Have you ever been to a town or village so remote that the only way to get there is on foot? What you may or may not know is that there is a tiny village at the bottom of the Grand Canyon known as Supai. I've been fascinated by it since moving to Arizona back in 2009. Supai is home to just over 200 people who belong to the Havasupai Tribe, as well as blue-green waters and five stunning waterfalls.

However, only a limited number of outsiders are allowed in Supai each year, and permission is granted through a permit lottery system. If visiting this remote village has long been on your bucket list, here's the Ultimate Guide To Arizona's Supai.

To discover more incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations across America, Destination Detour has you covered.

What makes Supai special?

There are so many things about Supai that make it so special. First of all, it's one of the most isolated communities in Arizona with the closest community of Peach Springs 64 miles away. It's also located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon with no paved roads to travel, so the only ways you can really get there are on foot, by mule or horse, or by helicopter.

The Grand Canyon has been home to the Havasupai Tribe for more than 1,000 years. They are referred to as "People of the Blue-Green Water" and are considered the Canyon's traditional guardians. The Havasupai Reservation is in the Grand Canyon's southwest corner within Havasu Canyon. In this beautiful, otherworldly area, you'll find a tributary of the Colorado River, five waterfalls, limestone outcroppings, and the mesmerizing blue-green waters we've all seen pictures of.

If you're lucky enough to visit Supai, please be mindful that this is the home of the Havasupai Tribe; you must respect the people, the rules, and the culture.

Here's a fun fact: Did you know that Supai is home to the most remote United States Post Office in the U.S.? And the only way mail and packages are brought into the Canyon is by mule. One unique thing you can do when you're in the village is to purchase a Supai postcard and send it to a loved one from this remote post office. You can even buy a special "Mule Train Mail" stamp to go on the postcard or take one home as a souvenir!

Need To Know Information About Supai

Permits

Permits to Supai are sold in limited quantities around Feb. 1 each year, and they sell out almost as quickly as reservations open. Needless to say, they are highly coveted. Permit costs as of 2024 are $455 per person for a 3-night campground reservation. For those staying at the lodge, the cost is $2,227 per room for up to four people.

Pro Tip: Make sure to register for an account on the Havsupai Reservations website ahead of the permit release date. It won't guarantee a reservation, but you will have a better chance of obtaining one before they sell out. If they do sell out, there's still a chance you can get one. Sometimes, people have to cancel, and those permits are then released and become available on the website. If your plans are flexible and you can score a permit this way, you're good to go!

If you do get a permit, when it's time for your trek to Supai, whether by hiking or helicopter, make sure you bring your permit and any other pertinent information with you, including an ID. On the day of your reservation, you must first check in at Grand Canyon Caverns Inn at Mile Marker 115 on Route 66 near Seligman. Here you will receive a wristband and bag tags as well as an entrance form you must fill out and show to the staff at the Havasupai Reservation boundary checkpoint. Failure to check-in will result in the cancellation of your reservation, and no refund will be issued.

Rules & Guidelines to Follow

There are numerous important rules and guidelines to adhere to while visiting Supai. Remember, this is the home of Havasupai Tribe members, and it is both a cultural and environmentally sensitive area. Respect all of the rules posted on signs throughout the village and on the trails. Failure to comply may result in your removal from the Village and loss of tourist privileges.

Here are just a few of the very important rules:

1. No photos are allowed in Supai Village. This includes homes, buildings, and people.

2. When walking through the Village, stay on the designated trail.

3. Mask up: Masks are required while in Supai and in the lodge's lobby. Make sure you bring your own

4. Havasupai is carry-in/carry-out, meaning that everything you bring in you must take out with you when you leave the Canyon. This includes garbage.

5. Don't hike alone or at night. Keep your group together and stick to the designated trails.

6. Horses and mules have the right of way on the trails. Please step to the side to let them through.

7. Hikers and campers must have a permit to visit Supai. No exceptions will be made. And yes, you will be asked to show your permit at several points during your journey.

Remember, you are a guest on Havasupai Tribal land. Treat the land and its people with respect, and you'll have one of the most memorable and enjoyable adventures of your life!

Medical & In Case of Emergency

When coming to Supai, please be aware that there are no medical facilities or emergency rescue personnel here. If medical attention is needed, it may take hours to get transportation out of the canyon to get help. The best and quickest way out of the canyon if there is an emergency is via helicopter. While costly, it may be life-saving. Please note that only the injured party will be allowed on the helicopter, and anyone traveling with them must find their own way out of the canyon.

Hopefully, there will be no emergency during your trip to Supai. However, you should bring a First Aid Kit with you, at the very least.

