You've seen the photos. Those impossible shades of blue water cascading over travertine rocks in the middle of a red-rock desert. Or maybe it's the endless sunshine on a vast lake, with boats buzzing around a famous London bridge. That's Havasu. But here's the thing most blogs don't tell you: planning a trip here is like preparing for two completely different vacations. One involves a grueling hike and a fiercely competitive permit system. The other is about sunscreen, boat keys, and finding a decent burger by the water.
I've made the mistakes so you don't have to. I've shown up to the Havasu Falls trailhead without a permit (rookie move, learned the hard way). I've also spent a week on Lake Havasu where the biggest decision was whether to water-ski or just float. This guide stitches those two worlds together.
Your Havasu Journey at a Glance
Havasu Falls: The Crown Jewel Hike
Let's get this straight first. "Havasu" often refers to the waterfalls on the Havasupai Reservation, not the lake. This isn't a casual day trip. It's a commitment. The payoff? Some of the most unique and stunning landscapes in North America.
The water gets its surreal turquoise and milky-blue color from dissolved calcium carbonate and magnesium. It's always around 70°F (21°C), which feels incredible in the desert heat.
How to Get Havasu Falls Permits (The Hard Part)
This is the gatekeeper. The Havasupai Tribe manages all access. Forget calling or showing up. It's all online through their Havasupai Reservations system.
The Process: Permits for the entire year (March 1 – November 30) go on sale at 8:00 AM Arizona Time on a single day, usually in early February. The date is announced on their website and social media a few weeks prior. You need to create an account beforehand. When sales open, it's a digital race. Have multiple date options ready.
Cost (2024 rates): It's not cheap. A 3-night, 4-day permit costs $455 per person on weekdays and $568 on weekends. This includes your camping fee and all environmental fees. Prices and policies change, so always check the official site.
A common mistake? People think they can just hike down and pay. You can't. The checkpoint at the hilltop (Hualapai Hilltop) will turn you away without a reservation confirmation.
The Havasu Falls Hike: What to Actually Expect
The trailhead is at Hualapai Hilltop, a 4-hour drive from Las Vegas or a 2-hour drive from Route 66. There's no water, no cell service, just a parking lot and a long, dusty road down.
- Distance: 10 miles (16 km) round trip to the campground.
- Elevation Change: You descend about 2,000 feet (610 m) on the way in. Guess what that means for the hike out? It's a steep, sun-exposed climb.
- Time: Fit hikers take 4-5 hours down, 5-7 hours up. Start your hike out before sunrise. I mean 4 AM. The afternoon sun in that canyon is brutal.
You can hire a pack mule to carry your gear (around $400 round trip for two bags) or take the helicopter (cash only, operates certain days, first-come-first-served). The helicopter is a game-changer if you can get on it.
Where to Stay: Supai Campground
You'll be camping at the Supai Campground, nestled between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. It's primitive. Pit toilets, no showers, and food must be stored in the provided rodent-proof boxes. But you fall asleep to the sound of waterfalls. Sites are first-come, first-served within the campground.
The little village of Supai is about 2 miles before the campground. That's where you check in at the tourist office. It's also the last place for limited supplies (think overpriced snacks and Gatorade).
Lake Havasu City: The Desert Playground
Now, flip the script. Lake Havasu City, about a 3-hour drive from the Havasu Falls trailhead, is built for fun and convenience. This is where the Colorado River widens, creating a 45-mile long lake perfect for every water activity imaginable.
