Havasupai Packing List: What to Bring in 2025

Backpacking in Havasupai had been a dream of mine for years, and I’m so grateful my friends made it happen by snagging permits. After flash floods postponed our original September 2024 plans, we finally made it out in April 2025, and it was so worth the wait. From stunning waterfalls to a few surprises, our Havasupai adventure was unforgettable. In this post, I’m sharing our full experience, where we stayed before and after the hike, and my complete Havasupai packing list to help you plan your epic trip!

About Havasupai

Havasupai, meaning “people of the blue-green water,” is a Native American tribe deeply connected to the Grand Canyon region, with their lands nestled within the national park. Famous for its mesmerizing turquoise waters, especially at Havasu Falls, the tribe’s bond with the land and water is central to their way of life. The name “Havasupai” itself speaks to their unique relationship with these stunning natural resources. The village of Supai, home to the Havasupai people, remains one of the most remote communities in the contiguous United States, accessible only by foot, mule, or helicopter.

Tourism plays a crucial role in the tribe’s economy, with hikers and adventurers flocking to Havasu Falls and other waterfalls within the canyon. Despite the influx of visitors, the tribe’s cultural and historical ties to the land remain strong, and their stewardship of this pristine area is vital.

The Weather: A Mixed Bag of Adventure

I visited in mid-April 2025, and the weather was as unpredictable as it was exciting! From chilly nights that dipped into the 30s to daytime highs of 77°F, we got a little bit of everything. And as if the elements weren’t enough, we also experienced rain, hail, and some seriously wild winds. If you’re heading out there, be ready for anything; the weather can change on a dime, so it’s always good to pack layers and be prepared for all kinds of conditions. It’s a good idea to use the AccuWeather app with the Supai location to monitor the forecast.

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Ultimate Havasupai Packing List (Backpacking Gear List)

Planning your own trip? Here’s my complete Havasupai backpacking gear list: everything I personally used on our 4-day adventure. I’ve been backpacking for years and have my setup pretty dialed in, so these are tried-and-true picks. I’m linking the items I brought (and loved), including one new addition I picked up just for this trip: a rat sack, lighter than a bear canister and perfect for keeping critters out of your food. 🙂

For even more of my favorite outdoor gear, check out my curated outdoor gear shop.

🏕 Shelter and Sleep System for Havasupai

If you’re staying at a campground, you’ll definitely need a shelter, most commonly a tent or a hammock, as well as a sleeping pad and a pillow to ensure a comfortable night’s rest.

• Tent & Footprint
• Ultralight Pillow
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad

Sleeping Bag Warmth Recommendations for Havasupai

• November to March: Aim for a bag rated between 10°F and 20°F, such as this REI sleeping bag. Nights can get surprisingly cold, especially with desert lows and canyon winds. Don’t underestimate those chill factors.
• April and October: A 30°F bag like this REI bag hits that sweet spot, warm enough for cooler nights but not too heavy. These shoulder months can swing between chilly and mild.
• May through September: A lighter 40–55°F bag usually does the trick, like this Sea to Summit one. Summer nights are generally milder, but a little extra warmth can’t hurt for comfort, especially if you’re camping near water where it might get damp and cool.

🍳 Cooking & Eating

Bringing your own food is highly recommended, as the facilities in Supai aren’t always open. There is a small store about 2 miles from the campground that sells cold drinks, ice cream, and shelf-stable goods, but access isn’t always convenient to hike 2 miles (one way) to go there. You’ll also find a couple of fry bread stands at the entrance to the village (over 2 miles from the campground) and one more conveniently located at the top of Havasu Falls, near the campground entrance, which typically opens in the afternoon.

Here’s everything I brought for my trip.

• Spork + Collapsible Mug
• Stove & Pot + Fuel + Lighter
• Trash Bag
• Rat Sack (medium size 18×19)
• Biodegradable Soap + Dish Cloth
• Dehydrated meals, trail mix, bars (food post coming soon, but I typically make my own dehydrated meals! Read this tutorial here!)

Food Storage Tips for Havasupai

A rat sack was absolutely essential. Small critters like mice and squirrels are very active at night and will go after anything with a scent, food, trash, even toiletries, and may even chew through your backpack or tent to get to it. Always store scented items in odor-proof bags inside a rat sack or bear canister, and secure it outside your tent.

🧥 Clothing & Accessories

I usually pack light when it comes to clothes on backpacking trips, but since we knew the weather would be unpredictable, I brought a bit more than usual for this one.

I brought a couple of items that I didn’t end up using. First, the rain jacket, it rained a lot, but mostly at night when I was in the tent. I didn’t need it during the day, so a poncho would have been a lighter alternative (hindsight is always 20/20). I also packed neoprene wetsuit bottoms for the 16 water crossings to the Confluence, thinking the chilly, rainy weather would make them necessary. But I ended up wearing shorts, and thanks to being tall, my shorts stayed mostly dry, and my legs dried quickly, so I was warm enough all day.

