Hike to Navajo Falls

Navajo Falls is a gem that resulted from the flash flood that tore through Havasu Canyon in August of 2008. Although this flash flood forever changed the landscape of the canyon, it created a fantastic spot for travelers to enjoy in the afternoon and evening when camping at Havasupai Campground. It is a relatively short hike from camp (just over 0.5 mile) and is a great cool down spot to explore if Havasu Falls is overcrowded. There are technically two distinct sets of falls – Upper Navajo Falls and Lower Navajo Falls – with a marvelous series of cascades connecting the two. Many people miss seeing Upper Navajo Falls because it is partially concealed from the main trail; make sure to do a bit of exploring so you can see this often-missed fifth waterfall of Havasu Canyon! 

To many people it will be tempting to cliff jump from both Upper and Lower Navajo Falls, but please remember that cliff jumping is against the Havasupai Tribe’s rules and can be very dangerous!

Upper Navajo Falls can easily be missed; it is tucked around the corner upstream of Lower Navajo Falls. Once spotting Lower Navajo Falls from the primary trail between Supai Village and the Havasupai Campground, you know you are close. There is an access road and series of well defined trails that start from the main trail and will lead you to both Upper and Lower Navajo Falls. People have been known to bring innertubes and other recreational flotation devices and ‘lounge’ in the very large pool that Upper Navajo Falls pours into, admiring the wondrous canyon walls and basking in the mist of the falls.

Be careful exploring the area and be sure to keep in mind the delicate system of travertine that is still slowly building up within the creek system; the ledges of ‘stone’ you see in the water are still developing and very fragile.