Havasupai is my happy place. I have lost count of how many times I have taken that hike or how many nights I have camped there. First time was at age 13 (early 70's) when my dad took me there. I have gone with family, friends, lovers, exes to be. Last time was with my 20 year old daughter (her first time). Random thoughts: 1: The hike is grueling. If you are hiking out, leave early in the morning (<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="240">4:00</a> AM), you do not want to be going up the switchbacks in full sun. 2: The fry bread is great. 3: Grew up on the west side of Phoenix, the tap water was so bad we thought the water from Fern Spring was like nectar of the Gods. Moved away for 30 years only to discover that Fern Spring water was actually kinda lousy. 4: There are a very expensive pair of glasses with my prescription slowly becoming part of the river travertine somewhere between Havasupai and Moony falls. I consider them a sacrifice to the river gods. I was a boatman on the Colorado through the Canyon in the late 70's and there are always sacrifices to the river. Glasses, cameras, it you aren't willing to lose it, don't bring it. 5: We took the helicopter out that last time too. I was willing to hike out like always, but my daughter really didn't want to have to do it, she grew up hearing stories about the horrors of the switchbacks. I made her beg a bit. It did take out most of the death march aspects of the trip. Well worth the money.
All good advice. Especially the sun at the switchbacks. Last time we went, we had to race it as it was coming over the mountains. Your choice was keep going even though you're exhausted or let the sun catch you and roast.
After graduating UW Seattle, we were moving to Tucson...did a side trip to grand canyon ❤ my bf took his old dodge truck down some dirt roads and we ended up just above this gorgeous place...this was in 1975 😊
By far the most beautiful place I’ve been in AZ. I went in 2011 and 2012. I’ll make the confluence when I go back. Awesome video with the big horn. I hiked out the first time and took the helicopter the second time. Totally worth it! PS your wife is hilarious at the end. 😂
I was the crazy girl telling you I loved your videos on our hike out while you were hiking in!! I'm from Ohio and I try to explore southern Utah and northern Arizona at least twice a year! I'm in love with that area. Your fun to watch! Thank you for all your advice and inspiration!
I just can't get enough of your content Jerry. Y'all do such an amazing job on editing, getting the perfect shot, cinema photography and most of all a bit of humor. Love your work! 👍
I had planned to hike down to Havasupi Village in 1997. Flying into Vegas from the UK. At Kingman I tried to call the village to get a campsite, to be told at Kingman all the lines were down because of flash floods. My only opportunity missed. I now make do with videos like yours, so thanks guys.
Let me tell you a little story. Your shots at Beaver reminded me of this: September, 2019. I was in Havasupai Canyon, at Beaver Falls. I had my cameras with me, one regular DSLR and one IR-converted DSLR. I'd only brought one lens, so one camera body stayed hanging around my neck while I worked with the other camera. The water flow in Beaver Falls is pretty great in the deepest section, which just happened to be where I wanted to be to get an image .. so I setup my tripod so that it stuck up above the water around six inches, about chest-level to me (I'm short). I set my regular DSLR on the tripod, then bent down in the water to look thru the viewfinder, forgetting about the other DSLR slung on my back. I only realized what I'd done after I waded back over to the shore, and my wife pointed out the camera body on my back. Water was still pouring out of it. I lost the photos I'd taken with the camera, and the camera itself. I suppose it was at least an excuse to buy a new camera :(
Yeah, when I came out of that cave swimming, I was surprised how fast and strong the current was. Sorry about the cameras but it comes with the territory sometimes.
On my Bucket List!!! So beautiful. Loved that you two chose to sleep in. Love that you two didn't feel you had to go everywhere and break yourselves doing it. Most of all, I loved Tina's energy at the end after the Helo Ride!!! You both deserved your just desserts afterwards! Again, thank you both for reminding me of this incredible place that I need to get to!💗 PS: Jerry, you have evolved into a fantastic videographer. Awesome Dude!
Thanks! Yeah, this was a great trip. I wanted to get footage of the confluence, but it's about the hike first. And this was just a good, relaxing time. So worth it.