Clothing

• Tank Top x 1
• Sun Hoodie x 1
• Shorts x 1
• Hiking Pants x 1
• Pullover x 1
• sports bra x 1
• Hiking Socks x3
• under x2 (wash overnight)
• Swimwear x 1
• Neoprene wetsuit bottoms (I didn’t end up wearing them)

Outerwear & Layers

• Puffy Jacket
• Rain Jacket (it rained, but I never used it… in hindsight, a poncho would’ve been lighter)
• Buff
• Hat + Sunglasses

Sleepwear

• Base Layer Pajama Set
• Sleep socks

Footwear

• Hiking Shoes (read my review of my Altra Lone Peak 9 here!)
• Trail Gaiters
• Sandals

🧭 Navigation and Trail Safety at Havasupai

I didn’t bring a physical map or compass since both my phone and Garmin have those features built in. My backpack also has a whistle attached, so I didn’t need to pack a separate one. I highly recommend downloading the AllTrails maps ahead of time before your adventure. The trail from the trailhead to Supai, the campground, and Mooney Falls is very easy to follow. The hike to Beaver Falls and the confluence is a bit trickier because you’re deep in the canyon, and the GPS cannot lock onto your exact location, so the tracking often looks confused or jumps around. But using AllTrails to navigate still worked perfectly for us. That’s what we relied on the whole time.

• Headlamp
• Map + compass
• Satellite Phone
• First Aid Kit + whistle
• Multi-Tool Knife
• Emergency Shelter
• Sunscreen & Lip Balm

💧 Staying Hydrated in Havasupai

When backpacking in places with water sources, I typically bring two 1L Smartwater bottles: one for clean, filtered water and one for “dirty” water that I drink through a Sawyer filter. I also pack a collapsible water bladder for camp use and a 16-oz Nalgene just for electrolytes

• Water Filter
• Water Bag
• Nalgene
• Electrolytes
• SmartWater Bottles

🎒 Other Essentials for Your Havasupai Packing List

I didn’t bring a camp chair on this trip since many of the campsites have picnic tables and benches. However, I packed a pair of grippy gloves, which were super helpful for the descent to Mooney Falls, and a microfiber towel that ended up being more useful as a rug inside the tent. The wind blew in so much sand that it made a big difference.

There are three restroom locations in the campground: one near the entrance, one in the middle, and one at the far end near Mooney Falls. However, it’s a good idea to bring a backcountry poopy kit with you since there are no restrooms along the hike or while exploring.

The gear I brought

• Backpacking Backpack (I use a 55L one)
• Daypack – I didn’t end up bringing this daypack, but I purchased it for the trip. It’s only 4oz, and I highly recommend it as a day pack for the day hikes in Havasupai.
• Trekking Poles
• Powerbank (this one comes with charging cables!)
• Microfiber Towel – in hot summer months, I also highly recommend this cooling towel!! It’s a godsend for the hike!!
• Grippy gloves (these gloves are a must for Mooney Falls, super grippy and held up well even in wet conditions)
• Hygiene kit
• “Backcountry poopy kit”
• Camera
• Gear Repair Kit

Havasupai FAQ: What You Need to Know Before You Go

How do I get permits for Havasupai?

Permits must be reserved in advance through HavasupaiReservations.com, and they usually release in early February for the season ahead. They do sell out fast, but you can also purchase resold permits directly on the same website when other hikers cancel.
Tip: Keep an eye on relevant Havasupai Facebook groups, people often post when permits get released or become available for resale.

When is the best time to visit Havasupai?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best weather with milder temps. Avoid summer if possible; it gets dangerously hot.
Flash floods can happen any time of year. There were major floods in August 2024 and June 2025, so always check weather alerts before heading in.

How hard is the hike to Havasupai?

The 10-mile hike starts with a 1.5-mile steep descent, followed by 8.5 miles of mostly flat, sandy canyon walking. It’s not technical, but the length, sun exposure, and pack weight can make it feel intense, especially on the hike out when you’re gaining elevation.

Do I need trekking poles for Havasupai?

Trekking poles aren’t required, but they can definitely help, especially on the way out. The first 1.5 miles of the hike down into Havasupai is steep, and that same stretch becomes a climb on your way back. I brought mine and didn’t use them on the way in, but I was glad to have them for the hike out. Personally, I only used them for that final uphill section, but it made a difference when I was tired and carrying a full pack.

Where should I sleep the night before the Havasupai hike?

I highly recommend staying at the Hualapai Lodge the night before your adventure begins. Located in Peach Springs, the lodge offers an outdoor pool and hot tub, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi, perfect for relaxing and prepping for the trail. We also stayed there the night after the hike out, so we were fresh to drive 9 hours the next day!

Are drones allowed in Havasupai?

No, drones are strictly prohibited in Havasupai. Bringing or flying one can result in fines and confiscation.

