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HAVASU CANYON

Diana O'Brien
March 4, 1999
I have been to Havasu Canyon three years in a row, camping, tho the last time was in 1993--not long after the last big flood tore out many of those beautiful terraced pools. We're going back again this summer, and I found your website. Very good info! Informative, descriptive, helpful. Your page "About Us" says you welcome all suggestions. For your Havasu site, I'd like to suggest that the following brief information could be additionally helpful:

Groceries in the store are not only "slim pickins," they're correspondingly expensive. Bring extra money if you plan to buy most of your food in the store.
Food in the restaurant is good, but a VERY limited selection (lot of fried things, as you already pointed out), and it's also expensive. For campers who think they'll eat in the village, it could also be important to note that the campground is two miles from the village, not next door. (I think you mention that indirectly, but it could be important enough to point out specifically--from experience!)
You say there are "no facilities" at Hilltop. However--at least as of 1993--there are a couple pit toilets. They're primitive, but it's still important to many people to know they won't have to squat 'behind' their car when nature calls!
Point out that the first mile that drops steeply into the canyon consists of a series of switchbacks, so people won't think they'll have to lower themselves by tree roots or a rope ladder, etc, to get down. My friend had the latter idea before we went the first time and almost refused to go until she saw the switchbacks.
Important to note that there is fresh spring water (potable) available free and plentifully in the campground, so you don't have to pack ALL your water in, just enough for the hike.
Finally, might mention there's a great trail (marked in boy scout fashion) from the campground to the Colorado River about 8 miles away...lots more georgeous waterfalls and scenery on the way! Very nice day trip, out & back. However, anyone wanting to go on this trail has to descend a steep trail--segments of which are chain ladder/stairs bolted/carved into the cliff face--in order to get to the bottom of Mooney Falls first, then on to the rest of the trail. Still, any average, healthy hiker can do it, as long as they're not squeamish about heights or challenging trails.
Under related books, there's another good one I read called "Havsuw 'Baaja: People of the Blue Green Waters" by Stephen First. Contains a wealth of history on the native population!

Thank you for allowing me to make these comments. Good job! --diana o'brien