How to Get a Permit to Visit Havasupai & Havasu Falls

If you’re reading this, then you know what’s at stake. A chance to see the dessert oasis that sits in the middle of the Grand Canyon. Havasu Falls is the most talked about waterfall which is actually just one of five in the area. The aquamarine waters flows through 5 waterfalls and sit on Havsuapai Indian Reservation which is run by the Havasupai Tribe.

The reservation no longer allows any day hiking. A permit is required. Although it is a little pricey, I would say it is well worth it for the experience. By having a permit, they also limit the number of people there at one time which just makes sense so everyone can really enjoy the grounds. So please do yourself a favour and plan ahead!

Permits are only available from February to November with approximately 300 people on the campground at a time. Almost the entire season's permits are sold out within hours for 2018 when permit sales started February 1, 2018 at 8:00 AM Arizona Time.

Reservations to stay at the Lodge in the village (8 miles from trail head) include permit. (Contact: 928-448-2111 or 928-448-2201)

Step One – Plan Ahead

Pick a few dates that work for you incase the one you originally wanted isn’t available. Keep in mind permits are non-refundable and non-transferable but you can include two names & total number of guests.

The helicopter is available but not every day! If you feel you might need to take advantage of using the helicopter service, make sure it’s running on your dates. On the days the helicopter is running, it starts from 10am to 1pm, with priority given to local residents & supplies. It runs non-stop every 20 minutes until everyone is accommodated. The flight is less than 10 minutes.

March 15 to October 15: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday

October 16 to March 14: Sunday, Friday

It costs $85/ each way with additional charge for payment by card and they also take just your backpack for $20-25 each way. The flight leaves from Hualapai Hilltop, and drops you off in Supai Village 2 miles from Havasu Falls Campground.

Step Two - Be On Time

2019 has not been announced just yet. SOOO many people have been disappointed so don’t be one of them and get ready to book at 8:00 AM Arizona Time for next year. There's even articles explaining that this is the reason people are taking time off for February 1st!

Step Three – Book the Permit

You can get the permit at the official website https://www.havasupaireservations.com or call Havasupai Tourism Office at (928) 448-2121. We have found that it is easier to book through the website because the phone line gets extremely busy.

Step Four – Double Check the Total

When booking, be careful to select the correct number of nights & check the total cost adds up to the number of day you want. For example, two nights = three days. A lot of people have accidentally booked one day less than originally wanted because of this.

Permit Cost (2018 Price Increase)

One Person, 2 Days / 1 Night: $140.56
One Person, 3 Days / 2 Nights: $171.12
One Person, 4 Days / 3 Nights: $201.67

Additional costs: All weekend nights (Friday, Saturday, Sunday), holiday nights, and spring break dates will be charged an additional $18.33 per night. These include Feb. 19, May 28, July 4, Sep. 3, Oct. 8, Mar. 5-8, Mar. 19-22

Step Five – Additional Dates Released

Now you’ve done everything humanly possible to wake up on time, but somehow you couldn’t get the permit! I’ve noticed some additional dates get released after and are announced on Havasuapai Facebook Group. Plus sometimes large group make reservations for the permit but people drop out. Those extra spots in their reservation are also announced on Facebook.