Tucked away in Arizona’s vast Grand Canyon landscape is a breathtaking hidden oasis that is known for its turquoise waters and roaring waterfalls. Located on Havasupai Indian Reservation, Havasu Falls has quickly become a bucket list destination for travelers who want to amplify their Grand Canyon adventure. There’s more to this waterfall than its stunning turquoise waters though. The people of the Havasupai Tribe pull their energy from the land, and they consider the surrounding area and its waterfalls to be sacred. They use this energy for strength and rejuvenation, and, lucky for us, have chosen to share this energy with the public. With several falls to choose from, paradise is but a few miles of hiking away. What are you waiting for?

Havasu Falls Photo by Steven Smith via Flickr Creative Commons

Uncover these hidden gems

In a desert landscape such as this, these blue hues are truly a marvel. The fact that the Havasupai people have enjoyed and utilized the land for more than a millennia is even more amazing. In fact, Havasupai literally translates to “people of the blue-green water.” Havasu Falls is just one of five waterfalls along the Colorado River that acquired their vibrant color from underground limestone caverns that saturated the waters with minerals. That mesmerizing color didn’t happen overnight though. It took years — 30,000, to be exact — of mineral treatments for those beautiful hues to appear.

Havasupai Falls Photo by Jon Roig via Flickr Creative Commons

It's worth the effort (trust us!)

The Havasupai Reservation is home to distinct Southwestern orange, rocky plateaus and many Southwestern canyon landmarks like The Great Thumb, Long Mesa, and Tenderfoot Mesas. Its alluring landscape is enough to make any outdoor enthusiast jump at the chance to visit, but make no mistake — this trip is not for the novice hiker. Visitors are required to tackle a 10-mile hike to reach the five Havasupai Falls and another 10-mile journey back to the Hilltop Parking lot. Havasu Falls is the third of five spectacular waterfalls you’ll find along the path and is the closest to the campground. For those craving more, local companies offer guided hiking and camping tours through the canyon. Hikers can follow the eight-mile trail to the Colorado River. Either way, try not to think about the trip back — or you’ll never want to leave!

Havasu Falls, Supai, Arizona by Reannon Muth via Flickr Creative Commons

How to do it

Day hikes are not an option for this route. Instead, visitors with permits must plan for an overnight backpacking adventure and to stay at the nearby campground. Once they’ve braved the 10-mile journey in the grueling Arizona heat, visitors can take a dip in the crystal blue pools and explore the surrounding area. Please note, this land is considered sacred and deserves respect. Cliff jumping, littering, and hiking at night are not permitted. Following the rules will help to ensure that this beautiful landscape can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come.