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Havasu Canyon, 3rd, 4th and 5th of July 2006

Photos: Hualapai Hilltop to Supai Village

From the parking lot at the top of Hualapai Hilltop the trail starts to descend the canyon with dreaded switchbacks, however, these were not so bad.  The switchbacks were wide, not too steep, relatively smooth, and not very long; we didn't even use our sticks to relieve pressure from our knees on the way down.  On the way up a few days later we started early enough so that we where able to climb the switchbacks in complete shade.

Near the bottom of the switchbacks the trail was wide enough to accommodate a car and very flat.  It also featured interesting rocks.  Note Em's lack of a pack.  She chose to have a mule carry her gear.  Funny, he's called Poobie.

This is a shot looking at Hualapai Hilltop from the bottom of the switchbacks (which you can't see).  The Hilltop is the lower plateau on the right, if you look closely you can see a helicopter about to land.

Emily and I were both surprised at the large number of mule trains that where headed up as we went down.  Em estimates that we saw 10 convoys with 6 to 10 mules each, always with a Supai villager on a horse heading up the rear.  If the mules were not carrying anything they were often trotting up the canyon.  Unlike Phantom Ranch mules, these were never tethered together.

As we were hiking down a helicopter was zipping back and forth with packs, people, supplies, trash, and luggable loos!  While checking in down at the village we were told it cost $85 for a one-way ride out of the canyon and $75 for a one-way horse ride out.

Two shots of the trail between the switchbacks and the creek featuring Poobie.  Note the small pack for 2 people for 3 days and 3 nights.

This was the first water we encountered, just minutes before the trail joined Havasu Canyon and creek.  I splashed some of the tadpole laden water on my face and forced Em to do the same.

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