| Description:
This is a backpacking trip to Havasupai—located in the far western end of the Grand Canyon—outside the National Park boundaries. The Supai people and their ancestors have inhabited this amazing canyon for thousands of years. There are four prominent and spectacular waterfalls within Havasu Canyon, the largest dropping its turquoise water over 300 feet into a maze of travertine pools. We will spend our time exploring the area by day hiking, enjoying a swim at the base of the waterfalls, and basking in the beauty of the Canyon. All of our camping gear and food will be packed in and out of the Canyon via mule train, leaving us only with a small pack with water and other essentials to carry the ten miles in and out of the canyon. This trip offers an excellent introduction to canyon hiking and camping and is open to beginning and experienced enthusiasts alike. Please note that we will not be traveling to Grand Canyon National Park—which is 100 miles east of our location.
Pre-Trip Meeting: More Info
A required pre-trip meeting will be held prior to the trip at the Aztec Recreation Center on 55th Street, adjacent to the Cox Arena. Directions and a parking permit will be provided with your confirmation.
Weather: Expect daytime temperatures in the 90’s and evenings in the 60’s for late May. Rain is rare at this time of year, but we should always be prepared for a flash flood. The key to a comfortable hike is to take advantage of the early morning hours and the shade afforded by the high canyon walls.
Cost Includes:
Two professional outdoor leaders, all camping and entrance fees to the Supai Reservation, round trip transportation via air conditioned 15-passenger van, 11 meals (4 breakfast 4 lunches & 3 dinner/desert), complete personal outfitting and group camping gear (see equipment lists), pack animal fees, and two night’s motel lodging at each end of trip (based on double occupancy). A $250 deposit is required to reserve your space. Please read our cancellation policies carefully before registering.
Cost does not Include:
Your personal expenses will include five “road” meals (to and from), and snacks (see equipment lists). Single supplement for first and last night’s motel is $105.00.
Food:
Plan on this aspect of the trip being quite rewarding. We hope you will be amazed (as many of our trip members have been) by some of the delicious dishes we will prepare together. Examples of common dinner meals include: pasta and vegetables, vegetarian chili and cornbread, burritos (beans, rice, tortillas, quacamole, etc.) and chicken and rice. For breakfast: granola, oatmeal, fruit, cream of wheat, and muffins; lunches: cheese, salami, hummus, tortillas, bagels, crackers, carrots, peanut butter, jelly, energy bars and dried fruit; drinks and desserts include: cocoa, coffee, tea, lemonade, soup, brownies, cakes, and cobbler. A ll trip members will be asked to assist equally with clean up of all meals.
Camping & Lodging:
Our first and last night’s lodging will be in an inexpensive motel in Kingman , AZ. Once we arrive in the Canyon campground, we will choose a first come first serve campsite. Havasupai is a very popular area and we may not be able to obtain our “ideal” site. The campground has outhouses nearby and a piped spring with drinking water. Each site normally has a picnic table and ample tent space.
Health/Physical Conditioning: Hiking the Grand Canyon is strenuous on the legs. The trail conditions are sandy and it is a 10-mile hike into and out of the canyon. We could be on the trail up to eight hours on the days we enter and exit the Canyon. Staying well hydrated, taking your time, resting when necessary (but not for too long), and keeping your energy level high is essential. Trip members should be in good physical condition for hiking on very steep terrain and capable of carrying approximately 20 pounds. Participants will cover over 20 miles carrying daypacks filled with water, lunch and other items needed for the day (covered at the pre-trip meeting). From now until the trip begins, we highly encourage you to get in shape. As far as hiking, backpacking and camping – practice makes perfect. Cowles Mountain and other local hiking trails are far better places to get in shape than walking around the block. If you can comfortably hike up and down Cowles twice in a matter of several hours with a 20-pound daypack—consider yourself prepared for this trip.
Risks/Hazards/Safety:
Weather is always a factor, even during this time of year. We could experience very hot temperatures down in the Canyon. Staying well hydrated may become a challenge. Other hazards include: rough-rocky steep terrain, mules and mule riders, other campers and hikers, slippery/wet trails, dangerous waterfalls and stream crossings, and wildlife. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the rest of the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader's experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Everyone will also be asked to help with the evacuation. Our leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders and are trained to administer first aid in this type of environment. However, while they can treat injuries they cannot always prevent them.
Our Expectations For Particiaption:
This trip is designed for people who are self-motivated and want to make the most of their Havasupai Canyon experience. Plan on being a contributing member of a group of 10. The leaders will often need to make decisions based on the needs of the group – not the special needs of one individual. This is a group experience and everyone is expected to help with all the camping tasks, such as: cooking meals and clean-up, setting up camp, and organizing gear. No drugs or alcohol will be allowed while we are camping. It has been our experience that people who drink alcohol become inflexible as well as a danger to others on the trip. In addition, the Supai Community strives to be alcohol and drug free. Come on the trip to enjoy the sights of the Canyon and the company of your fellow trip members.
Itinerary:
Day 1
Meet in Parking Lot V at 7:00 am. Depart from San Diego at 8:00 am. Drive all day making stops in Barstow for lunch and Kingman for dinner at your expense. Arrive Kingman, AZ at dusk, check into motel, freshen up, go out for dinner (at your expense), drink lots of water and get to bed early.
Day 2
Depart motel no later than 5:30am. It is a 2 ½ hour drive and vital that we get to Hualapai Hilltop (trailhead) in plenty of time to drop off gear for mule train. Continental breakfast, pack up and begin the 10-mile hike down into the Canyon. Arrive at the Supai Campground and set up camp, cook dinner, and relax.
Day 3
Spend the day exploring the canyon and the waterfalls. Day hike to Beaver Falls for swimming and lounging
in the sun. Return to Supai Campground for dinner, evening activities and a good night’s sleep.
Day 4-5
Enjoy another two layover days with ample opportunities to explore the area. We will do our best to schedule a Supai Interpreter to visit with our group for a few hours to share some cultural and natural history of the area. Return to Supai Campground for dinner. Relax and get a good night’s sleep for the hike out tomorrow.
Day 6
Wake up early, have a quick breakfast, pack up, and begin the hike out to Hualapai Hilltop. At this time of year it is imperative that we take advantage of the early morning shade. Once we arrive at the van, we’ll load up and drive to Kingman where we will stay at the same motel for the night. Dinner in town at your expense. Rooms are based on double occupancy. If you prefer to room alone, there is a $50 additional per person charge.
Day 7
Wake up early, load the van and drive back to San Diego State University arriving approximately 3:00pm.
Stop for breakfast and lunch on the road.
Phone:
(619) 594-7271
Email:
jim.lustig@sdsu.edu
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