Discover Mooney Falls — The Epic, Towering Waterfall Near the Grand Canyon

Just west of the Grand Canyon National Park, there’s an amazing spot that’s been sitting pretty much the same way for more than 100 years — Mooney Falls. The massive waterfall stands at nearly 200 feet high, and getting to this remote spot is a real adventure.

Follow along as we uncover everything you need to know about Mooney Falls. We’ll take a look at the location’s history, trip planning tips, and more. You’ll also learn about the Havasupai people, who have called this place their home for centuries.

What Makes Mooney Falls Special?

There are a lot of falls in the world, so why take the time to visit this one? Here are some of the top reasons Mooney Falls is special:

• Multi-Day Backpacking Opportunities
• Stunning Waterfall
• Turquoise Blue Waters
• Challenging Descent
• Cultural Importance
• Remote Location
• Diverse Plant Life
• Great Hiking Trails
• Campsite Near the Falls
• Wildlife Watching
• Hidden Caves
• Havasu Falls Nearby
• Tallest Waterfall

One of the things that makes Mooney Falls so special is its height. Standing nearly 200 feet high, it’s the tallest of the five Havasupai Falls in the Havasu Canyon. This makes it twice the height of the nearby Havasu Falls, standing at around 100 feet.

Challenging Hike

Getting to these waterfalls is an exciting adventure because they’re hidden away in a remote wilderness. Be ready to climb steep ladders, squeeze through tunnels, and navigate rocky paths with chains. You won’t find running water, stores, or hospitals around, so make sure to bring first aid supplies and know what to do in case of emergencies.

Unchanged for Over a Century

Another thing that makes Mooney Falls special is the way it lets you look into the past. This location looks almost exactly the same as it did over a century ago! Looking at old pictures from 1885 to 1994, it’s clear that water and the plants around it look a lot like they did 110 years ago. Some parts at the top of the falls have lost a little rock, but the waterfall itself still looks pretty much the same.

Even with reports of floods in lower Havasu Canyon in the 19th and 20th centuries, Mooney Falls has surprisingly held its ground over the last century. How is this possible? The answer may lie in the fall’s lucky placement. The wide part of Havasu Creek near the campground and the large pool below Havasu Falls probably helped protect the travertine deposits from erosion.

Where Is Mooney Falls?

Mooney Falls is downstream from the Havasupai campground, about 1 mile downstream from Havasu Falls. The hike from Hilltop to Supai village stretches 8 miles, and the waterfalls and campgrounds are an additional 2 miles from the village.

The Havasu Canyon is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, and it’s managed by the Havasupai Indian Tribe, which has been there for centuries. This region is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls, as well as the isolated Supai Village situated within the Havasupai Indian Reservation. The village is so remote that the United States Postal Service relies on mule trains to handle all their mail, making an 8-mile trek on foot or horseback.

You Have to Get an Entrance Permit

To access the Havasupai Reservation, you need to obtain an entrance permit, which includes your consent to abide by the tribe’s civil regulations and jurisdiction. Reservations typically open on February on HavasuReservations.com. These permits are very popular after and tend to sell out months in advance, so plan ahead.

Check-In Process

Mooney Falls has a check-in process that can take around 10 minutes to complete. The checkpoints are along the hike to Havasu Falls to make sure everyone’s got their permits, check-ins, and entry forms sorted. So far, the process has been a hit, receiving positive feedback for its clear, informative, and timely communication from the Supai tribe.

Here’s how it works: All visitors need to create an account on HavasupaiReservations.com before they arrive and show proof of their account at check-in. Proof includes things like a screenshot or a printout of the account information page. After providing proof of having an account you’ll get wristbands. Everyone has to wear their wristbands throughout the visit.

You can check in as early as the day before your adventure, but no later than noon on the first day of your reservation. The required check-in documents include a photo ID and a printed campground reservation, presented by the designated trip leader.

How to Get There

Getting to Mooney Falls requires a demanding 10-mile hike in each direction because there are no roads leading to the waterfalls. The adventure kicks off with a 4-5 hour drive from either Phoenix or Las Vegas to the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

• Hualapai Hilltop to Supai: 8 miles
• Supai to campground: 2 miles
• Mooney Falls to Colorado River: 8 miles
• Hualapai Hilltop to campground: 10 miles
• Campground to Mooney Falls: 0.5 miles

Hualapai Hilltop serves as the starting point for a journey to the Havasupai Trailhead and the beautiful waterfalls along Havasu Creek. If you’re traveling from the South Rim’s Grand Canyon Village, the driving time to reach Hualapai Hilltop is around 4 hours.

To get there, you’ll first head west from Williams on I-40, passing through Seligman, Arizona, where you’ll transition onto U.S. 66. From there, continue your journey on Indian Highway 18, which will take you 63 miles north to reach Hualapai Hilltop. Before heading out there, remember reservations are mandatory before entering the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Make sure to plan ahead.

