Discover the Small U.S. Town Only Accessible by Helicopter, Horseback, or Hiking!

It’s easy to assume you can access most U.S. towns by car, but that’s not always the case. One small U.S. town in Arizona is only accessible by helicopter, horseback, or hiking. 

The Remote Small U.S. Town Only Accessible by Helicopter, Horseback, or Hiking

Supai, AZ, is one of the most remote places in the United States because you can’t drive there. You must choose between taking a helicopter, riding a horse, or hiking to the small town. 

This town is in the Grand Canyon, which is why you can’t drive there. Many hikers recognize the town as a sign of being close to the beautiful waters of Havasupai. 

While it’s in the Grand Canyon, it isn’t part of the Grand Canyon National Park. Supai is on the Havasupai Tribe land within Havasupai Canyon. 

How to Get to Supai, AZ

It takes eight hours to hike to Supai, or you can take a flight 3,000 feet down into the Grand Canyon. You can also take a horse or mule to make the trek.

Since the town is on Havasupai land, not everyone can gain access. Instead, you must receive a permit to go there that you can only get through an annual lottery. This lottery occurs in February, and only a specific number of permits are available. 

If you receive a permit to visit Supai, you must stay overnight at least once. You can choose from a campground and a lodge in the Havasupai village. 

During your time there, you’ll learn about the history, traditions, and culture of the Havasupai. You can enjoy festivals and gatherings, choose from a few dining options, and buy snacks and essentials. Consider bringing cash because there’s only one place in Supai that accepts credit or debit cards.

Who Lives in Supai

Around 200 people from the Havasupai Tribe live in Supai, AZ. Living there requires following tribal rules and regulations, and visitors should be mindful of and respect their privacy and culture.

Supai has a United States Postal Service office, making it the most remote USPS location in the U.S. Mail is carried to and from the area by mules. If you send mail from Supai, it’ll have a “Mule Train Mail” stamp that you can’t get anywhere else.