As you can probably tell by now, we had a great adventure on our hands with the Havasupai Trip. If you’re just joining this series, make sure to go back and start from the beginning so you don’t miss any tips or tricks! This journey was both amazing and memorable, and I’d recommend it to anyone determining whether or not to sign up for that permit. It’s something that is really very unique in person, especially with all of the filters on social media these days. Yes! The water really is that clear and blue. Yes! You can only get there by hiking (or with a helicopter…we’ll get to that later). It’s a magical place that you should try to see at least once in your lifetime, I promise it won’t let you down. Here is how our Havasupai hike back out went, what we did the rest of the day, and how we felt after leaving. Legggooo!
The Challenge and Reward of a True Havasupai Hike
Not only did we get to take in some epic sights along the trip, but we also got reminded why *anything* in the Grand Canyon is a great battle. It takes a toll on both the mind and body, and is not for the faint of heart. Although you can get to the falls by helicopter, (see how to do that by clicking here), I highly highly highly recommend doing it the harder way and trekking down into the misty falls with just a backpack.
There are mules that can assist with your packs if you choose, but I’d truly only suggest using this option if you absolutely have to. Hiking down into the canyon (in any part of it), is a true wonder to spectate. It boasts beautiful views that you can really get no where else on earth as far as I’m concerned, and although each time I hike out I vow to never do it again, I can’t help myself but to keep coming back. Out of the 4 times we’ve been to Arizona so far, 3 of them have landed us on one of the trails in the Grand Canyon.
Someone asked me today, “Don’t you ever want to go lay on a beach and just chill?”
To which I replied, “Yes, but that’s why we schedule days after our trip to rejuvenate.” 🤷♀️
Choosing Adventure Over Escape: What the Havasupai Hike Taught Me
Dear Internet friends of the hiking and backpacking world…
Don’t ever let someone tell you what that what you consider is fun is weird. I challenge you to push back and look at the other side of things such as, do you prefer to be challenged or do you prefer to shut down? In my opinion, I would choose experience over escape any day. I want to feel alive, bountiful in my blessings and not afraid to push my boundaries. Being fully present, I want to feel encompassed by my feelings while immersing myself in all of what nature has to offer. I want to feel strength and courage and face my fears a little more each time I go out into any kind of wilderness.
That, to me, is the perfect getaway.
Of course, vacations don’t have to look the same for everyone. They can be relaxing in different ways, and that’s okay. One of the most relaxed states I was in was when we were on Crawlers Ledge of the Napali Coast in Kauai. Never did I ever think I would be chill as a cucumber traversing a rocky cliff face in the rain. But I wouldn’t trade it for one single day sitting in a beach chair with my toes in the sand drinking a cold beer. (PS I gave up drinking nearly a year ago, check out this post to learn more if you’re into giving it a try).
I don’t regret tacking more days onto the ends of our trips. I don’t regret my sore muscles and achy, blistering feet. Because for those handful of days, I feel as though I can be my most authentic self, living, breathing, and enjoying the best of this world.
Early Mornings and Rituals: Starting Our Final Havasupai Hike Day
As we began our day with a watch alarm, (this lady does NOT like alarm clocks, so we used his Garmin to vibrate when it was time to wake up). Although I was 100% already awake and ready to go by 3am, wanting to beat the heat and get packed before the rest of the campground. However, we decided to wait a little longer and get up about 4:30 instead to ensure we were fully rested and ready for the day ahead.
We have a decent routine when it comes to packing things up. He’ll take care of the outside of the tent while I pack up the items inside. Usually, we’ll be done about the same time and can begin working on finishing our packs. I’ll leave our coffee, tea, and granola easily accessible, and make sure to pack what we need the night before if we plan to get up in the dark like we did on this trip.
It took around 30 minutes to get everything together, then we made one last bathroom trip and started out of the campsite. It was sad to leave so early but we weren’t the only ones. Even though the stars were still out, there were several groups packing up getting ready to head out before the sun came up. As we passed by Havasu Falls one more time, I was able to snap a pic with the headlamp light. We then continued on past the fry bread tent and the bridges before making our way through the village.
The Helicopter, and the Hikers: Leaving Supai Village
As we arrived near the helicopter pad, there were a ton of groups already waiting or getting there to set up a spot while they waited for the helicopter to arrive. (This was about 6:00-6:30am when we passed, meaning they would have to wait several more hours before the first trip took off). For reference, we got to the top around 10:30-11:00am. By that time, we counted about 8 or 9 helicopter rides. Since they prioritize the village members, I’m assuming there were still many other groups that would be waiting still by the time we got to the trailhead.
Guys! Just do the Havasupai hike trail — even if it’s hard, it’s so worth it. If you’re really unsure you’d be able to make it, or are for any reason sick or incapacitated, that is totally understandable. But I promise, it is so worth the effort and accomplishment you feel even after all of your limbs feel like jello.
Here is a little place we stopped to make our last morning beverages and eat our granola. It was right outside of the tree-filled pathway to Supai, on the right side of the canyon if you’re headed back out.