Top Things to Do on Lake Havasu
You don't hike here, you float, drive, and explore.
| Activity | Best For | Key Info & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Boat Rental | Groups, families, flexibility | Rent from companies like Lake Havasu Boat Rentals or Discount Boat Rentals. A pontoon for 8-10 people runs $400-$600/day in peak season. Reserve months ahead for summer weekends. |
| London Bridge | History, photos, easy access | Yes, the actual London Bridge. It was bought, moved, and rebuilt here in 1971. Park at the visitor center, walk across, explore the English Village shops (a bit dated, but the ice cream is good). |
| Havasu Springs | Swimming, cliff jumping, party cove | A popular spot on the California side of the lake. The water is deep and clear. Great for anchoring and swimming. Can get crowded and loud on weekends. |
| Desert Exploration | Hikers, off-roaders | Check out the SARA Park trail system for short desert hikes or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas for dispersed camping and ATV trails. |
Where to Eat & Stay in Lake Havasu City
The food scene is better than you'd expect for a desert town.
For a classic burger and beer right on the water: Try Barley Brothers Brewery at the Island. Solid food, their own beers, and you can watch the boats.
For a nice dinner with a view: Shugrue's is an institution. It's on the bridge, with windows looking down the lake. Get the crab-stuffed mushrooms. It's not cheap, but it's the best ambiance in town.
Accommodation runs the gamut:
- Resort-style: The Nautical Beachfront Resort has its own beach, pools, and marina. Perfect if you don't want to drive.
- Vacation Rentals: Tons of condos and houses with private docks. Ideal for groups with a boat.
- Budget-friendly: All the standard chains (Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express) are on the main drag, a short drive from the water.
The Real Deal on Permits & Logistics
Let's talk nuts and bolts. The biggest logistical headache is that Havasu Falls and Lake Havasu City are not close. They're different destinations with different needs.
Driving Distance: From Hualapai Hilltop (Havasu Falls trailhead) to Lake Havasu City is roughly 180 miles, a 3.5-hour drive through remote desert. You're not popping over for lunch.
Best Airport: For a combined trip, Las Vegas (LAS) is your best bet. It's about 4 hours to the trailhead and 2.5 hours to the lake. Phoenix (PHX) is also an option, but it's a longer, less scenic drive to the falls.
My advice? Don't try to do both in a 3-day weekend. It's too rushed. If you have a week, you can comfortably do 2-3 nights at the falls and 3-4 nights at the lake.
Crafting Your Perfect Havasu Itinerary
Here’s a sample 7-day plan that actually works, assuming you've secured those precious permits.
Day 1: Fly into Las Vegas. Rent a car with good clearance (the road to the hilltop is paved but remote). Drive to Kingman, AZ (about 2 hours). Stay the night, buy last-minute supplies (water, snacks, fuel). Don't drive to the trailhead tired.
Day 2: Up early. Drive 1.5 hours to Hualapai Hilltop. Start hiking by 6 AM. Hike down to Supai, check in, continue to the campground. Find a site, set up, then immediately go soak in Havasu Falls. You earned it.
Day 3: Explore. Hike downstream to Mooney Falls (more challenging descent with chains and ladders). Continue to Beaver Falls if you're feeling adventurous (adds 3-4 miles round trip). Relax, swim, take photos.
Day 4: Hike out. Start at 4 AM with headlamps. Trust me. Drive from the trailhead to Lake Havasu City. Check into your hotel or rental. Your only goal tonight: a shower and a hot meal. Go to Shugrue's.
Day 5: Lake day. Pick up your pre-reserved boat. Cruise under London Bridge, find a cove to anchor, swim, tube. Return the boat by 5 PM.
Day 6: Recovery/adventure day. Sleep in. Maybe rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a calm morning paddle. In the afternoon, take a short hike in SARA Park or visit the Lake Havasu Museum of History.
Day 7: Drive back to Las Vegas (2.5 hours). Return your car and fly home.
Havasu Trip FAQs Answered
Havasu gives you two sides of the Arizona desert coin: one raw and sacred, the other engineered for recreation. One demands planning and sweat, the other asks for a cooler and a sense of fun. Getting the details right—especially that permit—is what separates a dream trip from a disappointing story. Start planning early, pack your patience with your sunscreen, and you'll understand why this place captures people's imaginations.
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