view from the bottom was worth it. I would probably do it anyway due to typically unbounded curiosity, but again, I'd like to know ahead of time...

Thanks for any help!

Havasu is one of the most beautiful places in the country, IMO. I do not think it is doable in one weekend. It is a long drive to the trailhead (sorry, don't remember the time). From the trailhead, it's 8 miles to Supai. Are you staying at the lodge? You may be too late to make reservations? From Supai, it's another about 1.5 miles to Havasu Falls. Then farther to Mooney. Up to Mooney, the trail is fine. The first mile or so is really steep, then it evens out. The trail down to Mooney Falls is scary - the trail is nearly vertical in spots, and I remember being VERY glad I do pull-ups in the gym.

Here was our timing, and we really felt we had time to relax and hang out in the pools under the waterfalls, which was great. We left LV and spent night in Peach Springs. Drove 1 hour to trailhead and walked down to Supai. Checked into lodge (don't expect much here), then walked to Havasu Falls. Seeing the falls made everything worth the effort. Walked back and checked Navajo Falls. Then slept first night in Lodge. Second day walked to Mooney Falls and down to the bottom. Explored around the bottom (there are pools and a large rope swing), then hiked back to lodge. The next morning we got a very early start and hiked back out, arriving back at the top of the trailhead around 11:30. Not sure how Nov. temps are, but the last mile of this hike was uncomfortably hot in late May.

This was one of the best hikes we've ever done, and Havasu is such a unique spot. The beautiful green blue color of the water is amazing.

Karens-

Thanks for the response... When we do this trip, I'll make sure we allow a little longer - maybe leave Friday night and return early Monday morning to give us some more time.

Also, you asked about reservations at the Lodge - is it too late now to make reservations for some time in October or November?

One more question - kind of silly... You mention hanging out in the pools - can you actually go in the water? Did you wear a swimsuit under hiking clothes or just jump in?!

Hi. Oh yeah, you can go in the water that pools under the falls - what a treat after a long, hot hike! Under Havasu and Mooney Falls the travertine (I think that's what you call it) forms these natural terrace type formations, so you can sit down in the shallower water and just take in the amazing views. We wore our swimsuits under our clothes, except for the hike down - we changed at the Lodge before hiking on the Havasu that first day.

I know the Lodge books up fast in the spring/summer, but don't know if that's the case in Oct. or Nov. There's an 800 number for Havasupai Enterprises so something like that for reservations. I've heard it can be busy for long periods of time and to just keep trying.

One bit of warning about the Lodge: think Motel 6, but worse. Now the room was fine in terms of it was basic size and clean. But I think there were code violations everywhere. The balcony on the upstairs railway was missing, so there was just yellow caution tape up. The light in the bathroom would go out, and then a few minutes later, go back on, and then repeat this cycle at random intervals. The bureau had no drawers. (I know, big deal, but just wanted to give you an overall "feel" for the place). I don't camp (and wouldn't want to carry all that stuff with me for 10 miles, either), so I was thankful there was a "real" room there. Just don't expect the Four Seasons! The scenery is so amazing it's all worth it.