Just got back a week and a half ago from hiking Havasupai. Hiked in and helicoptered out. We got up at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="180">3:00</a> to hike to village and get in line. We were #7-10 having arrived at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="330">5:30</a>am. And that fry bread near Havasu Falls was the BEST I’ve ever had! We didn’t do Beaver this trip but I’ve done that and the confluence previously. This trip we hiked to 50 foot falls- absolutely loved it!
Beautiful edit, Jerry! The first and only time I’ve been to Havsu was in 2002, I was 15. It’s kind of wild how much it’s changed since then, with flash floods, etc. Maybe it’s time to go back and explore it with fresh eyes. Happy to see you got the flight out as opposed to last time when you got hosed! 👊🏻
Love that place, I went in 1989 before the big flood that wiped out those 5 pools at the base of tge falls. We had tge horses carry our gear down and out, it was awesome.
My sister was down at the confluence when that flood got there. It carried one of the hikers out into the middle of the Colorado. Luckily for her, a boatman was paying attention and rescued her. She didn't have a life jacket on, it would have ended ugly otherwise.
Absolutely breathtaking ❤❤ one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Would love to go there myself, but I am afraid I might never want to leave.
AZ native and never been to this wonderful looking place. I did north rim to south rim in Nov1998. Living now in retirement in Tualatin Oregon. THANKS FOR SHARING.
What a beautiful video my goodness Jerry, stunning. Please 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 for Tina lots of ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️from us gals in Fl. We’re huge fans of Tina, she rocks. We love her sense of humor, and when she flicks you off 😂
Did my 4th supai trip in April. I'm glad I've done this 4 times per I've seen I before the mass groups, $400 permit, garbage galore, ect. Fossil creek is now my favorite.....in fact I'll be going soon! Pack out your garbage peeps. Timmy C Arizona
The garbage is a problem. I think it's because this is often a first time backpack for people who haven't learned (or don't care to learn) about LNT. They just want to see waterfalls. As much as I enjoy the helicopter ride, I feel it would be better if they didn't allow that or donkeys/horses. If you have to pack everything in and everything out, maybe it would make it easier to respect the place. Maybe not. Who knows?
Always wanted to go hiking there. Don't know if I ever will. But thank you two for showing me. Love it. It's so beautiful! Thank you so much. Blessing to be following you.❤
Love your channel, you get to take great trips. Your videos of Havasupai are my favorites because I got to do that trip also one time, the hike of my lifetime. It really gave me a flashback when you were laying on your picnic table resting; I did that also after a day hike and dozed off, I woke up when one of those giant squirrels was nibbling on my sweaty ( salty ) tshirt lol.
I was tryng to figure out what to watch for a thing I was recording and this comment popped up on my phone. Now your channel will make a cameo. (This will make sense next week, I swear.)
Loved your video! Brought back great memories of hiking down there with our young daughters a few years past. We didn't quite make it to the confluence either, but it was still an awesome adventure soaking up those amazing waterfalls...literally! Glad Tina got her helicopter ride out of there! Helicopter ride = Smile!!
Excellent video. Epic scenery at every stop. I'm still amazed at the amount of water this year in the South West. Your story telling keeps getting better. Thanks for all the work.
Had a squirrel chew through a roll of toilet paper on his way to a loaf of bread in my pack. Cheeky buggers, one used my dad's chest as a spring board running up into a tree. I have seen the confluence many times (I was a boatman for Diamond and Fort Lee Expeditions in the late 70's). Never hiked it though, never had the energy when I hiked down to Havasupai and I always had peeps to watch after when I was at the confluence.
Your videos are like candy for the soul. I really want to go there. Was hanging around Bear Ears, Factory Butte and Cathedral Valley area for a week plus a couple of weeks ago. Every time we saw something awesome I thought about you folks. Seriously. I was disappointed toward the end of the video though....my favorite finger didn't show up but then Tina came through at the end. Great stuff. Awesome couple.
Loved your video! We were in the last group before covid closed them down. Tough hike but beautiful ❤ That stand where you got your tacos, I got something sweet but I can't remember what it was...
