I have received quite a few PM with some really good questions about getting to Havasupai and logistics. Instead of responding to everyone, here are few details that will help others. I didn't camp, so can't answer anything about it.
1. We did apply for lodge reservation on the very first day of opening on their official site
2. We had to give 3 different time slots, like what month and week
3. Once you get an email confirming availability, you have 48hrs to pay for it. Lodge is not cheap but I think it's totally worth it. Minimum 3 night reservation and if I remember correctly it was like $500/night per room. Room has 2 Queen beds, hot water, towels and all the basic motel amenities are available. Also, room has microwave and small refrigerator and AC unit.
3. The lodge does provide a simple breakfast (coffee, granola bars, toast, and fruits )
4. The local grocery store was very well stocked
5. We even ordered pizza one evening - cash only
6. Navajo toco stand was there and hours vary, it was $15 per taco and cash only
7. Beaver falls trail is not marked, and water level varies, there are 3 river crossings, some were chest deep, but really a short crossing.
8. Going down the Mooney falls was dicey for my old knees. but just take your time and go slowly. Good gloves are a must. I bought some for HD cut rated 3. They were very good.
9. We sent all our luggage via mule both ways. Be sure follow the size requirements
10. We picked up permits the day before, but no one checked our permits on our way in.
11. No photography in the village
12. It is possible to take Helicopter in and out, they accept CC and I think the cost was $150. During my visit it was end of season so Helicopter was only available on certain days. Also, keep in mind that locals get first preference.
Hope this helps and if I have missed anything, then please send me a PM.
Al Trujillo wrote:
Just about every day I read about hikers/climbers here in Colorado who chose to go on and not listen to their mind and body. Most times they have to be airlifted off our peaks. Good for you for listening and making a wise choice.
On to your images....I've seen hundreds of pictures of Havasupai and rarely do they give a new, and refreshing perspective - but you succeeded in spades! Your images are fresh and they create the sense of wonder in ways few others have done. Image #3 is my favorite...the person creates scale that adds to the sense of wonder.
Thanks Al, I am flattered by your comments I had few opportunities and I tried to make the best of it. To be honest, there were so many little falls to shoot but I didn't want the whole group to be waiting for me. Also, it doesn't help when you are slow taking a photo.
Yes, it's always prudent to listen to your body. Especiall, in a remote location like Havasupai. Help would be hard to come by. I have been fortunate to visit many places but I never take any risk. Black sand beach in Iceland has warning signs all over the place but people still want to get that one selfi and just last week one person was swept away. Always better to be safe than sorry
Yes, #3 is my favourite too...thanks for your feedback.
IndyFab wrote:
Superb series, and good use of various shutter speeds for the water flow.
Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it. Photographing waterfalls is always challenging! How does one determine the exact shutter speed? I don't like too long of shutter speed and am always looking for some texture. In these case it worked well. Thanks for your feedback.
---------------------------------------------
keepclicking wrote:
I have received quite a few PM with some really good questions about getting to Havasupai and logistics. Instead of responding to everyone, here are few details that will help others. I didn't camp, so can't answer anything about it.
1. We did apply for lodge reservation on the very first day of opening on their official site
2. We had to give 3 different time slots, like what month and week
3. Once you get an email confirming availability, you have 48hrs to pay for it. Lodge is not cheap but I think it's totally worth it. Minimum 3 night reservation and if I remember correctly it was like $500/night per room. Room has 2 Queen beds, hot water, towels and all the basic motel amenities are available. Also, room has microwave and small refrigerator and AC unit.
3. The lodge does provide a simple breakfast (coffee, granola bars, toast, and fruits )
4. The local grocery store was very well stocked
5. We even ordered pizza one evening - cash only
6. Navajo toco stand was there and hours vary, it was $15 per taco and cash only
7. Beaver falls trail is not marked, and water level varies, there are 3 river crossings, some were chest deep, but really a short crossing.
8. Going down the Mooney falls was dicey for my old knees. but just take your time and go slowly. Good gloves are a must. I bought some for HD cut rated 3. They were very good.
9. We sent all our luggage via mule both ways. Be sure follow the size requirements
10. We picked up permits the day before, but no one checked our permits on our way in.
11. No photography in the village
12. It is possible to take Helicopter in and out, they accept CC and I think the cost was $150. During my visit it was end of season so Helicopter was only available on certain days. Also, keep in mind that locals get first preference.
Hope this helps and if I have missed anything, then please send me a PM. ...Show more →
Just one more thing to above,
The lodge dose have decent wifi signal for guests.
There is no cell signal in the canyon. I have T-mobile and I believe few of my friends had Verizon and no one had any signal.
jaggedhorizon wrote:
As opposed to Al Trujillo, I hadn't seen Havasupai before...but I'm equally impressed at how these images look!
My favourite is no. 6 - Havasu Falls from top.
Thanks Cedric, Havasupai is located within the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the western Grand Canyon in Arizona, a remote area known for its blue-green waterfalls and the traditional village of Supai. Getting permit to visit is extremely difficult. Especially, if one wants to stay in lodge. In all it's a bucket list spot for many.