Beaver Falls: The Crown Jewel of Havasupai
If you hike all the way to Supai and miss Beaver Falls, you might miss the soul of the canyon. With river crossings, chains, ladders, cascading waterfalls, and beauty flooding every step, this hike is pure adventure — and one of my favourites.
The trail to Beaver Falls features everything we love about Hiking in Havasupai: stunning turquoise water, lush greenery, inviting swimming holes, and adventure at every turn.
Whether you’re stopping at Beaver Falls or pushing all the way to the Confluence, the hike is more technical and demanding than the main trail into the campground. This part of the canyon is quieter, more rugged, and often more unpredictable- depending on the weather and the water levels.
Note: Because this hike is within the Havasupai reservation, access is only possible with a valid permit for Havasupai.
Pack Smarter. Hit the trail prepared.
🥾 Free Havasupai Packing List
This free packing list includes backpacking essentials, gear recommendations, and practical tips to help you pack confidently for Havasupai and Arizona’s changing conditions.
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Where Is Beaver Falls and Why Is It Special?
Beaver Falls From the Top of Mooney Falls
Distance: ~11.2 km (7 mi) return
Elevation gain: ~150 m (500 ft)
Time needed: ~3-5 hours plus swimming time
Difficulty: Moderate (due to ladders, river crossings, and route-finding)
River Crossings: 3–4 each way
Typical Water Depth: Mid-calf to waist-deep, depending on conditions
AllTrails Map
Beaver Falls is approximately 3.5 miles downstream from the base of Mooney Falls and can affect how difficult your overall Havasupai trip feels.
- Known for its multi-tiered travertine cascades, lush vegetation, and turquoise pools.
- Offers more tranquility, fewer crowds than Havasu Falls, and a deeper canyon atmosphere.
The Trail to Beaver Falls
The hike begins by descending through the ladders, chains, and the tunnels of Mooney Falls. The descent into Mooney is adventurous and not for the faint of heart, but it is 100% doable and worth the effort!
⚠️ Safety Tip: Take your time, wear grippy shoes and gloves, and use both hands- this descent is serious, especially when wet!
The descent can look and feel scary, but it is completely doable! Our group had a couple people that are scared of heights and were worried about the descent, but they all made it down and loved their time at the bottom.
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re scared of heights- Face the ladder and get someone to go before you that can guide your steps down the chains. Having someone tell you where the footholds are so you don’t have to look down is clutch!
The trail to Beaver Falls begins immediately to your left after you descend the ladder at Mooney Falls. We got distracted taking photos and wandered off-trail at first, which led to an extra — and totally unnecessary — river crossing. Eventually we found the proper path, but it’s easy to miss it if you’re caught up in the drama of Mooney. Keep left, and you’ll save yourself some backtracking.
Once you’re on the trail, the adventure ramps up. You’ll encounter three to four river crossings, and their depth depends on the season and recent rainfall. In general, expect the water to range anywhere from calf- to waist-deep — refreshing, but something to be prepared for.
🌿 Things to Keep in Mind:
- Some crossings involve balancing on wet logs or rocks, while others require wading directly through the water. The current is usually gentle, but good traction is essential.
- I wore Teva Omnium sandals with CoolMax toe socks for the entire hike, which gave me solid grip and no blisters — though I did have to stop a few times to shake out sand.
- Women’s Teva Omnium
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada - Men’s Teva Omnium 2 / Keen Hyperport H2
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | REI - CoolMax toe socks
👉Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada
- Women’s Teva Omnium
- Trekking poles can help, especially on slick or uneven creek beds.
- Hiker Hunger Trekking Poles
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada
- Hiker Hunger Trekking Poles
Additionally the trail included some scrambling and ladders. The scrambles weren’t too difficult, but there were a couple times when it was helpful to ditch the trekking poles to have both hands available for climbing.
This was our favourite part of the canyon and where Havasupai most felt like the kind of place that lives up to everything you hope it will be—and where you start to understand whether the experience is truly worth the effort.
Along the way, you’ll pass several smaller travertine cascades that might trick you into thinking you’ve reached Beaver Falls. We stopped at a few of these spots to swim and cool off in the creek, and they were perfect little detours for soaking in the moment.
📌Pro Tip: Be on the lookout for wildlife. You might get lucky and spot a bighorn sheep along with squirrels, butterflies, lizards, tree frogs, songbirds etc.
There are a few markers along the trail letting you know you’re still on the right path. About halfway, you’ll cross a Plywood bridge, and you’ll find a “halfway” sign just to your left.
When you finally reach Beaver Falls, a wooden sign will confirm you’ve made it. You’ll first catch a view of the falls from above — a stunning series of terraced pools spilling over travertine ledges. From there, it’s a short walk followed by a descent down a couple of ladders to reach the base. At the bottom, you’ll wade through a shallow section of the creek to find a dry, comfortable spot to drop your pack. Then settle in for a well-earned afternoon of swimming, exploring, or simply soaking it all in.
