ALL visitors must have proof of their account (a printout or screenshot of their Account Information Page), proof of their Campground/Lodge reservation (a printout of the Campground/Lodge reservation that they are visiting under), and their photo ID available at all times while on Havasupai lands.
ALL vehicles must have their Campground/Lodge reservation confirmation code visibly displayed through the front windshield on the passenger's side at all times while on Havasupai lands.
When visiting, it is your responsibility to be prepared to hike with all of your gear the 8 miles between the trailhead and the Lodge and back again. It is an 8 mile hike with very significant elevation change between the trailhead and the Lodge. Consider this to be strong encouragement to pack and travel light.
If you bring something onto Havasupai lands, you are responsible for also bringing it back off of Havasupai lands - do not leave ANYTHING behind.
Be sure to bring:
- A printed copy of the email confirmation of your Campground/Lodge reservation.
- Write down (or take a photo of) the license plate number of your vehicle that is parked at the trailhead - you will need it when you check in.
- Your government issued Photo ID.
- Your health insurance information.
- Your sense of wonder and adventure!
We also recommend these top 10 things to bring with you on your visit:
1) A Bear Canister and Odor-Proof Bags for Food and Trash Storage
Small wild critters (mice, squirrels, etc) will try to get to your food and trash (and anything else with an odor), even if it means chewing through your pack or tent. ALL such items must be stored in odor and rodent proof containers.
ALL visitors must protect their food, trash, and everything with an odor, at ALL times.
The only 100% effective method of doing this is for each visitor to bring and use a bear canister (available for rent or purchase at many outdoor gear retailers and also via online stores).
While there are NOT any bears in Havasupai, there are plenty of other critters that will be relentless in their attempts to get into your food and trash..
YOU are responsible for not letting them do so.
Do not feed ANY animals when visiting Havasupai.
ALL food, trash, and everything else with an odor should ALWAYS be kept in Ziploc Freezer Bags or, ideally, in odor-proof bags. This is to cut down on the odor, keep your food and trash separate and organized, and also keep your bear canister clean.
ALL unattended food and trash bags should be kept in your bear canister at ALL times in a secure location OUTSIDE of your tent.
2) Trekking Poles
Many people find that trekking poles make a huge difference on the hike in and out. The downhills are much more stable and easier on your knees - and the uphills are much easier as well. They are also rather helpful to have if something goes wrong and you need to hobble back out of the Canyon.
3) Phone Charger
Many people use their cell phones as cameras. If that is your plan, you may wish to put your phone into "airplane mode" to save battery - and also bring a way to recharge it such as an add-on battery pack or solar charger.
4) Headlamp
Headlamps make it easier to get to the bathroom at night and get a pre-sunrise start to avoid the peak heat of the day. Ideally use the red beam on your headlamps at night (red light does not mess up night vision), carry your headlamp in your hand pointing down at the ground while in the campground (to not disturb other campers), and keep any lighting at your campsite to a minimum so as to let yourselves and others enjoy the night and the night sky.
5) Water Filter
There is drinking water available in the Village and from a freshwater spring in the campground. All other water should be treated/filtered before using. And to be extra safe, please consider filtering all water.
6) Food (stove not necessary!)
You can eat very well while camping without needing the complexity of a stove or carrying any extra weight on the hike. Many foods are easy and nutritional with no preparation or extra complexity. Be sure to try them at home before your trip. Freeze-dried meals are very light to carry since all the water weight has been removed - and many freeze-dried meals are delicious and nutritious just by adding cold water (no stove needed!)
7) Tent and/or Hammock and Sleeping Pad
Lightweight backpacking gear is recommended for ease of use.
8) Backpack to Carry Your Gear In and Out
A good fitting comfortable backpack makes the trip much more enjoyable. And if you choose to use the Pack Mule Service, many people find it helpful to protect their backpack by putting it into a duffel bag. Waterproof bag tags are also a very good idea.
9) Hydration Day Pack
A day pack is a convenient and comfortable way to carry water and essential gear when you don’t need a full backpack.
10) Sunscreen
In the dry desert air, you will often get much more sun exposure than you are used to - so consider long sleeves, long pants, and a sun hat or, at the very least, be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen!