Why Havasu Falls Is More Than Just a Postcard
If you’ve seen a photo of Supai, chances are it was Havasu Falls. The waterfall is iconic—turquoise water plunging 100 feet into a blue-green pool framed by red canyon walls. It’s the image that inspires thousands of people to plan the grueling hike into Havasupai every year.
But here’s the thing: Havasu Falls is only the beginning. Supai is home to a chain of waterfalls, each with its own personality and magic. From the thunder of Mooney Falls to the tiered pools of Beaver Falls, and even smaller gems like Navajo Falls, exploring beyond Havasu reveals the true depth of this canyon paradise.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Havasu Falls in person. I’d seen hundreds of photos online, but when I rounded the bend and heard the roar, my jaw literally dropped. The water glowed in the sunlight, so blue it looked unreal. I sat there for an hour before I even thought about pulling out my camera.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through:
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The history and beauty of Havasu Falls
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Tips for swimming and photography
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A guide to the other waterfalls in Supai (Navajo, Mooney, Beaver)
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Hidden gems and less-crowded spots
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Safety, gear, and traveler reviews
Havasu Falls – The Icon of Supai
First Impressions
Located about 2 miles from Supai Village, Havasu Falls is the waterfall everyone dreams of. It plunges 100 feet into a deep pool of turquoise water that’s perfect for swimming. The color comes from high levels of calcium carbonate in the water, which reflect sunlight in dazzling ways.
When I first arrived, the spray cooled the desert air, and rainbows danced across the mist. Around me, travelers were floating in the pool, sunbathing on the banks, and snapping photos. But even in the crowd, the falls felt powerful—wild yet welcoming.
Swimming at Havasu
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Main Pool: Deep enough for floating and swimming, shallow enough near the edges for wading.
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Water Temperature: Refreshingly cool year-round.
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Jumping: Some climb nearby rocks to jump into the pool, but be cautious—the rocks are slippery and water depth varies.
Photography Tips
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Morning Light: Best for soft glow and fewer crowds.
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Afternoon: Sun hits the falls directly, creating strong color but harsh shadows.
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Evening: Beautiful golden light, fewer people, and a calmer vibe.
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Gear: Use a waterproof case or dry bag. Mist is constant.
One of my favorite shots came just after sunrise, when the pool was perfectly still and reflected the falls like a mirror.
Traveler Voices
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“Pictures don’t do it justice. The color of the water is unreal in person.” – TripAdvisor
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“Swimming here felt like a dream. The water was cool, clear, and so blue.” – TripAdvisor
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“Go early if you want quiet time. By midday it gets busy with hikers and campers.” – TripAdvisor
Navajo Falls – The Hidden Gem Near the Trail
Why Navajo Falls Deserves Attention
Most travelers rush from Supai Village straight to Havasu Falls. In doing so, they often walk right past Navajo Falls, missing out on one of the canyon’s quietest gems. Tucked just off the main trail, Navajo Falls is smaller and less dramatic than Havasu or Mooney, but it has a peaceful charm that makes it a favorite for those in the know.
The first time I stopped here, I almost didn’t. The sound of rushing water pulled me off the trail, and suddenly I was standing in front of a curtain of turquoise water spilling over rocks into a shallow pool. There were only two other hikers there, and for a moment, it felt like my own private canyon paradise.
Location & Access
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Distance from Supai Village: About 1.5 miles
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Trail Access: Just off the main path between the village and Havasu Falls
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Time Required: Only a few minutes detour
Because it’s so close to the trail, Navajo Falls makes the perfect first stop on your way to Havasu Falls.
What Makes Navajo Falls Special
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Multiple Cascades – Unlike the single plunge of Havasu, Navajo is a series of smaller drops that fan out across the rock.
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Shallow Pools – Perfect for wading and relaxing without worrying about deep water.
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Fewer Crowds – Most hikers skip it, so you may have it to yourself.
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Relaxed Vibe – More of a picnic-and-rest stop than an adrenaline destination.
