How to Hike Beaver Falls in Havasupai Arizona

Updated February 2025: This guide to Beaver Falls, AZ has been refreshed with the latest permit info, best travel times, and essential tips for how to find Beaver Falls in Havasupai, AZ in 2025!

If you’ve already secured your Havasupai permits and reserved your camping spot, it’s time to start planning how to make the most of your adventure!

While Havasu Falls gets most of the attention, Beaver Falls offers an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Nestled deep within the Grand Canyon on Havasupai tribal land, Beaver Falls is a lesser-known but equally stunning waterfall.

The hike to Beaver Falls is about 6 miles round trip from the Havasupai campground and takes about 5-6 hours to complete. To get there, you have to hike down to the base of Mooney Falls and then follow the Beaver Falls trail through the Grand Canyon for another 3 miles or so.

Most people skip the hike to Beaver Falls due to the extra effort to get there. But trust me, this hidden paradise is worth every step. The cascading blue pools, lush surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the most rewarding hikes in Havasupai.

Ready to tackle the Beaver Falls hike?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including trail details, difficulty level, best times to visit, and essential tips, so you can experience one of Arizona’s most breathtaking waterfalls for yourself!

This guide covers:

• Important updates for Havasupai permits in 2023
• Exactly how to get to Beaver Falls AZ
• The best time to visit
• What to pack

Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Havasupai: 

The Most Complete Guide to Visiting Havasupai

Guide to the Mooney Falls Hike in Havasupai AZ

What to Pack for a Day Hike: Essential Gear and Complete Packing List

How to Get a Havasupai Permit in 2025

After reopening in 2023 following a nearly three-year closure from COVID, the Havasupai Indian Reservation continues to be one of the most sought-after backpacking destinations.

If you’re planning a trip to Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, or Beaver Falls in 2025, here’s everything you need to know about securing your Havasupai permit.

Key Updates for Havasupai Permits in 2025: 

• The permit system opened at 8:00 AM Arizona Time on February 1, 2023.
• Reservations must be made online on the official Havasupai Reservation website.
• Minimum reservation is 4 days/3 nights (no day hikes allowed).
• Full payment is required at time of booking.
• Only one credit card per group is allowed on file (and that person MUST be present at check-in)
• No refunds or transfers, unless processed through the official cancellation & transfer system on the Havasupai Reservation website.

Must know tips about Havasupai Permits:

• Permits sell out fast! Be ready at 8:00 AM (Arizona Time) on February 1, 2025 to grab your reservation.
• Missed out? Check the Cancellation & Transfer List regularly for available permits.
• ⛺ Camping is required—there are no hotels or alternative lodging options in Havasupai.

For the latest updates, visit the official Havasupai website before planning your trip.

Do You Need a Permit for Beaver Falls in Arizona?

Yes! A permit is required to visit Beaver Falls, as well as other waterfalls on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Thisincludes Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Navajo Falls.

Why Do You Need a Permit?

Beaver Falls is located on tribal land, and the Havasupai Tribe strictly regulates access to protect their land and culture. Your Havasupai permit gives you access to:

✔ Havasu Falls and the surrounding waterfalls
✔ The Havasupai Campground and Havasu Lodge
✔ Trails leading to Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls

Havasupai tribal members regularly check permits at various points along the trail, including at:

• The entrance to Supai Village
• The campground
• Along the hike to Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls

Pro Tip: Permits sell out fast! If you plan to visit during peak season (May–September), be ready to book on February 1st, 2025, when reservations open on the official Havasupai website.

Need a step-by-step guide on securing your Havasupai permit? Check out my full permit guide (coming soon!) to help you plan your trip.

Where is Beaver Falls Arizona?

Beaver Falls is located deep within the Havasupai Indian Reservation, at the bottom of Havasu Canyon; a remote tributary spanning nearly 300 square miles within the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona.

As the most remote and difficult-to-reach waterfall in Havasupai, Beaver Falls requires a longer hike than Havasu Falls or Mooney Falls. However, the effort is well worth it once you see the turquoise pools, lush canyon walls, and cascading waterfalls. It truly is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Arizona.

From the Havasupai Campground, reaching Beaver Falls requires a 3-mile hike past Mooney Falls, following the Beaver Falls Trail through the Grand Canyon. Most visitors don’t make the trek, but those who do are rewarded with fewer crowds and pristine natural beauty.

