You’ve been scrolling through Instagram when all of a sudden you’re transfixed by alluring turquoise waters surrounded by red cliffs. But getting a Havasupai permit to see them in person? Not so easy.
After navigating the Havasupai Reservation system myself and being thoroughly confused, I put together this guide so you don’t have to navigate multiple pages. It was honestly stress-inducing. 😬
This post has everything you need to know about getting a Havasupai Reservation so that doesn’t happen to you. Instead, everything you need to know is written in one place. Now, you can plan your bucket list adventure without the aggravation. So, read below for the adventure of a lifetime.
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How to Get Your Havasupai Permit
Havasupai Permit Quick Facts:
🎟️ Required for all visitors (no day hikes)
💸 Cost: $455 per person (3 nights / 4 days)
🏕️ Options: Campground or Lodge in Supai Village
🥾 Hike: 10 miles one way to the campground
🗓️ Permit Sale Dates: Pre-sale in February, Regular sale in March
🌸 Best Time to Visit: Spring or Fall
🔗 Reserve at: havasupaireservations.com
Why You Need a Havasupai Permit
Due to the popularity of the area, Havasupai has its own permit system. Permits are required to enter the Havasupai area and they are sold incredibly fast!
Campground reservations are $455 for three nights per person, while Havasupai Lodge reservations are $2277 per lodge room, which fits up to 4 people for three nights.
Now, these may sound incredibly pricey (and they are), but I can tell you from my experience that it was so worth it. I have never been to a more magical place and I will be thinking about it for years to come.
Havasupai also has reservations, because they want to make sure people are prepared. The hike to the Havasupai campground is no joke. It’s about 10 miles each way with a steep descent at the start and a tough climb out at the end. Most people start early to avoid the heat and give themselves plenty of daylight.
I’m going to help you get a permit, so that you get the chance to visit this amazing place!
When do Havasupai Permits Go On Sale?
Havasupai permits have two different sale periods: the pre-sale and the regular sale.
Pre-sale begins on February 1st and during that time, you can enter for a few proposed dates. So, you will choose three different dates that you’re free. Once the pre-sale sign up has ended, then they will assign you one of the dates that you chose.
We did the pre-sale the year that I went and it worked really well. So well, that my husband and I accidentally both secured permits for two different dates. So, we just cancelled one and committed to the other one.
Regular sale starts in March. During that time, you can select the dates you want to go and then see if they have availability.
How to Register on the Official Havasupai Website
Okay, so now you’ll need to prepare for the reservation launch. One of the biggest tips that I can give you is to REGISTER ON THE HAVASUPAI WEBSITE IN ADVANCE!
Only one person in the group needs to register before the sale, but you will be the “Trip Leader.” This person must go to the Tourist Check-in Office and check in with a valid photo ID.
If you are worried about any changes, you can also add a “Potential Alternate Trip Leader.” That way you can transfer the reservation to them for check in if you need.
Here’s how to register:
- Go to https://www.havasupaireservations.com/
- Create an account before February 1st
- Add your payment details into the system
- Log in 15-30 minutes before reservations go on sale (remember that Arizona & Havasupai do not observe daylight savings time
Tip: Once you’re on the website, you are in the queue. Do not refresh or get off the page!
How do Havasupai Reservations Work?
Havasupai reservations can seem complicated, but it’s not as bad as it seems. So, these are the basics of what you need to know:
- One person is the Trip Leader and signs up for the whole group
- All permits are for 4 days & 3 nights, you cannot change this
- Havasupai permits cost $455 per person
- Pay in full immediately to secure your spot
- After you’ve signed up, you must have everyone in the group make a profile on the Havasupai Reservations website before going on the trip
- Check in at Grand Canyons Caverns Inn before driving to the trailhead
💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t use your permit, list it on the Havasupai Transfer System. You’ll pay 10 %, but it lets someone else take your spot and recoup most of your money.
Best Time to Visit Havasupai
Havasupai is only open from the spring through the fall, which means that snagging a permit in the first place feels like you’ve won the golden ticket.
But that being said, the best time to visit the magical waters of Havasu Falls are the spring and the early fall. During these times of year, the weather is perfect with mild temperatures and the water is flowing.
In the summer, this area sees a lot of huge rainstorms, so you run the risk of monsoons or flash flooding ⛈️. There have been some incidents were people have even had to be evacuated from the campground.
But that being said, no matter when you go, you will be incredibly enchanted by this miraculous landscape.
What if You Don’t Get a Permit
If you don’t get a permit during the pre-sale or regular sale, do not fret. All hope is not lost.
Luckily, there’s a Havasupai transfer system on their website. So, once you’re registered on the website, you can simply check here every day for Havasupai cancellations. They post them at 8 am Arizona time and are listed in chronological order.
The best way to secure one of these permits is to simply check in daily and have some flexibility in when you can go! I have tons of friends who have used this system and snagged last minute permits here.
I also recommend joining the Facebook group, so that you can stay on top of possible cancellations there as well.
What to Do After You Get a Permit
OOnce you’ve secured your Havasupai permit, it’s time to plan the details. First, confirm your reservation on the official website. Then figure out a few key things:
Havasupai is remote, so getting there takes some coordination. Most visitors fly into Las Vegas (about 5.5 hours away) or Flagstaff (about 2.5 hours away) before driving to the trailhead.
To get an early start on the first day, stay somewhere nearby. The Grand Canyon Caverns Inn is about 90 minutes from the trailhead and also where you’ll check in before your trip. It’s basic but convenient.
Once your logistics are set, start training and gathering your gear so you’re ready for the adventure ahead.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Waiting until after February 1st to register on the Havasupai Reservations page
🚫 Not double checking all of your info/friend’s info before signing up
🚫 Trying to visit without a permit
🚫 Your friends forgetting to sign up on the Havasupai Website before you go
🚫 Booking flights before you confirm your reservation
🚫 Forgetting that Arizona time doesn’t change for daylight savings
Final Tips on Getting a Havasupai Permit
It takes a bit of perseverance and patience to get a Havasupai permit. But once you’re swimming through the refreshing turquoise waters with the sun beating down on you, you’ll realize it’s all worth it.
So, make sure to plan ahead, register before hand, and collect all your details so that you will be all set.
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this guide or have any questions!
👇 Need more help planning your Havasupai trip? Explore more below:
📍 Pin How to Get a Havasupai Permit (I Got you Covered!) to Pinterest
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