Total time estimate: 4–6 hours round trip with time to relax.
Arriving at Beaver Falls
Your first glimpse of Beaver Falls is from above — a dreamy series of travertine tiers with turquoise pools tucked between each cascade. It feels like stumbling into a hidden water park sculpted by nature.
There are three main swimming areas, each forming a level of the falls. Off to the left, you’ll find a small dry area where you can set down your gear. Space is limited, so arriving early helps if you want a good spot.
Natural waterslides connect the pools, and there’s a popular jumping spot to the right where people often leap into the upper tier. However, it’s important to note that the Havasupai Tribe officially forbids jumping from canyon walls. You’ll sign a waiver at check-in agreeing not to jump — so while tempting, it’s best to respect the rules and protect both yourself and the land.
Many people say Beaver Falls is the highlight of their Havasupai adventure- and it’s easy to see why. The falls are absolutely enchanting, and the invitation to splash, swim, and explore this natural playground is impossible to resist. Beaver Falls captures everything we love about Havasupai: fun, beauty, and pure adventure, all wrapped into one unforgettable place.
🔥 We Use This: Food Thermos
Before you hit the trail, prep a hot lunch and pack it in a high-quality food thermos. After hours of hiking, there’s nothing better than opening your pack to find a warm, ready-to-eat meal waiting for you.
They are lightweight, durable, and keep your food warm for hours.
👉🏾 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | REI
The hike to Beaver Falls is different from the rest of Havasupai—not just in distance, but in what it asks of you. Between river crossings, exposure, and the added mileage, the small details start to matter more.
The Experience Changes With the Seasons
The experience of hiking to Beaver Falls can look very different depending on when you visit. Water levels, temperatures, and even how the creek feels to cross can all shift throughout the season—sometimes more than people expect.
A day that feels like a fun, refreshing adventure in one month can feel far more demanding in another, which makes when you visit Havasupai an important part of how you plan this hike.
Start Early
Beat the heat, avoid crowds, and give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy the falls.
Wear water shoes with grip
Opt for hiking sandals or water shoes with good traction — toe socks can help prevent blisters and add comfort for long miles in wet shoes.
Pack Light but Smart
Knowing what to bring—and what you can leave behind—can make a difference to how you experience the day.
- High-energy snacks
- Electrolytes help replace what you lose through sweat and can help prevent dehydration, cramps, and fatigue. Always keep some on hand.
- Liquid I.V. – Great taste, strong electrolyte profile
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada
- Liquid I.V. – Great taste, strong electrolyte profile
Sun Protection
- Hat
- Sunscreen
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada - Sunglasses
- Lip balm with SPF
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada
Bring a Water Filter
Havasu Creek is your water source — a lightweight filter lets you stay hydrated without hauling liters.
- Katadyn BeFree 1.0L with Activated Carbon Filter (Best for individual use)
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | REI - Platypus 4 L Gravity Filter (Best for larger groups)
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | REI
No Cell Service Past Mooney Falls
The top of Mooney has inconsistent signal at best — once you descend, you’ll be completely off-grid.
- Download your AllTrails or offline map beforehand
- This trail isn’t always obvious, especially at river crossings and forks — having a GPS track helps.
- Consider a satellite communicator
Cell service is extremely limited once you enter the canyon. A satellite device allows you to text family, communicate with your group, and reach emergency services if needed.- 💰💰 Zoleo
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | REI
✅ Affordable, reliable, easy-to-use, SOS and check ins
❌ needs a phone for messaging - 💰💰💰 Garmin inReach Mini
👉 Buy at: Amazon USA | Amazon Canada | REI
✅ Lightweight and feature-rich with SOS and tracking doesn’t need a phone ❌ more expensive
- 💰💰 Zoleo
Respect the Havasupai Tribe’s guidelines
- ❌ No drones
- ❌ No camping at Beaver Falls
- ✅ Pack out all trash (including toilet paper) and follow Leave no Trace principles
- ✅ Always leave wild places better than you found them
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip Beaver Falls
Beaver Falls isn’t just a destination — it’s a reward. After miles of hiking, river crossings, ladders, and canyon turns, you arrive at a place that feels both playful and sacred. The terraced pools, turquoise water, and jungle-like surroundings make it one of the most magical spots in Havasupai. This trip is a core part of your Havasupai experience that you don’t want to miss.
But more than just a beautiful swimming hole, Beaver Falls is a reminder of why we venture deep into wild places: to feel small beneath canyon walls, to laugh in cold water, and to connect — with the land, with others, with ourselves, and above all, with the One who creates such unparalleled beauty for us to experience. If you’re blessed to hike to Beaver Falls, take your time. Swim. Rest. Give thanks for blessings beyond measure.
