Grand Canyon Backpack Havasupai Indian Lands  "... It is through the rocks and the waters that the ancient ones speak to us. The rocks of Wigliva are said to be the guardians over the village. The night to day transition represents our own transitions in life. We begin in ignorance and innocence. We go through stages of introspection, wisdom and illumination.  If our center of focus is on giving, as the free-flowing waters, we will gain clear vision as the Eagle."  Unknown author, from a painting in the Village of Supai

For over 700 years the Peoples of the Blue-Green Waters have made their homes in one of the most remarkable canyon landscapes. The Village of Supai is situated in a virtual canyon paradise detached from the outside world by a 6-mile hike to Hualapai Hilltop and a 62-mile drive to U.S. Route 66. Those willing to make the effort necessary to venture into this land are sure to come away moved by its beauty and spirituality and inspired to a clearer vision.

In April 1998, Troop 688 hiked into Havasu Canyon for our Spring Break outdoor adventure. The group of 15 was challenged by the terrain (in particular the final mile back to Hualapai Hilltop), and thrilled by the scenery and the adventure. We explored the caverns, swam in the refreshing waters, weathered spring showers and a morning's frost, and scaled a cliff face to get within a few feet of a thundering waterfall.
 
 

	Approximately 2 miles beyond the Village is a truly breathtaking site. Havasu Falls cascades over cliffs draped in limestone travertine and into a clear aquamarine pool. The area of the falls is perfect for relaxing under the shade of the surrounding trees or an invigorating swim in the cool water, or just standing in the mist of the falls while marveling at their spectacular beauty.     The weather for our trip couldn't have been better. Even the rain showers the first evening in camp only served to send the weary hikers off to their tents early for a welcome rest. The warm sun shone through by mid morning opening the many possibilities for adventure. Mine shafts punched into the quartz vein 30 feet above the canyon floor intised and had to be explored. Farther up the side canyons were vertical rock crevasses sculpted smooth from centuries of flooding. Back in camp menus were crafted into hearty and mostly delicious meals.                                  Pools Below Havasu Falls
Havasupai Links  Havasupai Tribe Home Page  Grand Canyon Havasupai Page  Wilder Walk Trip Description  April 1989 Trip  An Other Trip Description  More Pictures of the Canyon	Havasupai Creek picks up its spectacular color from the calcium carbonate in the waters. These minerals are deposited as limestone travertine building up over the ages into the pools and cliff edifices.

 

Mooney Falls                       Mooney Falls is on the far down-stream (northern) end of the campground almost three miles from the Village. Getting to the bottom of the falls requires a serious and treacherous climb down a trail literally cut into and through the travertine cliff. After passing through two small tunnels, the final descent is a 30-foot vertical drop aided by two anchor chains imbedded in the rock face.  A chilling swim across the pool where the boys found a ledge which they inched across to get within a few feet of the falls. The torrent of wind and spray created by the cascade was staggering. Diving into the pool from the protected ledge, the current quickly carries you back across the pool, but not before an ominous look straight up from under the 190-foot column of water.            The hike out of the canyon was planned with an early start to have breakfast at the cafe in the Village. That in its self was a great treat. Imagine a home style breakfast served on the far end of a half-day hike with no dishes to do or trash to pack out. Properly fortified, the group made the final six miles out of the canyon, including the 1,100 foot climb up to the cars, in under 4 hours.

The spectacular landscape of Havasu Canyon is something none of us will ever forget. It's a fantacy-type dream world. Just knowing it's there is gratifying. Carrying away our memories of this great adventure gives each of us a special connection to this place shared by The People of the Blue Green Waters.

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