Packing List: Havasu Falls
Intro
You did it! You’re going to Havasu Falls! After getting the reservation, figuring out your packing list is the next biggest task — especially if you’re packing in and packing out without using mules or a helicopter (like we did!) A twenty-mile round trip hike is already no joke without a heavy backpack, so you will want to be extremely thoughtful about everything you take for the 4 day/3 night reservation.
Are headed to Havasupai and need help figuring out what to pack? Keep reading!
Weather
Check the forecast before you go! We went in March where the highs were in the low 70’s and low’s were in the 40’s at night. We needed a jacket and layers for the cool evenings. There was also rain in the forecast, so we made sure to bring protective gear to keep ourselves and our things dry. (Real Talk: We saw many people camping that did not come prepared for the rain i.e. only brought a hammock to sleep in! I can imagine their experience was a little more stressful/wetter than ours.) Winters are cold and summers are hot! Again, check the forecast before you come and pack accordingly.
Luggage
Rebecca brought her Osprey 65L Pack and I brought my Osprey 50L Pack. I was honestly glad that Rebecca had an extra 15 liters for us to utilize (we needed it to accommodate for her camera), but you may be fine with less room depending on the season and how lightweight your items are. Rebecca also brought a small daypack that she was able to roll in her big backpack that was helpful for the small day hike to Mooney and Beaver Falls.
Documentation
Copy of Campground Reservation (or a screenshot)
Driver’s License
Picture of your car’s license plate
Credit card and cash
There is a cafe in the village if you want to grab food before you hike into the campground. You will want cash to buy the amazing fry bread that is served at the top of the falls!
Hiking
Headlamp (especially if you’re starting the hike at 5am)
We didn’t drink the full 3 liters we brought since we were hiking in cool weather, but I can imagine in the summer, you will want as much water as possible.
Camping Gear
This was the tent we brought and it is NOT a lightweight tent. If you have the option, bring something as light as possible.
Campsite Necessities
If you’re flying in, you’ll need to buy the fuel there. We bought a 100g canister at REI on our way out of Vegas.
Camping mug
We found that this was big enough for drinking water as well as cooking.
Knife
You’ll want band-aids or moleskin for any blisters you get.
Real Talk: You are warned that critters at the campsite are relentless while trying to eat your food (even going as far as biting through your tent!). The next few are specific for camping at Havasupai to keep your food safe.
Cord and carabiners (to hang your food bag from a tree)
Everything we read indicates that the water at the campsite is safe to drink, but we treated our water with these drops just in case.
Extras (if you have room)
Deck of cards
Outer Layers
Light jacket or pullover
This was important in the evenings when it was chilly.
We brought this little jacket in case it rained… It definitely rained and we were soaked through.
Real Talk: I’m typically an overpacker (you have to be prepared!), but I couldn’t be for this trip since everything was adding weight to my back. We bought 4 of each big item (tops, bottoms, socks, and underwear.) You can bring more or less based on your preference and packing situation.
Tops
T-shirts and/or tank tops
Most of mine were Dri-FIT (workout material) since we were hiking and they don’t wrinkle as much.
Swimsuit
Bottoms
Athletic leggings or hiking pants
Athletic shorts
Underwear
Feet
Hiking shoes/boots
Rebecca did the hike in boots and I did mine in my workout Asics because I didn’t want the added weight of my heavy boots. I did slightly turn my ankle on the hike down but not enough to hurt myself. Go with your preferred hiking footwear here.
You will want sandals to wear around the campsite, but you’ll also need something waterproof to hike to Beaver Falls because you’ll need to cross through water at least 3 times. Honestly, my Chacos gave me incredibly painful blisters/rubbed my feet raw enough that did not make the hike out fun.
Personal Items
Sunglasses
Dry bag
We put Rebecca’s camera in this on our day hike to Beaver Falls.
Medicine: Advil/Tylenol, Pepto Bismol
Toiletries
What we brought in personal sizes:
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Deodorant
Make-up remover wipes
Chapstick with SPF
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Technology
Phone charger and portable power bank
Headphones
Food
Real Talk: We purchased some food to bring with us (more specialized we didn’t think we could get at a grocery store) and also stopped at the Walmart in Kingman, Arizona on our drive to the trailhead.
Packed
Just add hot water and you have yourself a cup of coffee to start the day!
Hydration assistance
We brought these (Liquid IV packets/Nuun tablets) to add in our hydration efforts. My favorite flavor in the Nuun tablets is the Strawberry Lemonade.
Purchased there
Gallons of water
There is no water at the trailhead, so we bought these to fill up our reservoirs/water bottles before and after hiking.
Ramen
Mac and cheese
Summer sausage
Cheese
If you bring cheese, you need something that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. We went with Babybels.
Wheat Thins
Trail mix
Protein bars
Tortillas
Ziploc bags (to pack in food and to pack out trash)
That’s it!
I hope this is a helpful list for your trip to the Havasupai Indian Reservation! Do you have any specific questions? Leave a comment or question below!