How Do You Get to Beaver Falls Grand Canyon?

The hike to Beaver Falls begins at Hualapai Hilltop, the only access point to the Havasupai trail system.

• From Las Vegas: Take US-93 South to Kingman, AZ.
• Follow Historic Route 66 to Indian Road 18 in Coconino County.
• Drive 60 miles on Indian Road 18 until you reach the Hualapai Hilltop parking lot, located at the rim of the Grand Canyon.

Google Maps Tip: Use “Hualapai Hilltop“ as your destination, but download offline maps ahead of time because there’s no cell service on or near the Reservation.

Hiking Route to Beaver Falls, Arizona

From the Hualapai Hilltop, you have to hike 13 miles into the Grand Canyon, past Supai Village, until you reach the Havasupai campground. Once you reach the campground, it’s another 3 mile hike to Beaver Falls.

Keep reading for a detailed trail description and what to know about how to hike to Beaver Falls, AZ. 

Beaver Falls Arizona hike stats:

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
• Length: approximately 3 miles from the Havasupai campground (6 miles round-trip)
• Route type: out and back
• Elevation gain: barely any
• Location: Havasupai Indian Reservation, Arizona
• Beaver Falls Coordinates: 36.2825° N, 112.7294° W
• Permit required? Yes. A Havasupai permit is required.

The trail to Beaver Falls AZ begins at the Havasupai campground.

If you’re coming from Havasu Lodge, you’ll need to walk about two miles downhill along a sandy trail until you reach the Havasupai Campground. From there, continue all the way to the end of the campground toward Mooney Falls.

You’ll know you’ve arrived at Mooney Falls when you see the large sign that reads “Descend at Your Own Risk.” This is where the most challenging part of the hike begins.

The descent down Mooney Falls is nearly vertical and requires navigating a steep rock face using chains, ladders, and carved-out tunnels. Mist from the falls makes the path slippery, so it’s important to take your time and proceed with caution.

While slightly terrifying at first, this section of the trail is completely doable without prior climbing experience. To make things easier, go down facing the rock wall and climb down as you would on a ladder. 

Read more about Mooney Falls: Guide to the Mooney Falls Hike in Havasupai AZ

Once you reach the bottom of Mooney Falls, the trail to Beaver Falls continues to the left, winding through the canyon. From here, the hike to Beaver Falls is a mix of rocky terrain, creek crossings, and scenic canyon views.

Early on, you’ll cross Havasu Creek over a few wobbly wooden bridges, but as you get farther along, you’ll need to wade through the water several times.

Expect to get your feet wet, so it’s a good idea to bring water shoes or hiking sandals. When I did this hike, I wore Tevas, and they worked perfectly for both traction and comfort.

The trail is not always well-marked, and you may come across narrow footpaths that can be hard to follow. But don’t panic! You can’t get lost because the hike stays between the same two canyon walls. So if you lose the path, just keep moving forward until you find it again.

Eventually, the canyon opens up into vibrant green fields filled with wild grapevines and prickly pear cacti, which creates a striking contrast against the red rock walls.

This part of the trail truly feels like something out of a desert oasis, and it’s worth taking a moment to soak in the scenery. Along the way, you’ll also find picnic tables where you can stop to rest or have a snack before reaching the falls.

As you approach the 40-foot wide Beaver Falls in Havasu Creek, you’ll need to climb up and around some rocks along the canyon wall before making your way to the falls themselves.

Here, you have two options:
1.  Cross the creek again to reach Upper Beaver Falls
2. Turn left at the sign for the falls and climb down a short set of ladders to Lower Beaver Falls.

No matter which route you take, you’ll finally arrive at one of the most stunning waterfalls in Arizona.

If you get there early enough, you might have the entire place to yourself!

The cascading turquoise pools are perfect for swimming and relaxing, and you can even float behind the middle waterfall for a unique vantage point.

Jumping off the falls is not allowed due to safety concerns, so be sure to follow local regulations while exploring the area.

If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can continue hiking another 4 miles past Beaver Falls to the confluence of the Colorado River and Havasu Creek. Here, the vibrant blue-green water meets the muddy brown waters of the Colorado.

