ZION Wilderness Survival School, LLC
HikingwithMike's ZION Wilderness Survival School, LLC conducted its first course in Havasu Canyon in late September, 2003. WOW! What a place to go to school? We opted for this new location to accommodate the desires of a prospective participant. As it turned out, our Instructor, Mike, made the trip with only one student, a woman from Massachusetts. We decided to go ahead with the course as it was our opportunity to explore the Havasu Falls-Grand Canyon environs as well as conduct the course.
Near the bottom of the two-mile switchbacks from the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead.
Mike drove from the Las Vegas Airport to Kingman, Arizona on Saturday, then drove to the Hilltop trailhead Sunday morning. The 8 mile hike down canyon to the isolated Indian village of Supai proved spectacular, yet a bit hard on the knees and soles. The final destination, the campground near Havasu Falls, lay another two miles down canyon.
Instructor, Mike, before beginning the descent. No, the cooler belongs to the Pack Mule guides.
The village of Supai is the only place in the USA where the US mail is still delivered by mule; all supplies are delivered to the Havasupai Indians in this manner. The village is an interesting mix of yesterday and today, and the people of Supai remain a bit suspicious and aloof to visitors. There is a cafe, a lodge and a post office. Mike spoiled himself with a large, thirst-quenching lemonade upon reaching the village.
Havasu Falls - Mike on the way out!
Havasu Falls is a wondrous oasis, complete with terraced natural pools of irresistible waters, and brilliant blue-green hues - due to the travertine rock that abounds in the region. This lush spot draws every visitor to it more than once during their stay. Further down canyon lies Mooney Falls, a prohibited venture for our school due to the relatively dangerous descent and ascent through tunnels and along slippery walls - even the chain and cable handholds can't completely overcome the dangers. The falls, at about 198', are taller than Niagara Falls. The Havasu Creek, which feeds Havasu, Navajo and Mooney Falls, is a year-round water course - the creek originates near Kingman. The Colorado River is about eight miles further down canyon from the foot of Mooney Falls, and is doable in a long, tough day of river crossings and hiking. The Colorado should not be entered - its temperature averages about 50 degrees.
Mooney Falls
The hike in and out is long and mostly dry from May through September. Flash floods are a real danger during the July-August monsoon season, so alertness in the steep-walled river beds is critical.
Hells Canyon - Diamond Creek Canyon region
There is a long, fairly steep series of switchbacks at the start and finish, connecting the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead to the Haulapai Canyon trail. Add total exposure to the sun, and a hot day can be debilitating. Early starts are important.
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