Swimming at Navajo Falls
The pools are shallow and calm, making them ideal for families, less confident swimmers, or anyone wanting to cool off without braving the stronger currents of Mooney.
Photography Tips
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Best Time: Mid-morning when the light filters through canyon walls.
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Angles: Step downstream for wide shots, or kneel close for intimate captures of the cascades.
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Detail Shots: The moss-covered rocks and shimmering pools are great for close-ups.
When I visited in late afternoon, the sun hit the canyon just right, creating golden highlights across the turquoise water. It wasn’t as dramatic as Havasu, but it was every bit as beautiful.
Traveler Voices
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“We had Navajo Falls completely to ourselves. It was quiet and peaceful compared to the crowds at Havasu.” – TripAdvisor
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“Not as famous as the others, but we loved it. The pools were perfect for dipping our feet after the hike.” – TripAdvisor
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“This was my kids’ favorite stop—safe water, shade, and no crowds.” – TripAdvisor
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Navajo
Even if you’re short on time, stop here. Take 20 minutes to sit by the pool, dip your feet, and enjoy the calm. Supai can feel overwhelming with its scale and crowds—Navajo offers a moment of balance.
For me, Navajo Falls was a reminder that in Supai, it’s not always about the biggest waterfall. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet ones that catch you by surprise.
Mooney Falls – The Giant of Supai
Meeting the Tallest Waterfall
After Navajo and Havasu Falls, the trail continues deeper into the canyon until you hear a roar that makes the others sound small. That’s Mooney Falls, plunging 200 feet into a mist-filled amphitheater of red rock and turquoise spray.
When I first stood at the top lookout, peering over the cliff, I actually stepped back instinctively. The drop is dizzying, the sound thunderous. Mooney is less about relaxing and more about being humbled.
Location & Access
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Distance: ~2 miles past Havasu Falls
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Trail Access: End of the Havasupai Campground
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Descent: Through tunnels, chains, and ladders (steep and misty)
The Descent Experience
Reaching the base of Mooney isn’t for the faint of heart.
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Crawl through two narrow tunnels carved into the rock.
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Climb down chains bolted into the cliffside.
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Cross mist-slick ladders with the roar of the falls beside you.
It’s intimidating, but it’s also one of the most memorable parts of Supai. Thousands of hikers do it safely each year with patience and care.
At the Base
Once you reach the bottom, Mooney feels overwhelming:
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Mist everywhere—you’ll be soaked in minutes.
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Strong currents near the plunge—swimming is possible only at the edges.
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Silence of awe—many hikers simply sit and stare, lost in the scale.
One TripAdvisor reviewer put it perfectly:
“Mooney is humbling. You don’t conquer it—you just sit in awe of it.”
Photography Tips
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Morning Light: Best for catching rainbows in the mist.
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Wide Angles: Capture the height and grandeur.
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Protect Gear: Waterproof everything; mist is relentless.
Safety Reminders
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Take your time on the descent.
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Always maintain three points of contact.
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Wear sturdy shoes with grip.
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Don’t swim directly under the waterfall.
Why Mooney Belongs on Your List
While Havasu is the most iconic and Beaver is the most fun, Mooney is the most dramatic. It’s the waterfall that makes you feel small—in the best way.
For me, Mooney was the heart of the trip. Sitting at its base, soaked in mist, I understood why people travel across the world to be here. It’s not just a waterfall—it’s a reminder of nature’s raw power.
Conclusion: Chasing Every Waterfall in Supai
Exploring Supai’s waterfalls isn’t just about ticking off names on a list. Each fall tells a different story:
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Navajo is quiet and overlooked.
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Havasu is iconic and welcoming.
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Mooney is dramatic and humbling.
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Beaver is playful and communal.
Together, they form one of the most beautiful natural chains in America—a turquoise thread winding through red rock and history.
When I finally left Supai, it wasn’t one waterfall that stuck in my mind—it was the way they all worked together, each offering something different. That’s what makes Supai unforgettable.