How Tough Is the Hike?

Hikers need to be in good physical shape, stay well-hydrated, and be ready to deal with extreme heat. Things are especially trying during the summer when temperatures can reach up to 115 degrees. If it gets too hot, they close the trails into Supai to keep people safe.

Anyone who’s made the trek will tell you, hiking to Mooney Falls is tough. It begins with steep zigzag turns, called switchbacks, where you’ll climb 1,800 feet in the first 2 miles. From the Hualapai Hilltop, you’ll follow the Havasu Falls Trail into the Grand Canyon. The first 6 miles to Supai are relatively easy compared to the initial steep turns. From Supai, it’s another 2 miles to get to the campground.

Set aside at least four hours for the hike down to the campground so you can take in the scenery. As you make your way to camp, you’ll pass by three beautiful waterfalls: Fifty Foot, Lower Navajo, and Havasu Falls.

No Day Trips Allowed

Since day trips aren’t allowed, you should already have experience with multi-night backpacking trips before taking on this adventure. All reservations for visiting Mooney Falls are for 4 days and 3 nights.

Remote Location

There are no public health facilities in the village and trained emergency rescue teams are not available. In the event of an injury, evacuation may take hours, and costs are the injured party’s responsibility. Brush up on your first-aid skills and have an emergency plan in place.

Where Will You Sleep?

Most visitors choose to camp at the Havasu Falls campground. It’s a great location, with plenty of room for everyone. Once there, you have the freedom to choose whatever spot you want, as long as it’s within the designated camping area.

Fresh drinking water is accessible from a spring in the campground, but you shouldn’t drink directly from it. For safety, it’s recommended to treat or filter any other water sources. There’s also composting toilets available throughout the campground, offering an environmentally friendly waste management solution.

As for gear, you’ll need to bring everything you need. If you prefer not to carry your gear, there’s an option to hire a pack horse for an additional fee.

Supai Village: Lodge Accomadations

There is also a lodge available in the village of Supai, approximately 2 miles from Havasu Falls. However, it’s worth noting that the lodge has limited amenities and doesn’t provide food service.

Can You Take a Helicopter to the Supai Village?

Yes, you can take a helicopter to the Supai Village. But you’ll still have to hike 2 miles to explore the falls. The quick 15-minute ride typically only costs $85 per person, one way. Helicopters depart from the Hualapai Hilltop and head to Supai.

Rides are never a guarantee since you can’t book your flight in advance. To catch a ride, you should arrive at Hualapai Hilltop and sign in before 10 a.m. Then you’ll have to wait to see if there’s availability. Tribal members receive priority boarding, while for tourists, it’s first-come, first-served.

Don’t Photograph the Supai Village

Absolutely no pictures or videos are allowed inside Supai Village or of tribe members. This rule is in place to help respect their privacy and way of life. Visitors and hikers must respect the tribe’s prohibition on taking pictures or videos within Supai Village, including the property and tribe members.

You won’t have to worry about when you can or can’t take photos. It’ll be obvious. Signs along the Havasupai trail clearly mark when you are in Supai Village, serving as a reminder of this rule.

Safety Tips: Hiking Mooney Falls

Stay on the path! The trail may not be clearly marked, so you’ll have to be careful to avoid venturing into unfamiliar side canyons.

Hike Early in the Day

Summers in this area can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s wise to hike during the cooler parts of the day, apply sunscreen, wear sunhats, and schedule regular rest stops in the shade to stay safe and comfortable.

Never Hike Alone

Don’t hike Mooney Falls by yourself. It’s best to arrange to travel with a big group, or at least an experienced party. Once on the path, be sure to not venture off from your group either. Staying together is crucial, especially if the weather starts acting up.

Avoid Monsoon Season

Be aware of the monsoon season from late June to August, which brings a high risk of flash floods. Watch for rain, and dark clouds, and be prepared to climb to high ground if needed.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Hiking to Mooney Falls often means dealing with blazing hot weather. If you’re not careful, you could fall victim to different types of heat sickness.

Be vigilant and watch for signs of dehydration in yourself and others. Signs can include things like feeling dizzy, irritable, or light-headed. If you suspect you’re dehydrated or overheating it’s time to take a break. Find a shady spot, drink some water, and rest your body. As you do you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the Havasu Canyon.

What to Bring

What should you pack for your trip to Mooney Falls? Here’s an overview of the essentials you’ll want on your hike:

• Chapstick with SPF
• Bathing Suit
• Water Reservoir
• Sunglasses
• High-quality socks
• Snacks (jerky, nuts, energy bars)
• Camera
• Day Pack
• Headlamp
• Knife
• Towel
• First Aid Kit
• Map and Compass (or GPS)
• Whistle
• Insect Repellent
• Sun Hat
• Moleskin

Bring lots of water! There isn’t any water available on the trail. Carry at least 1 gallon of water per person for the hike.

