The Climb Down to Mooney Falls: How Scary is it?

You finally scored those elusive Havasupai permits, congrats! Now you’ve probably heard about the “terrifying” hike down to Mooney Falls 😬 and you’re wondering… How scary is it really?

Well, I’ve got you covered. I tacked this hike with my husband that has a debilitating fear of heights. So, I can give you a real honest take on what to expect and how to conquer it.

If you haven’t booked your Havasupai reservation permit yet, start with my Havasupai camping guide to learn how the reservation system works.

Now that you’ve made it here, I’ve got you covered with all the details about the Mooney Falls hike. I’ll walk you through what to expect, how to mentally prepare, and then get into logistical details for your hike. Let’s get ready for an adventure!

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Mooney Falls Trail Details (Havasupai Arizona)

Mooney Falls Hike At a Glance

🥾 Distance from Campground: ~1ish miles each way
📍 Location: Havasupai Reservation, Arizona
⛰️ Elevation: 250 Feet
✨ Type: Out and Back
🕚 Time: 1-2 hours
💪🏻 Difficulty: Hard (chains, ladders & slippery sections)

What is Mooney Falls in Havasupai?

Mooney Falls is one of the iconic waterfalls in the Havasupai Reservation area. This area is known for the gorgeous turquoise waters that flow over crazy red cliffs.

While getting to the Havasu area is a trek in and of itself, the hike down to Mooney Falls can be the most challenging part for many individuals. In order to get down to the bottom, you’ll need to hold onto chains and walk down slick ladders.

If you’re scared of heights, this may be really nerve wracking and treacherous. But let’s talk more about it.

Is the Mooney Falls Hike Scary? What to Expect

You’re going to hate me for this… but it truly depends on the person!

My husband is afraid of heights (but a well seasoned hiker) did this part of the trail with no issues. He felt confident walking down the ladders and didn’t pause at all.

Honestly, I felt a little more nervous then him with the wet foot holds. So, I took it a little slower, but overall I went down without a problem.

That being said, I’ve heard of other friends saying they almost didn’t make it down because they were so petrified. So, I’ve broke it down for you further with the details, so you know exactly what to expect!

Mooney Falls Trail Breakdown

Here’s what you can expect from the hike down:

• Upper Descent on Cliffs: First, you’ll get to the cliffside which has switchbacks and some narrow areas with steep cliff drop offs.
• Cave Tunnels: Then, you continue through a couple of caves that can be dark, but are short. So, unless you are super claustrophobic you should be okay. If you get nervous use your phone flashlight or a headlamp.
• Chains & Ladders Section Finally, the scariest part is the chain and ladders section at the bottom.
  • This area gets covered with the powerful mist of the falls, so it gets very slippery. I recommend wearing gloves and facing the cliffs.
  • From there, you will hold onto the chains as you descend before continuing on the steep 60 ft ladder section. Just remember you will have to go up the same way.
• Base of Mooney Falls: Finally, you’ve made it to the Falls and can rejoice. Give yourself a pack on the back. The hardest part is over! You can either stay and swim at Mooney Falls or continue on a longer hike to Beaver Falls.

Important Tips for Hiking Mooney Falls

🎟️ You will need reservations for Havasupai to get to Mooney Falls. You can read about that at my guide to camping.

⛈️ The summer can bring flash floods, make sure that you can get to high ground and read the weather in advance!

🍃 As always, it’s critical to protect the environment and keep the Havasu area nice for future generations. So, always follow all Leave No Trace Policies.

⚠️ Safety Tips for Mooney Falls

• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip
• Face the cliffs when descending & ascending
• Bring gloves with rubber palms for the chains
• Wait for others to clear sections before continuing on
• Don’t attempt during heavy rains
• Put your phone and electronics in a dry bag

Best Time to Visit Mooney Falls

If you’re asking about the best time of YEAR to get a Havasupai Reservation. Then, the answer is either in the spring or the fall.

During this time of year, the waterfalls are beautiful, the weather is pleasant, and temperatures are perfect 🤩. My husband and I got to visit in April and we spent the whole weekend swimming in the falls and enjoying the sunshine.

Havasupai closes during the winter, while the summer is oppressively hot and can bring huge rainstorms with risks of flash flooding.

Now, if you want to know the best time of DAY to visit Mooney Falls. Then, it really depends on what you want! The early morning is especially quiet with no crowds and you can have the whole space to yourself.

But, even later in the afternoon we found that Mooney was very quiet with other visitors spending their time at other falls. So, we had the water to ourself to swim at like 4 pm!

One of the best parts of camping at Havasu is being close to the falls. So, I recommend sitting above Mooney Falls to watch the sunset. There’s no better show in the area. We did this twice on our trip!

Packing Guide for the Mooney Falls Hike

Mooney Falls is just a short hike from the Havasu campground, but you don’t want to take it on without preparing. Due to the slippery rocks and wet chains, I recommend that you wear shoes with good grip and bring gloves as well.

Although, you may be able to pick up a used pair, as tons of people leave them behind along the trail (don’t do this though, that’s not leave no trace!).

Plus, if you want to spend time in the water, don’t forget a swimsuit and a towel! 💦

Packing List for Mooney Falls

• Comfortable Hiking Boots
• Water Shoes
• Day Pack
• Hiking poles
• Rain Jacket
• Gloves for Traction
• Water Reservoir
• 1 Liter of Water
• Snacks and Food
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• First Aid Kit
• Sunscreen
• Hammock
• Bug Spray
• Satellite phone
• Camera Clip

Final Tips for Conquering Mooney Falls

Okay, now that you’ve read all the information, the decision is in your hands.

But, there are a few ways you can mentally prepare for the climb down to Mooney Falls. Take gloves and grippy shoes with you, make a back up plan in case you don’t make it to the falls, and take your time!

It’s really helpful to go with a friend that can help you get down and soothe you if you get nervous at all. I really believe that most people who make it to Havasu can make it all the way to Mooney.

Good luck and happy trails!

Let me know if you enjoyed this post or have any questions in the comments!

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