Arizona's Havasu Falls Closed Due to Flash Flood — What to Know

27.08.2024 - 17:02 / travelandleisure.com

Arizona's Havasu Falls has been closed to visitors until further notice after a flash flood caused «extensive» damage.

As a result of the flood, the trail into Supai as well as to the campground and falls are impassable,according to the Havasupai Tribal Council.

“Therefore, the Council has made the difficult but necessary decision to close Havasupai to tourists until further notice,” the tribal council said in a closure notice. “The Tribal Council’s focus is the health and safety of the tribal members and those that provide services in Supai.”

On Monday, the tribal council set up sites to deliver donations of needed supplies, including cleaning supplies like mops and cleaning sprays, drinking water, non-perishable food, and food for dogs, cats, and horses. Monetary donations are not being accepted. Drop-off locations include the front desk of the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, the Grand Canyon Trust, and Ceiba Adventures.

The falls, which are located in Northern Arizona on the Havasupai reservation, are constantly at risk for flash floods, according to the National Park Service. The area experienced flood damage in 2018, 2019, and 2022, and the NPS said “immediate closure of the canyon is possible at any given time” when people visit. 

Havasu Falls first reopened to tourists in February 2023 after a nearly 3-year-long COVID-19-related closure. The area similarly experienced severe flooding just prior to that opening, which destroyed several bridges and trails at the time.

The falls wow visitors with their red rocks and a blue-green pool, and are considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and one of the most amazing places to visit in Arizona.

When it does reopen, travelers who want to visit Havasu Falls will need to obtain a permit and book a campground or lodge reservation on HavasupaiReservations.com. The tourism season runs from February through November.