Waterfalls of Havasupai
Our Canyon's allure is the blue-green waterfalls that captivate and enchant many people around the world. These waterfalls are located beyond the village and can be seen and heard as you hike down to the Campgrounds.
Major Changes
Major Changes have occurred since August 2008 when a significant flash food swept through the canyon (thankfully, no human lives were lost, and all stranded residents and visitors were rescued.) It is natural for the falls to change over time, as evidenced by the ancient crests lining Havasu and Mooney falls.
The beautiful blue-green water tumbles over five major waterfalls. The first fall was created during the flood of 2008, is temporarily being referred to as "New" Navajo Falls (located 1 mile from the village). A quarter mile downstream is the other new fall Mother Nature created with her flood waters is Rock Falls (also a temporary name.)
About another half mile brings you to Havasu Falls, which has also been changed by the flood. Havasu Falls' crest, is now flowing out of the right side of the previous slightly higher crest. Havasu Falls still provides excellent swimming and photo opportunities.
Mooney Falls (another mile from Havasu falls at the far end of the campground) suffered the least change, but the pool was filled with silt. An artificial wall has been put in place and already it is being calcified and covered by travertine.
It is natural for the falls to change over time, as evidenced by the ancient crests lining Havasu and Mooney falls. The pools will regain their previous shapes, as the process repeats itself as it has been doing for millennia.
The water temperature of about 70 degrees remains relatively constant throughout the year. It's high mineral content and carbonate precipitate account for the pools and natural dams. The in-frequent floods repeatedly destroy many of these natural dams, but day by day and year by year they are constantly being reformed.
Nature Recreates
The floods of August 2008 destroyed Navajo Falls, and as nature has a habit of doing, created two new falls, temporarily and unofficially referred to here as Rock Falls and New Navajo Falls. Official names will be published here as soon as the Tribal Council officially names them.
The beautiful blue-green water cascades over three major waterfalls: Navajo (located 1.25 miles from the village), Havasu (another .25 mile) and Mooney Falls (another mile). The water temperature of about 70 degrees remains relatively constant throughout the year. It's high mineral content and carbonate precipitate account for the pools and natural dams. The floods of some years ago destroyed many of these natural dams, but year by year they are being reformed.
When water percolates through the limestone layer it picks up high concentrations of carbon dioxide. This, in turn, can dissolve carbonate rocks in the groundwater. Once out of the ground and the water is not longer pressurized, the carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, allowing the dissolved calcium carbonate to precipitate to form striking travertine benches.
Havasu Falls |
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| Havasu Falls plunges 100 feet into a pool of blue-green waters.One of the most photographed waterfalls in the world. After the flood of Aug. 2008, the entire flow now follows the right channel. | ||||
Mooney Falls |
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| The highest and most majestic, Mooney is a roaring thunderous falls that drops about 200 feet. Access is only possible by climbing down a narrow ledge - CAUTION this trail can be slippery from the waterfall spray! | ||||
Beaver Falls |
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| Beaver Falls is a series of cascades at the conflux of Beaver and Havasu Canyons. Four miles beyond Mooney on a rustic trail that crosses the creek several times, quiet and secluded. | ||||
The New Waterfalls |
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Rock Falls* (*=Unofficial name) |
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| Rock Falls* was created during the flood of August 2008, in which Navajo Falls was destroyed. | ||||
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New Navajo Falls* (*=Unofficial name) |
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| New Navajo Falls* was created during the flood of August 2008, in which Navajo Falls was destroyed. | ||||
The Extinct Waterfall |
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Navajo Falls |
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| Navajo Falls was destroyed in the flood of August 2008, when the creek created Rock* and New Navajo* Falls. | ||||
