Episode 017 How to Have an Amazing Hike to Havasupai

Is hiking to Havasupai in the Grand Canyon on your bucket list? Come join your host, Lisa Andrews, as she talks with Adam Dibble all about ways to create a successful hiking experience to Havasupai. We talk all about getting there, the hike in, cool things to do in the Supai Villiage, food suggestions, waterfall destinations, where you should camp and so much more. If you haven't considered hiking here, you will likely be adding it to your travel wish list by the end of this episode.

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“I’ve traveled and hiked all over the world and Havasupai is definitely the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.”

— Adam Dibble

Show Notes

Getting a Havasupai Permit

You need a permit that you can only apply for on February 1 of every year. https://www.havasupaireservations.com/

This site is very much improved over the old phone-based system. Go get registered now, sign up for their newsletter, and check out their Facebook group. The tribe provides all of the information you need to get your permit.

ALL campground reservations are 3 Nights / 4 Days.
$100 per person per weekday night
$125 per person per weekend night (Friday/Saturday/Sunday nights)
These prices include all necessary permits, fees, and taxes.
This means that a 3 Night / 4 Day stay will be a total of between $300 and $375 per person (depending upon how many weekend nights are included).

DON’T BUY RESALE. NOT LEGAL TO DO SO. THERE IS A CANCELLATION PROCESS.

Beginner Backpacking Tips

What should go in the backpack? What size of backpack do you recommend?

Try and borrow one, unless you’re making a big commitment to hiking.

Go to REI’s website for advice on how to select a backpack and what to put in it. Better yet, go to REI or another outdoor outfitter let them get you fitted.

REI Expert Backpacking Advice

Weekend (1-3 nights; 30-50 liters)

Efficient packers using newer, less-bulky gear can really keep things light on 1- to 3-night trips by using a pack in this range.

REI Pack Weight Checklist

A loaded backpacking pack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. (If you weigh 150 pounds, your pack should not exceed 30 pounds for backpacking.)

Lots of online recommendations on what to bring. Again, I like REI’s list.

REI Backpacking Checklist

Key Items to Pack for Backpacking

Moleskin - blisters can ruin a trip - take care of your feet.
Good river sandals like tevas. I did all of my hiking once in the canyon in a sturdy pair of sandals.
Rain poncho or lightweight rain jacket - especially in Monsoon season.
Collapsible water bucket! ~$15. 2 or 3 gallons. Super helpful on this hike to carry water from the spring in the campsite.
Nalgene water bottles or water system of your choice
Lifestraw ~$20. Used this instead of lugging water around during days 2 and 3 in the canyon.
A book. A deck of cards. A little battery-powered lantern. Evening game time!

YOU CAN MAIL YOUR PACK RIGHT TO THE VILLAGE!

Adam’s Food Suggestions

If you’re going to eat dehydrated food - try them before you go so you take only those flavors/meals that you like! Don't get stuck down in the canyon with something you don't like and don't want to eat. Have a party with your group before the hike at your home where you all sample the freeze dried meals, make sure you know how to operate the backpacking stoves and talk about the hike!

Breakfast ideas:

Day 1: Eat in the car on the way - load up with fresh food
Instant oatmeal
Hot cider
Freeze Dried food like Mountain House Breakfast Skillet
Dried fruit
Last day: Granola bars to maximize hiking time. Daylight’s burning!

Lunch ideas - Keep it simple with no prep:

Jerky
dried fruit
fig bars
energy bars
nuts.

Dinner ideas:

First night: Fresh fruits and vegetables. Artisan loaf of bread. Fancy sausages and cheese. Homemade cookies or brownies.
Another night: Find the Frybread stand at the mouth of the campground or go into the village for fry bread meal.
Packaged meals, pasta, instant rice, ramen noodles, instant soups and sauces, instant stuffing, instant potatoes, and tuna. Consider bringing along some favorite spices (onion and garlic powder, basil, oregano).

If you are looking for a useful reference guide with great tips for beginning backpackers, be sure to check out this article from Outdoors Generations.

This week’s episode is sponsored by Airbnb. We love booking accommodations through Airbnb when we travel. Use THIS LINK to take $40 off your first Airbnb stay.

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