Great video Jerry! Kathy and I enjoyed time with you two. And we made the video! 😊 Our gear was waiting for us when the chopper landed. My legs still ain’t right! Scott
Jerry and Tina -- thank you so very much for sharing your delightful hikes and adventures! My backpacking days are behind me but your brilliant content and cinematography never cease to put a smile on this old gal's face! Happy trails!
Love the "frozen" looking mud/rock and mineral green water in the canyon. More complicated feelings about the state of affairs of the village and the treatment of the pack animals in Havasupai Canyon. Hiking while listening to helicopters??? Might as well take the ride if you can afford it.
Hi Jerry! This is Brad & Rhonda, we were next in line for the helicopter after you two. Really enjoyed chatting with you and loved the video! Great photography and editing. How is that you get the first chopper out TWICE?! We had to wait until about 12 noon for our flight. So worth the wait, though, perfect ending to an awesome trip. Hope to meet you on the trails again...
Great shots, that place is so beautiful. This is definitely a bucket list hike for me! Now that I don't live too far away, it's definitely on my radar for the near future. Was it difficult to get a permit?
That was some fantastic waterfalls would love to do that trip with helicopter of course. Just wouldn't have the Tina's flying fickle finger salute, maybe can get my wife to do it 😂😂😂😂. Of course have to have the eats also 😊.
This trip looks amazing, I would like to do it sometime in the future. Your video quality looks a lot better on this video than some of your others. What were you using for a camera? Several of the shots, the colors look too vibrant for a GoPro. It is incredible that you were able to go twice in one year!
Jerry your video skills are incredible. What was the distance of this hike? We drove to California this spring (we live in Ohio) and on the way back home we stopped at Roadkill Cafe and had a fantastic breakfast. Please keep doing what you’re doing.
mooney sunny day july 2pm aquamarine jewel in desert , back in 72 you could go up jacobs ladder , heard they tore it down , 17 times down havasupi in days before reservations timed with full moon hike in at night, water in summer 20 min in then bake in 103 degree sunlight , repeat all day
Late spring through early fall, contact the tribe and reserve your permits as early as possible. The campground fills up months prior to trip dates, especially during the summer (according to Jerry, they sell out in minutes now). The campsites are primitive nice (park benches, lots of trees with shade, pit toilets). They have a lodge in the village, never stayed there. It is 2 miles from the village to the camp grounds and that section of the trail you are walking is mostly ankle deep sugar-sand which is not great. If you are not in good condition, ride the helicopter. It is a 10 mile hike from the hilltop to the campground and there is a lot of vertical elevation change. The helicopter was actually reasonable in '14 (
Love you guys, and all your videos! Do you know what is missing? ...Little Colorado River.... Please, please, please do Hopi Salt Trail to Bahama Blue River with details. Thanks in advance!
I was there in 2015. Hiked back out, though. My first thought was "helicopter=cheating!". Laughing but I would do the same if I had the chance - it's a long hike out uphill.
Yeah, I've made the hike out twice now. It's not nearly as much about cheating as it the fun of riding in a helicopter out of the Grand Canyon....Well, it's a little bit about cheating.
So do you need to plan in advance for the helicopter ride out? Or can that be a spontaneous? Also curious what that cost would be. Videos are great. Been looking for a channel like this.
Thank you! The helicopter only runs certain days and costs $100 per person (plus backpack). It is first come, first served for hikers, but locals get to cut to the front of the line. If you search "havasupai permits" you should be able to pull up their website and get more detailed info.
When did you guys go? Seems like there weren’t many people there and good weather. We’re headed there over Thanksgiving. What time did most people start showing up for the helicopter?
Hello, what kind of water shoes did you use? Is it necessary to use one? How about your hiking shoes, what do you recommend for this long hike? Thank you.
I've got another video where I go into great detail about planning a trip down there. If you have more questions, check that out. As far as shoes, I wore breahable hiking shoes - Altra Olympus - and wool socks. I hiked in wearing them and hiked right through the water in them. At night at camp I'd put on flip flops and let my shoes dry overnight. Won't work if it's really cold or humid and it doesn't work with really padded or waterproof shoes (they don't dry out overnight).