However, this all-day hike is extremely challenging and takes all day. It’s also highly dependent on weather conditions, as it requires navigating difficult river crossings and unmarked trails.

It’s strongly recommended that you check with locals or other hikers before attempting this route, and you definitely shouldn’t go alone.

Unfortunately, the water levels were too high when we visited in late March, so we missed out on this adventure.

How Long is the Hike to Beaver Falls?

The hike to Beaver Falls from Mooney Falls is approximately 6 miles round-trip and takes about 5-6 hours to complete at a moderate pace.

If you’re hiking from Hualapai Hilltop (the starting point for all Havasupai hikes), the total round-trip distance is 32 miles with an elevation change of 1,100 feet. However, day hikes are not allowed and you must have a reservation at either Havasu Lodge or the Havasupai Campground to visit (you’ll be sent back if you show up without a reservation permit).

When you check in at Supai Village, you’ll receive a wristband, which must be worn at all times while hiking to Beaver Falls, Mooney Falls, and other Havasupai waterfalls.

Best Time To Hike Beaver Falls Arizona?

Although Havasu Creek stays a constant 70°F year-round, the best time to visit Beaver Falls, AZ is in the spring (March – May) and late fall (October – November) when cooler temperatures are best for hiking and exploring the turquoise pools without extreme heat or monsoon risks.

Why Spring & Fall Are the Best Seasons

• Spring (March – May): Mild daytime temperatures make hiking comfortable, and the desert landscape blooms with wildflowers, adding even more beauty to the canyon.
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• Fall (October – November): Cooler weather makes for pleasant hiking conditions, and the crowds start to thin out compared to peak summer months.

Seasons to Avoid

• Summer (June – September): This is monsoon season, and flash floods occur suddenly.This creates very dangerous conditions in the canyon. Heavy rains turn Havasu Creek muddy brown, so you won’t see the vibrant blue-green water that makes Beaver Falls so famous. Plus, temperatures often exceed 100°F, making the hike extremely challenging.
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• Winter (December – February): While not as risky as summer, winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night. The trail can be icy.

Best Time of Day to Hike to Beaver Falls

The best time of day to start your hike is early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures and avoid crowds. Mornings offer the most comfortable hiking conditions, and you might even have the falls to yourself!

If you plan to swim at Beaver Falls, the afternoon is best when the sun warms up the pools—but this is also the busiest time.

Pro Tip: Since the hike takes 5-6 hours round trip, avoid starting too late in the day. If you hike in the afternoon, bring a headlamp in case you return after dark.

What to Wear & Pack for the Beaver Falls Hike

Temperatures in the Grand Canyon fluctuate drastically, with cool mornings and scorching hot afternoons. The hike to Beaver Falls includes a variety of trail conditions, including river crossings, steep ladders, and rocky terrain.

To stay comfortable and safe, here’s exactly what to bring:

Essential Gear & Clothing

• Daypack or Dry Bag – Leave your camping gear at your site and bring only a lightweight daypack or a waterproof dry bag for essentials.
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• Proper Footwear – No flip-flops! You need shoes with good traction for climbing ladders and navigating slippery rocks. Hiking sandals (like Tevas or Chacos) are ideal, but trail runners or hiking boots also work—just bring water shoes for creek crossings.
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• Clothing – You don’t need long hiking pants. Leggings, athletic shorts, or quick-dry materials work best. Wear a baseball cap, sunglasses, and a sun shirt for protection from the intense desert sun.
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• Swimsuit – Wear your bathing suit underneath your clothes, as there’s nowhere to change once you reach Beaver Falls.
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• Sunscreen – The desert sun is no joke! Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply often.
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• Plenty of Water – The general rule is 1 liter per person every 2 hours of hiking. Fill up your bottles before leaving the campground.
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• Snacks & Food – Once you leave the Havasupai Campground, there are no stores or food options. Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, protein bars, or dried fruit. If you need extra supplies, there’s a small store in Supai Village.
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• GoPro or Waterproof Camera – If you want epic shots of Beaver Falls, a GoPro is perfect since it’s waterproof. I used my GoPro Hero12, and it captured incredible underwater footage.
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• Trekking Poles (Optional) – Helpful for river crossings and extra stability on rocky sections.