Havasu Falls — Local services in Four Corners States

I recently had the unfortunate experience of visiting Havasupai territory , and I must say that my time there was nothing short of a nightmare. The picturesque scenery and natural wonders were overshadowed by an appalling display of animal cruelty and neglect. The treatment of the horses used for transportation within the Havasupai area was absolutely horrendous, leaving a stain on what could have been a memorable trip. From the moment I arrived, it became evident that the horses were overworked and exhausted. It was heartbreaking to witness their emaciated bodies and gaunt expressions. The animals were clearly pushed beyond their limits, forced to carry heavy loads up and down treacherous trails for hours on end. The guides and handlers seemed completely oblivious to their suffering, callously disregarding their wellbeing. The abuse suffered by these poor horses was deeply disturbing. I witnessed firsthand the beatings they endured when they faltered or slowed down. It was a sickening sight, as these defenseless creatures were subjected to repeated strikes from whips and other instruments of punishment. The guides displayed an alarming lack of empathy and compassion, treating the horses as mere commodities rather than living beings capable of experiencing pain and distress. Perhaps even more disturbing was the nonchalant attitude displayed towards injured and dying horses. It was not uncommon to come across horses clearly in agony, visibly struggling and unable to continue. Instead of providing them with proper medical attention or humane euthanasia, the guides simply left them behind to suffer in isolation. This disregard for basic animal welfare and compassion was truly shocking and unforgivable. The high mortality rate among the horses at Havasupai is an open secret. Many of these animals are pushed to the point of exhaustion, resulting in fatal injuries or complete collapse. Yet, there appears to be no accountability or effort to address this ongoing issue. It is a tragic cycle of exploitation, with horses being worked to death and quickly replaced without a second thought. I strongly urge anyone considering a visit to Havasupai to think twice before supporting such a despicable operation. It is unconscionable to turn a blind eye to the suffering endured by these innocent animals. The beauty of the surroundings is marred by the horrifying reality of animal abuse that permeates the entire experience. In conclusion, Havasupai's blatant disregard for the welfare of their horses is an absolute disgrace. Their cruel treatment, overworking, and abandonment of these animals demonstrates a complete lack of ethics and compassion. As a responsible traveler and advocate for animal rights, I cannot recommend this destination to anyone until significant changes are made to ensure the wellbeing and fair treatment of the horses...

Title: A Breathtaking Oasis: 5-Star Review for Havasu Falls

Review: I recently had the privilege of visiting Havasu Falls, and words cannot adequately capture the sheer beauty and enchantment of this natural wonder. Without a doubt, Havasu Falls deserves nothing less than a glowing 5-star review.

Nestled within the stunning Havasupai Indian Reservation, Havasu Falls is a true hidden gem. From the moment you set foot on the trail leading to the falls, you are immersed in a captivating landscape of vibrant blue-green waters, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring red rock formations. The hike itself is an adventure, offering breathtaking views at every turn and a sense of serenity that only nature can provide.

The main attraction, Havasu Falls, is nothing short of a paradise on Earth. The ethereal turquoise waters gracefully tumble down a series of travertine terraces, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The pool at the base of the falls beckons you to take a refreshing dip, surrounded by lush vegetation and towering canyon walls. It is a truly surreal experience, one that leaves you in awe of Mother Nature's artistry.

The entire area surrounding Havasu Falls exudes a peaceful and tranquil ambiance. Camping under the starlit sky near the falls is a unique and unforgettable experience. The campground facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and designated areas for campfires. Falling asleep to the soothing sound of rushing water and waking up to the sun's gentle rays painting the canyon walls is a rejuvenating and soul-nourishing experience.

The Havasupai Tribe, the custodians of this sacred land, deserve immense praise for their dedication to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area. Their warm hospitality and willingness to share their ancestral lands with visitors is truly commendable. The local guides and staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to lend a helping hand, ensuring that your visit to Havasu Falls is both safe and memorable.

It is important to note that visiting Havasu Falls requires careful planning and obtaining the necessary permits. The journey to this remote oasis is not without its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the effort. The memories and experiences gained from exploring Havasu Falls will stay with you for a lifetime.

In conclusion, Havasu Falls is an absolute must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Its ethereal beauty, crystal-clear waters, and awe-inspiring surroundings make it a true oasis in the desert. Whether you're embarking on a thrilling hike, cooling off in the refreshing waters, or simply marveling at the natural wonders, Havasu Falls promises an experience like no other. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of Havasu Falls and create memories that will...

NOTE: I'M NOT A CAMPER/HIKER/BACKPACKER, OUTDOORSY, OR EVEN "FIT", but I SURVIVED (I did take a helicopter back up, so no applause please.). If you’re having doubts, just know you too can hike Havasu Falls (if you can obtain a permit, that is).

First things first: You MUST have a permit to hike here/camp here. Reservations go on sale every February 1st at 8:00 am MST. It’s usually sold out in minutes or the site crashes because so many people are on it. I actually got my permit by calling the Havasupai Office. The only thing is getting them to answer! I had to call several times.. and were told there were no more reservations. Butttt I didn’t give up and kept calling every few weeks to see if something came up. Finally my hard work paid off because I called again and they told me there was actually availability in October! I took the dates that were available and paid for it that day. You have to pay the full price for your whole party at that moment. Another way to try and score reservations is joining the Havasu Falls Facebook Group and hope someone gives up their reservations on dates you can go. Going to Havasu is definitely not cheap or easy... but it’s worth it!

Before you get to Havasu Falls and the campground, you’ll see Fifty Foot Falls and Navajo Falls. These 2 falls gave me life and encouragement I needed to keep going because at this point I knew I was close! We were so ready to see Havasu Falls and get to the campsite that we just took pictures on the first day. We went back the next day to these two falls to play in the water and take more pictures! HAVASU FALLS: absolutely breathtaking and amazing and worth all the muscle aches. There were several photo taking opportunities! Unfortunately for my group, it started raining that night and the water was no longer blue the next day, but I’m very thankful I had even one day of blue water! It was just that worth it! We spent the second day exploring, taking pictures, and playing in the water of all the falls including Mooney Falls. We unfortunately did not make it to Beaver Falls or Confluence (You need more time and better weather for those two. It was actually closed when we went because of the rain.). I felt so accomplished after this trip and would go again even though I was hurting in places I didn’t know could hurt and popping Ibuprofen like candy. Havasu is definitely a bucket list item and if you get the...