I know, I know. I've done the work and hiked out twice now. But it's a helicopter ride. Out of the Grand Canyon. After you've spent days in paradise. Can't beat that.
Maybe get u both coupke EBikes ....they sure look like a game changer for older sore bodies thst arnt 20 anymore....❤😅 mines on its way.....cant wait to put mukes back under this a#*....❤ absolutley living vicariously through ya'll ...this us a total bucket list dream of mine.....AND WE WONT EVEN TALK BOUGHT NAVAJO TACOS.....OMG!!!
B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. And a helicoper ride out? Livin' the life - Tieena & Jerryee! & Jerry - have you watched: The Devil's Gorge: Mapping No Man's Land in the Himalayas - NHK Documentary -?? A thriller.
Hey Jerry, where did you sing up or get in line for the helicopter since last time I saw that people had lined up for the wrong line. How long did you have to wait after the locals had gone first
I released a video just recently that’s a guide for havasupai. I go into detail on the helicopter there. Go check it out. There are chapters listed in the description so you can skip straight to the section on helicopters
Just posted a guide video, but the short answer is no. They have a checkpoint on the drive, they checked us on the trail hiking in, and they go around randomly at the campgrounds checking.
Tina calls me the 'permit whisperer'. It's like a whole other hobby I have. For this one, it just took sitting at the computer ready for cancellations every morning at 8AM sharp.
IT is dedication, and long hours and hard work. With a great big pay off. Were so happy you do, because we get to see these beautiful places on your videos. Thank you Permit Whisperer. LOL.
Its.....not great. People definitely need to pack out what they pack in. Including items they think it's helpful to leave behind for others to use like gloves and propane. Still, it's not so bad you can't enjoy the place.
I want to take my son but I think the hike out would be a little much for him. Whats the details on the helicopter? Is it possible that you wait and never get a ride out on your last day and have to basically hike out at night? Does that happen to people?
We got up super early (3:30AM) and were first in line. It's first come, first served, except for tribe members who go before all hikers. They only fly certain days. Check the website and there are Facebook groups that give more detailed info. Honestly though, you can't count on it. When I was there earlier this year, the 'line' devolved into a mob and I got fed up and hiked it out. My recommendation is look into easier waterfall hikes (Cibecue, Pacheta, Fossil Creek, etc) and start practicing and training on shorter, easier backpacking trips so if he has to walk out, he can.
There were definitely plenty of people. Especially at the campgrounds. We found an isolated spot, which was nice. If you get up early, you can generally get some spots (almost) to yourself. I did try to film 'around' people because it looks better and you never know if people might not want to be in a video. Overall, not obnoxiously crowded, but definitely not an isolated wilderness experience.
Depends on where you're coming from, or if you mean from the trailhead, how fast you are. I recently made a video detailing every aspect I could think of for this location. If you're interested in going, I highly recommend checking that out.
You need a permit. They go up for sale 2/1 and generally sell out for the entire year in minutes. You can check for cancellations though. The helicopter only flies certain days and they change. First come, first serves which is why we woke up so early. It’s chaotic, but worth it
You can search "Havasupai permits" online and it should bring up the Tribe's website. Log in/create an account. Permits go up 2/1 for the entire year and sell out almost immediately. You can also check in every morning (I think at 8AM AZ time) and they sometimes list cancellations.
I've seen quite a few, but only 4 or 5 rattlesnakes. Of course, some of my friends have come across that many in a single trip. Just gotta keep an eye open and watch where yout step.
The hike to Mooney and Beaver looked pretty sketchy. Also, what are the rules for the helicopter ride in 2023? I remember many many years ago, even if you had booked a ride, if an indigenous person wanted to fly out, you were out of luck and had to wait.
The climb down Mooney at the end of the campground is the sketchiest part, but personally I enjoy it. The rest isn't too bad except a couple spots. As far as helicopters, there are no reservations that I know of. It's first come, first served for hikers. And if tribe members want a ride, they get to cut to the front of the line. We were still able to get onto the first helicopter though. Guess there weren't many locals flying out that day.