As for footwear, bring sturdy, closed-toed, shoes or boots, and make sure they’re supportive. The sturdier the shoe the better, since it’ll protect your feet from sharp rocks. Also, consider bringing water shoes or rubber sandals, especially for sections in the water. Other items to bring include extra high-quality socks, moleskin, band-aids, and first-aid ointments for foot care. High-quality socks that use merino wool can help prevent blisters.

Finally, practice, “Leave No Trace”. Keep Mooney Falls a great place for everyone to visit. Pack out all trash, including food, to help preserve the beautiful environment of the canyon.

Exploring the Havasupai People and Supai Village

Legend has it that the Havasu canyon walls possessed a supernatural power to open and close at will, like massive, crushing doors. When these walls closed, they’d trap anyone inside, killing them instantly. However, according to legend, the walls opened just for the Havasupai people, allowing them to pass through to their homeland.

The Havasupai people call themselves Havasu ‘Baaja, which means “people of the blue-green waters.” This name reflects the beautiful mineral-rich pools of water found at the base of the waterfalls along Havasu Creek, which flows through the Havasu Canyon. Anthropologists estimate the tribe has inhabited the Grand Canyon for at least 800 years.

For the Havasupai, each layer of the Grand Canyon carries deep significance, representing various seasons and uses of the rocks. For instance, they use the red rocks as pigments in their celebrations and ceremonies. The rich color strengthens their bond with the Grand Canyon and protects their skin from the sun and weather.

In the summer, the Havasupai cultivate crops and tend orchards in Havasu Canyon, also known as Cataract Canyon. During the winter, they hunt for game and gather resources along the rim and plateau. They’ve also made their mark on the Grand Canyon’s landscape by creating numerous paths that have now become popular hiking trails. There’s also the amazing communities they’ve established at sites like Indian Garden, now officially known as Havasupai Garden.

Wildlife in the Area

You can relax when it comes to bears during your hike to Mooney Falls, but there are several other animals to keep in mind. There are numerous mammals like coyotes, ground squirrels, and foxes in the region, who won’t think twice about snooping around your campground. Make sure to store your food in containers that critters can’t access, and if you come across any wildlife, remember to maintain a safe distance from them.

Here’s a look at a few of the animals you might see:

• Desert Bighorn Sheep
• Kit Fox
• Western Pipistrelle Bat
• Kangaroo Rat
• Desert Spiny Lizard
• Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
• Desert Cottontail Rabbit
• Gila Monster

Desert bighorn sheep are some of the largest animals in the region, with some rams weighing up to 250 pounds. These amazing animals feature horns that continuously grow, year by year, without shedding. Hikers need not fear bighorns, as long as they maintain a respectful distance.

What Birds Will You See?

Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is a birdwatcher’s dream, with 318 bird species to spot. Peregrine falcons frequent the Topock Gorge area, where they dive at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour between the cliffs.

Here are a few of the birds you might see:

• California Condor
• Vermilion Flycatcher
• Canyon Wren
• Cooper’s Hawk
• Black-throated Sparrow
• Bald Eagle
• Western Grebes
• Clark’s Grebes
• Summer Tanager
• Yellow-billed Cuckoo
• Ash-throated Flycatchers
• Bell’s Vireos
• Abert’s Towhees
• Gambel’s Quail
• Greater Roadrunners
• Peregrine Falcons

Head over to Topock Marsh and Beal Lake, and you might catch Western and Clark’s grebes dancing on the water or nesting in the plants by the shore. In the dense summer thickets, you’ll find yellow-billed cuckoos, and in the upland desert areas of the refuge, you might spot a roadrunner zipping by!

Who Was Mr. Mooney?

Mooney Falls is named after a real person. In 1879, Daniel W. Mooney set out on a journey to seek his fortune in the Grand Canyon region. He staked one of the earliest mining claims in Havasu Canyon after discovering lead and silver deposits deep within the canyon.

Desiring more valuable deposits, Mooney and his three partners ventured downstream, only to be met by a massive, unnamed waterfall and a daunting cliff. Facing this obstacle, Daniel Mooney proposed a daring plan: he would rappel down the sheer cliff. Drawing upon his experience as a former sailor, Mooney believed he had the skills and knowledge to carry out this descent. Unfortunately, he was wrong.

On January 20, 1880, Mooney, with a rope secured at the top, was lowered by his companions to the base of the waterfall. The rope was either too short or broke causing him to fall approximately 100 feet to his death. In honor of Daniel W. Mooney, the waterfall was subsequently named “Mooney Falls”.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Juancat/Shutterstock.com