Food & Dining

Food options are very limited within Supai Village so it's best you bring in most of your food. That being said, there are a few places to grab a bite to eat. The Cafe in Supai is open 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., although hours may vary. Here you can order items like burgers, fries, a Supai Burger served on fry bread and an Indian Taco with beef. There's also the Store where you can pick up items like water, Gatorade, fruit, canned goods, travel-sized toiletries, and ice cream. The Store's hours are 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. However, just like the Cafe, hours may vary.

You can also find the Fry Bread Tent that past Supai visitors rave about. Not only does it sell fry bread, but Indian tacos as well. When coming to Supai, remember to bring cash with you. The Fry Bread Tent is cash only.

One more thing — if you need drinking water, it is available at the Lodge, the Cafe, the Store, and the spring at the Campground.

How To Get To Supai

Hike the Havasupai Trail

The most popular way to get to Supai is to hike the Havasupai Trail. By taking the hiking option, a lot of preparation should be involved before your trek. In fact, you may want to take a look at our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for what you'll need to bring. It's also important to pack enough water (I highly suggest a water bladder) as there is no water along the trail. So, please make sure you have enough with you. Pack enough food for yourself as well and dress in layers as it will be cooler at the top, and the temperature will increase the further into the canyon you go.

The out-and-back Havasupai Trail is roughly 16 miles round trip with an elevation gain of nearly 2,200 feet, and it begins at the Hualapai Hilltop. There are no services at the trailhead. You will also park either in the small parking lot by the trailhead or along the road if the lot is full. You must have a permit to hike this trail and no day hiking is allowed. I cannot emphasize this enough — this is a STRENUOUS HIKE that should only be attempted IF, and only IF you are physically able to make the trek, and it will take 4-6 hours to hike down, while the return is all uphill and will take even longer, think 5-7 hours.

Horses and mules always have the right of way on the trail, so move to the side to let them through. The area between the Hilltop Trailhead and Supai is closed from sunset until 5 a.m. every day, and night hiking is not permitted.

If you're making the trek to Supai in the summer months, keep in mind that temperatures can reach or even exceed 115 degrees. Upon temperatures reaching above 115, the trail will be closed to foot traffic in an abundance of caution.

You should also download AllTrails+, not just for this hike, but for others you may want to do from Supai. AllTrails+ is great because it allows you to download maps offline and gives you trail conditions which will help you better plan your hikes.

But hiking isn't the only way to get to Supai...

Pack Mule — Bags Only

If you plan on hiking but don't want to carry all of your gear other than what you'll need on a long hike, you can send your things down with a mule. You will need to reserve a pack mule no less than 48-72 hours in advance on the Havasupai Reservations website.

The maximum weight per bag is 32 lbs., and each mule can carry up to four bags. The cost per pack mule is $400 roundtrip between the Hilltop Trailhead and Campground Entrance and $200 roundtrip between the Hilltop Trailhead and the Lodge. Bags can be dropped off no earlier than 4 a.m. and no later than 10 a.m. on the day of your trek.

Helicopter

If hiking isn't an option and you have the funds, consider taking a helicopter. It's certainly the quickest, albeit most expensive option, but it's a good one to have if you aren't physically able to climb both into and out of the canyon. Another option some people like is to make the hike to Supai and reserve a helicopter ride back to the top, thus avoiding the strenuous and relentless uphill climb.

Independent of the Havasupai Tribe, Airwest Helicopters is the only company allowed to travel to and from Supai. You can inquire about the schedule and pricing by visiting the Airwest website or calling (623) 516-2790. The cost for the helicopter is per person, and the company accepts cash and most major credit cards.

Some things to note:

1. To fly down, you'll meet the helicopter at the landing pad just below the trailhead parking lot. It will drop you off in Supai by the Tourism/Camping Office.

2. To fly back up, head to the Tourism/Camping Office, where you'll wait. Please make sure you have a mask with you, as masks must be worn in public areas of the village.

3. Passengers are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. So, get there early if you made a reservation and want to be one of the first on the helicopter.

4. Helicopter flights to and from the Village of Supai will take approximately 15 minutes.

Where To Stay Before Your Trek To Supai

Because of the permit check-in point in Seligman, I think it's best to spend a day or two here before your trek to Supai. That way, you can wake up early in the morning to check in on the day of your reservation without worrying about making the drive beforehand. You can also rest up before your big hike into the Canyon. Here are a couple of vacation rental options in Seligman:

Route 66 Railroad House

The Route 66 Railroad House is a 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Seligman that can accommodate up to 6 guests. This comfortable home has a great backyard as well, with a fire pit, a BBQ, and cornhole. Just a block away from Route 66, it's within walking distance to the town's shops and restaurants.

World Famous Black Cat Bar House

The ultra-unique World Famous Black Cat Bar House in Seligman offers a stylish interior that includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a game room. This home is also close to Route 66 and all that the town of Seligman has to offer.

