This was a fantastic hike.  The only way it could have been better was if these new boots had not given me blisters.  This summer I said that Crater Lake National Park was the prettiest place I had been.  Crater Lake has now been reduced to number two because the waterfalls in Havasu Canyon are simply stunning and easily deserving of my number one ranking.  Our trip highlights were:

• The trail is easy once you get below the first mile.

• The absolutely gorgeous waterfalls:  Mooney Falls, Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, and Beaver Falls.

• The wonderful campground by the blue-green waters of Havasu Creek.

     If you are doing this hike, I have the following recommendations:

• As far as Grand Canyon trails go, this trail is easy.  Once below the first mile, it is almost level.  You will not need hiking poles.  However, it is eight miles from Hualapai Hilltop to the Village and two more miles from there to the campground.

• Consider using the pack horses for your gear, making this just a long day hike.  Another alternative is to use the helicopter. 

• While staying at the Lodge in the Village is an option, it makes for a rather longish day hike to Navajo Falls, Havasu Falls, and Mooney Falls and almost rules out a hike to Beaver Falls.  We thought our campground experience was one of the best parts of our hike.

• Be sure to bring Tevas and a bathing suit.  Gloves are helpful when descending and climbing the steep tunnels and chains at Mooney Falls.  This descent-climb is very steep and does require some hand to toe climbing.  It is not for the faint of heart.  We found it considerably easier going up than it was going down.

• Dogs from the Village and Ravens scavenge for food, so bring some kind of food protection measures if you camp out.

     I am looking forward to completing another section of the Tonto Trail when in two days I hike solo down the Hermit Trail to Monument Creek, east on the Tonto to the Bright Angel Trail, and then out. 

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