Fuel, Sun, and Switchbacks: What It’s Really Like to Hike Out of Havasupai
The main part of the Havasupai hike wasn’t terrible. Again though, at about mile 7, I was beginning to lose my spunk and started munching on my energy chews, electrolyte salt tablets, and jolly ranchers. They seriously make my whole mindset so much better to get my mind off the hike for a few minutes. This sun hat also saved me from getting burnt and helped cool down my head when the sun was on us for miles.
We were downing a bunch of water, which I honestly didn’t think we’d need. But as the sun started to peak over the canyon around 9am, the heat set in pretty quickly. I was grateful there were a bunch of places that we could stop as well! This pee cloth really came in clutch and I will one hundred percent be bringing it with me on every future trip from now on.
Once we were at the bottom of the hardest part of the trail, (around 1.8 miles from the top), I knew I needed to put it in double-come-upper. (That’s what my pap used to call kicking it into high gear!) We dug in and started going up at a much steeper incline than anywhere else on the previous nearly 40 miles that we hiked so far. (12 to the village, 16 to the Confluence, another 4 or so back and forth in the campground, and 8 so far on our way to the top).
Steady Your Pace in the Intense Heat
It was intense with the sun, completely exposed and straight uphill. Although we passed some other hikers before that, a few passed us here as well. (Don’t feel pressured to race ahead. Keep it slow and steady during your Havasupai hike and know when to push your limits or hit the brake pedal).
We had to stop more and more once the mules started getting near the top. They must start at a certain time, because it felt like there were several more groups passing us once the sun started to rise. We took these opportunities to sit down on the side of the trail and catch our breath. I was struggling significantly more than Ben, but that’s just because he has this thing about him where he makes everything look hella easy. 🙄
Please be aware of your partners on the trail!
Never feel like you need to play catch up, and if you’re the person in the front, make sure you keep an eye on your companion and offer breaks as they need it. We saw a lot of groups breaking up to go at different speeds, but I would recommend staying together especially on a trail like this without cell service and with steep drop-offs. Keep your buddy system and stay safe!
Once we were close to the top, I began my counting system. This is something I do to pass the time when things are getting tougher, counting down from 10 seconds and then over again until I reach where I need to be. I did this a few times when we were almost to the top, and before I knew it the hike we had waited so long for was over.
We walked back through the parking lot where others were getting ready to descend, past the helicopter bringing groups up from the village, and back to our rental car which held yummy snacks and clean clothes. We got changed, put the AC on, and headed away from the Havasupai Falls Trailhead.
Post-Hike Silence: Processing the End of the Havasupai Journey
As we drove away that day, it was a while before either of us said anything. Usually, most of our hikes are silent, and I don’t mind at all. We talk on the trails around home, but when we’re traveling and working through more difficult hikes, we typically keep to ourselves. This time, after a long silence driving away back toward civilization, I said, “I don’t know if I want to do that again.”
He agreed.
Honestly, I had had my fill of the Grand Canyon for a while. I was tired of leaving vacations in pain and being exhausted. I was dreaming of that “just chilling” day in the sun…
And then as soon as we got to Sedona, my mind changed. It changed back to the realization that it’s not all just pain and exhaustion. Peacefulness. It’s serenity. It’s pure realness of everything around you. It is being so focused on not falling off of cliffs and noticing you’re a whole liter short of water with miles to go, it’s recognizing that you have to go way into that mental state and force yourself to face the challenge in front of you.
I realized as soon as I got out of our car that I already missed that. The quiet, the nature, the lack of people talking and being surrounded by tourists. Maybe I’m the weirdo, but the less people around me the better. I wouldn’t consider myself anti-social, but I thoroughly enjoy the company of a good book or my own thoughts over the chatter any day.
Changing Sedona
Don’t get me wrong, Sedona is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. But it’s changed in the years since we first saw it…it’s become more like Disneyland and less like the inviting, serene beauty that it once reminded me of. I used to dream of going back and even getting a place near there someday. It was boho to the max, desert-vibes filled with red rock walls everywhere, and endless hikes that rank from easy to difficult.
Nowadays, it feels cluttered, overpriced, and so touristy that it’s taken away from its basic beauty. The stores are overflowing, the food is outrageously priced, and the vibes of the entire place have sort of gone away. Perhaps I’m just bias, but it’ll be a while before we decide to go back into town. I much prefer the peacefulness of Parks a few hours away, or the Saguaros a little more south. (PS, did you know the Saguaro Cactus can live for over 150 years??!)
Which do you prefer? Have you been to either of these places?
Thank You For Reading “Hiking Out Of Havasupai and The 4 Hour Drive To Sedona”!
I miss the Havasupai hike and the Grand Canyon already. I would put it on your bucket list if you’ve never been, and make sure to stop around the state as well if you ever travel west. We’re wrapping up the Havasupai Series, but there’s one more stop to share before it’s complete! Check out the last post in the series coming soon to hear about our last few days that we spent in hot and sunny Phoenix. (A huge difference from when we spent the first day in a snowstorm!)
Talk to you soon friends! 🌵