Where To Stay In Supai

You really only have two options for accommodations in Supai: The Havasupai Lodge and camping. Here's what to know:

Havasupai Lodge

If you don't want to camp and your permit dates for Supai coincide with when it's open, Havasupai Lodge is your only option and is located at the far west corner of the Village. This hotel's rooms each have two queen-sized beds, a bathroom, a couch, bedding, towels, and soap, and can accommodate up to four guests. There is no food available for purchase at the Lodge. However, if you have perishable food items, there is a communal fridge available in the front lobby you can use. Potable water is also available here as are charcoal grills for you to use. While food options are limited in the Village, plan on bringing in your own food.

Reservations for Havasupai Lodge are available from Apr. 1 - Nov. 30, 2024. Your hotel reservation must be paid in full before you arrive. The 2024 rate for Havasupai Lodge is $2,277 per lodge room for up to four guests, with three nights included in the stay.

Havasupai Campground

If you are unable to get a reservation at the Havasupai Lodge or plan on camping anyway, you must make a reservation for the Havasupai Campground. Campground reservations are available from Feb. 1 - Nov. 30, and you must make an account on the Havasupai Reservations website in order to reserve a site.

As of 2024, the fee is $455 per campground permit per person with three nights included. Remember that, if you need help bringing camping gear down, the cost is $200 each way for a pack mule from the Hilltop to the Campground.

The campground spans one mile between Mooney Falls and Havasu Falls on both sides of the creek. Once you get to the campground, there are no assigned campsites, and you're allowed to choose where to set up your tent. You'll also have access to a restroom, drinking water, and picnic tables here.

36 Hours In Supai: A Quintessential 2-Day Itinerary

Even when visiting a place as remote as Supai, you'll find plenty of things to do. Here is an itinerary for a 36-hour stay in this remote Arizona village:

Early A.M. — Make your way to Supai

For most people, hiking will be the option to get to the village of Supai, so if that's what you intend on doing, then hit the trail as early in the morning as possible. However, make sure you check in at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn in Seligman before you make your way to the trailhead.

Once you get to Supai, check into the accommodation you have a permit for — either the Campground or the Lodge. You may also choose to grab a lunch or snacks at the Cafe or Store if open and pick up any supplies you may need.

This evening, you may want to rest. After all, you made the 8-mile trek into the Canyon! Either grab some dinner back in the Village or make something at your accommodation. Once the sunsets, enjoy some stargazing before settling in for the night. Get a good night's rest to get yourself ready for waterfall chasing in the morning!

Havasu Falls

When one thinks of waterfalls in Arizona, it's usually Havasu Falls that comes to min and that's where we will start this morning. Just make sure you're up early, around 6 a.m. so you can hit the trail by 7 a.m., in order to beat the heat, depending on the time of year. Of course, you should fuel up on a hearty breakfast before you go and make sure to pack a day pack complete with lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

Havasu Falls is a 2-mile trek from the Village of Supai. When you get here, you'll be in complete awe of its beauty. Hopefully, you brought a camera with you as well as a swimsuit. Spend time exploring the area around the falls and go for a swim. Up next is another waterfall not too far away!

Mooney Falls

Your next stop is Mooney Falls. Continue for about a mile on the same trail that brought you Havasu Falls, and you'll eventually get to Mooney, a dramatic waterfall that cascades into a pool of blue-green water below. To get to the base of the falls, you must make a steep climb down, but it's so worth it! This is another great spot to go swimming and the perfect place to have a picnic.

Back To The Village

If you want to continue on to find more waterfalls, continue 3 more miles until you reach Beaver Falls. This part of the trek will require multiple river crossings. If you don't choose to go to Beaver Falls, you can head back to Supai while stopping at Fifty Foot Falls and Little Navajo Falls along the way.

Once you arrive back to Supai, it's time for dinner. Either grab something from the Cafe if it's still open or make something back at your campsite or at the Lodge, depending on where you're staying. Spend the evening reflecting on your trip to this remote village in Arizona, gaze up at the stars, and rest up for tomorrow's departure.

When you wake up early in the morning, pack your belongings, have a good breakfast, fill your water bottles, and make sure you've left no trace. Everything you brought here must be taken out of the Canyon with you. Make sure you get a good early start on the trail, as it will take 5-7 hours to get to the top.

Visit the Havasupai Reservations website for more information on rules, permits, reservations, etc., and follow the Havasupai Tribe Tourism Facebook page for important updates.

For those of you who have been to Supai, do you have any other advice to give your fellow readers? For those who have yet to visit this extraordinary and unique destination, we hope you use this Ultimate Guide to Arizona's Supai. It's a bucket list-worthy destination that will create memories for a lifetime!