Our exciting 6-day or 7-day rafting trips on the Colorado River take you deep into the heart of the Grand Canyon. While exploring breathtaking waterfalls, hidden chasms, and ancient ruins only accessible by river, you may also visit the lower section of Havasu Creek, a beautiful tributary known for its cascading waterfalls and turquoise waters. View the full map & itinerary >
The inviting blue-green waters of Havasu Creek and the famous Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon create an eye-popping desert oasis between towering red canyon walls in this tributary of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.
The Havasupai ("people of the blue-green waters") guard these waterfall gems in their remote canyon village. The hike to the waterfalls and village is roughly 8 miles from the rim's trailhead. Getting to the trailhead itself is a feat, given the vast distances between populated cities in the southwest. But the reward of Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Navajo Falls beckons many adventurers to pay the permit fees to the local natives or to hire tour guides willing to get you there. Please note that to see Havasu Falls and the other upper waterfalls of Havasu, and you must make a reservation directly with the Havasupai Tribe. Western River Expeditions’ Grand Canyon trips focus on visiting the lower waterfalls and pools and will not visit Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, or Navajo Falls.
Social media can simplify the picture of Havasu Creek. Videos may depict someone kayaking, tubing, or swimming what might seem like the entirety of Havasu Creek. The reality is that the entire 10-mile stretch is inaccessible by just swimming or kayaking. Exploring all 10 miles of Havasu Creek is a significant endeavor with elevation gain and rough hiking trails between each pool along the creek. Our Havasu stop focuses on the fantastic lower section of Havasu Creek, also filled with stunning pools and waterfalls. This is one of many stops to incredible waterfalls accessible from the river’s edge. See more photos of Havasu Creek.
Western River Expeditions focuses on unforgettable rafting adventures on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. While we don't offer guided backpacking tours to Havasu Falls or Mule Reservations, you can obtain a permit directly from the Havasupai Tribe. Websites like NPS.gov can provide additional resources for planning your hike. You can also check out mule reservations and get more information on Havasuapi Lodge reservations and camping permits.
While many visit Havasu Falls lugging backpacks by dusty desert trail, we prefer the float-by-river approach! This means booking a rafting trip from Lee's Ferry, Arizona and rafting several days on the Colorado River, towards the mouth of Havasu Canyon. The ten miles of Havasu Creek, from the Colorado River up, are some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places on the planet - one reason we sit and play a while without making it all the way to the higher falls near the village. While the lower pools and falls of Havasu Creek are less well known, they are every bit the paradise in the desert.
There is a whole Grand Canyon to explore. There are spectacular waterfalls like Elves Chasm, Vasey's Paradise or spectacular Deer Creek Falls - all easily accessible by river. (see photos below). Enjoy world class whitewater rafting, the bragging rights that come with it, expert guides, and delectable food for every riverside meal, all in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the one-and-only Grand Canyon. Top off your vacation with a day at Havasu Creek, then on to the notorious Lava Falls, and a thrilling Helicopter ride out of the canyon the next day.
Rating guides and guests explain why Havasu Creek is one of their favorite stops on a 6 or 7 day expedition on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon, from Mile 0 at Lee's Ferry to Mile 188 at Whitmore Wash is arguably one of the planet's most scenic and surprising places on earth. Continue reading the itinerary outlined below to gain an understanding of all the wonders hidden within the 188 miles of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon both upstream and downstream of the confluence with Havasu Canyon.
Meet your crew and rafts at 7:30 AM at Marble Canyon, Arizona, a dramatic launch point on the Colorado River (options for travel and accommodations described on next page). After a short ride to the river’s edge you’ll load your duffle into a dry bag, listen to a brief orientation from your guides and set off begin rafting the Grand Canyon. Drift lazily, relax, and then savor lunch on a white sand beach. Mighty House Rock Rapid and the Roaring 20’s set the pace for the next five days. Visit Vasey’s Paradise, a spectacular cascade of water that supports a lush hanging garden, and Redwall Cavern, a vast chamber carved by the river. Hike breathtaking side canyons or visit ancient Anasazi granaries.
After a leisurely swim in the warm, turquoise waters of the Little Colorado River, you’re on your way to Hance, Horn, Granite, Hermit and Crystal…all rapids respected for their huge waves. Western’s knowledgeable guides lead short hikes to hidden Elves Chasm and to pounding Deer Creek Falls.
Spend some time exploring the azure green waters of renowned Havasu Canyon where countless tranquil pools beckon you to find your own private piece of this water paradise or explore other possible side canyons and waterfalls throughout this section of the canyon. After dining on Western’s famous evening cuisine, capture the dazzling glow of the sun on the canyon’s towering walls before it slips into the horizon.
Vulcan’s Anvil, a volcanic cone mid-river, signals the approach of Lava Falls, the Colorado River’s most notorious rapid, making rafting the Grand Canyon truly memorable. By mid morning, you’ll meet your helicopter that will take you over the canyon rim to Bar Ten Ranch for a shower and lunch, before your return flight to Marble Canyon or Las Vegas.
