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Grand Canyon – Havasu Falls Hiking/Whitewater Excursion
An unforgettable
hike through the unearthly landscape of Havasu Falls. This trek leads us to a comfortable base
camp next to Havasu Creek. Here you will spend the next few days exploring the depths of this
magnificent oasis before hiking back to the rim for a full day of whitewater on the mighty Colorado.
Type of Trip: Backpacking/Camping/Whitewater Rafting/Helicopter
Lodge: 1 Night (in between the hiking and rafting)
Dates: March - October
Number of Days: 4 – 6 Days
Total Miles: 25-40 depending on the number of days
Elevation Gain Loss: 2400ft
Difficultly: Moderate
Orientation Time: 4pm the day before
Orientation Location: Flagstaff – at our store (1051 S. Milton Ave - Suite F)
Trip Departure: 6am
Trip Return: 7pm
(B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner
Cost:
4 days: $1695* per person - 3 days at Havasu Falls and 1 day rafting
5 days: $1999* per person - 4 days at Havasu Falls and 1 day rafting
* All prices are based on double occupancy.
** Add a $150 supplement for singles or those who want their own room.
***Add a helicopter ride in and/or out of Havasu Falls for an additional $100 per person each way.
~This trip
can be customized around different starting point and times~
If you are looking to add a little whitewater excitement to your outdoor adventure, then this is the
trip for you! Your trip will begin with a 3 or 4 day hiking trip to Havasu Falls (see Havasu Falls
for more detailed information). After exploring the Havasu Falls area and the incredible waterfalls,
you will begin the hike back to Hualapai Hilltop. From the hilltop, you will then travel to the
town of Peach Springs where you will stay overnight at the Hualapai Lodge. After a nice shower,
and dinner you will rise early the next morning to board a bus at 8:00 am to begin the drive to the
bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. Once at the Colorado River, you will now be
treated to a 40-mile stretch of whitewater rafting topped off by breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.
After spending the day rafting and exploring incredible side canyons you will take a short helicopter
ride out of the Grand Canyon and then make the return trip to Flagstaff. After this trip one can
truly say that you experienced some of the best that the Southwest has to offer!
Itinerary - The final itinerary may change due to weather or any unforeseen circumstance(s).
Day One: Depart Flagstaff at approx. 6:00 am for a 3 hour drive to Hualapai Hilltop
where you will prepare for your hike. Hike 10 miles through a picturesque sandstone canyon. You
will stop along the way to enjoy pictographs and spectacular desert flora/ fauna. Also pass through
the village of “Supai” where the Havasupai tribe has been living for centuries within the
Grand Canyon. Upon arrival at the campground your guide will set up camp while you relax by Havasu
Creek. (L) (D)
Day Two: After breakfast, prepare to spend the day exploring. Your guide
will give you the opportunity to explore the three main waterfalls, various side canyons and wonderful
swimming holes. You may also opt to spend the day relaxing by the creek, taking in the spectacular
scenery of the canyon. Whether you wish to spend the whole day hiking and swimming or simply relaxing
in camp, your guide can customize the day to fit your needs. (B) (L) (D)
** If
you were choosing the 4-day hiking trip, your 3rd day would consist of more exploring the Havasu Falls
area. Options include a 6-mile round trip hike to Beaver Falls, or staying closer to camp and
exploring the endless features the area has to offer.
Day Three or Four**: Rise early to begin the 10-mile hike out of the canyon.
Enjoy the hike back to Hualapai Hilltop where you will have lunch and prepare to head for Peach Springs
to stay for the night. Stay overnight at Hualapai Lodge where you will eat dinner and prepare
for your whitewater raft adventure the following morning. (B) (L) (D)
Day Four or Five**: You will eat breakfast at Hualapai Lodge before boarding
a bus at 8:00 am with the “River Runners” company. Your guide will not accompany you
on the river trip portion, instead you will be joining another guided group which will take you whitewater
rafting. The experienced boatmen/women of “River Runners” will be guiding you on a
40-mile stretch of the Colorado River where you will experience thrilling rapids, and memorable views
of the river corridor. Highlights of the river trip include a stop at Travertine Cavern Falls
where you will take a short hike to see the beautiful travertine falls, and a stop at Gneiss Canyon
for a scenic lunch. At around 2:30 pm you will end the whitewater trip with a short helicopter
ride out of the canyon, enjoying a unique aerial view of the Grand Canyon. Upon landing, your
guide will be waiting to drive you back to Flagstaff. (B) (L)
Important Reminders
- All gear including backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles, group cooking items,
and lifejackets will be provided.
- All food including breakfast, lunches, dinners, snacks and sports drinks will be provided.
- You will need to provide your clothing, personal items and sturdy footwear.
- You may bring one small overnight bag that may be left in the vehicle, which will have your clothing
and overnight needs for the whitewater-rafting trip. Due to the space in the vehicles, we ask
that you please do not bring anything more than can fit in the small overnight bag for the whitewater
trip.
- For the whitewater rafting portion of the trip - you will need a swimsuit, comfortable shorts and shirt,
and sandals with a heel strap such as Tevas or Chacos to wear in the water and on the boat. A
hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also highly recommended.
- You will be arriving in Flagstaff approx. 7:00 pm on your last day so plan to either spend the night
in Flagstaff or plan your flight accordingly.
We hope
you enjoy your trip with us. As you are taking the helicopter flight out of the Grand Canyon,
think back on all of the wonders you have experienced from your first glimpse of the incredible blue-green
waters of Havasu Falls, to careening through the whitewaters of the rapids on the Colorado River.
Enjoy this time and know you are experiencing a place like no other on earth.
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