Alternate routes, Havasupai falls

[ljm9304]

Looking at the topo map I see a dirt road that runs along the top of long mesa to the west of the normal route, does anyone know anything about this? What is it used for and has anyone ever hiked this in? I've been to havasupai a few times and I am looking for a different approach.

[Al_HikesAZ]

Don't get your hopes up until you check with the Tribe. You are on their Sovereign Territory. I would suggest going to Peach Springs and talking with them. You might be able to "hire" a guide for a large sum of money. Don't get caught on their land without appropriate permission. They don't like that.

[azbackpackr]

I agree. You can get an old out-of-print guidebook that shows all sorts of trails leading into Supai, and also a lot of trails to the rim, etc., from Supai. But they don't want you on those trails. My pals got caught one time trying to hike up to the rim from the cemetery that is between Supai and Havasu Falls. They were lucky not to have to pay a fine.

[jkern15674]

I have spoken with the tribe on this subject and because of different sacred sites the only route is the main trial from hilltop or if you are in the GC you can hike up from the river. Harvey Butchart has documented many "routes" into the canyon from both the East side and West sides.

[azbackpackr]

Re-reading this I see I mentioned that cemetery. That is where a large number of campers ended up waiting for the helicopter this week, according to an interview I saw on TV with one of them. When you are walking down the trail, that cemetery is on your left as you're approaching the top of Havasu Falls. There is a trail to the rim from there.