Is there drinking water at the campground?

Yes, Fern Spring is a reliable source of fresh water near the middle of the campground.
I personally drank straight from Fern Spring without filtering, but I brought a Sawyer Mini to filter water from other sources if needed. Better to have it and not need it!

Can you buy food at Havasupai or should you bring your own?

Bring all your meals and snacks. There are several food stands located near the village and occasionally near Havasu Falls, as well as a small store approximately 2 miles from camp. However, they aren’t always open or easily accessible.

What’s the bathroom situation like?

There are three composting toilet stations throughout the campground, at the entrance, middle, and near Mooney Falls.
They do provide toilet paper, but bring a backup stash just in case. For the hike in/out or day hikes beyond camp, pack a lightweight backcountry bathroom kit.

What size backpack do I need for Havasupai?

A 50–60L backpacking pack is ideal. I used a 55L and had room for everything. You’ll want something supportive with good hip straps to manage the load.

Do I need a bear canister?

Bear canisters aren’t required, and they’re heavy. I used a rat sack, which is much lighter and works perfectly to protect food and scented items from mice, squirrels, and other critters at night. Highly recommend.

Can you swim at Havasupai?

Yes, you can swim in the pools beneath the falls, which are beautiful and refreshing. Just be careful to stay clear of the actual waterfall drops, especially Mooney Falls, as the water there is powerful and dangerous.

Can I camp anywhere?

All camping must be within the designated Havasupai campground, which stretches about a mile between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. There are no assigned spots, so it’s first-come, first-served; getting in early helps secure a great site.

Is there cell service in Havasupai?

Expect to be mostly off-grid. Some people get limited service in the village, depending on their carrier. I have T-Mobile and got zero service the entire time, not even in the village. Download maps offline and bring a power bank or satellite communicator if you want backup navigation or emergency contact.

How do I prepare for the hike?

Train with 8–10 mile hikes carrying your full pack to build up stamina and get used to the weight. Strengthening your legs, back, and core will also help, especially for the hike out. And don’t forget to break in your shoes beforehand!

Do you need water shoes for Havasupai?

Water shoes are recommended, especially for crossing streams and swimming around the falls, but they’re not strictly necessary. I used my Altra Lone Peak trail runners because they dry fast, and I also brought sandals. Even if they were still damp in the morning, they’d usually dry out within the first hour of hiking. Just know that whatever you wear will get wet at some point, so quick-drying and comfort matter more than bringing an extra pair just for water.

What if I don’t want to (or can’t) carry my backpack or do the full hike?

If you don’t want to or can’t carry your pack, there are other options! You can hire a mule to carry your gear, ride a horse, or take a helicopter to the village.
AirWest operates the helicopter and typically flies on select days between Hualapai Hilltop and Supai Village. Mules and horses must be arranged in advance through the official Havasupai reservation site. Keep in mind that weather, trail conditions, and tribal operations can affect availability.

Is alcohol allowed at Havasupai?

No, alcohol is strictly prohibited in Havasupai. It’s clearly stated in the rules you agree to when reserving your permits. Bringing it can result in fines or getting kicked out, so it’s just not worth the risk.

How much does a mule cost at Havasupai?

As of April 2025, a round‑trip pack mule costs $400 per mule and can carry up to 4 bags (maximum 32 lb per bag) between Hualapai Hilltop and the campground. If you miss the usual morning pickup on your return day, there’s an additional $300 late‑run fee. One mule can handle multiple bags, so it’s easy to split the cost with friends if you’re packing light. Always check the official Havasupai website before your trip for the most current info. Check out this page for the latest details.

How much does the helicopter to Havasupai cost?

As of April 2025, the helicopter costs $100 per person each way, including one carry-on (extra luggage costs extra). There are no reservations, so you must sign in by 10 AM at Hualapai Hilltop or Supai Village. Flights operate Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Priority boarding goes to tribal members and essential services, so wait times can be long. If you’re short on time, you can send your pack by helicopter and hike out. Flight time is about 15 minutes. Weather may cause cancellations, so always have a backup plan. For more information, call Airwest Helicopters (623) 516-2790.

Why is the water at Havasupai so blue?

The water in Havasupai gets its stunning blue color from high mineral content, mainly calcium carbonate and magnesium, that reflects sunlight in a way that makes the pools look almost unreal. It’s one of those natural magic moments you just have to see.

Final Thoughts: Havasupai Packing List for a Seamless Backpacking Trip

Havasupai truly is the backpacking trip of a lifetime, and having the right gear makes all the difference in ensuring a smooth and unforgettable adventure. The gloves for Mooney Falls were hands down my favorite item, but every piece of gear played a role in making the experience incredible. I hope this Havasupai packing list helps you feel more prepared and excited for your own trip. If you have any questions about the gear or the trail, feel free to drop them below; I’m happy to help!

Post originally published on April 26, 2025, and last updated on September 28, 2025.