Havasupai, Grand Canyon: Hiking, Waterfalls, Camping, Caverns, River Rafting!!!!
Monday, October 17, 2016 6:00 AM to
Have you ever wanted to hike down to those infamous waterfalls on the Reservation on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon? Well, here’s your chance!
We will caravan and carpool up Monday morning (if you plan to river raft on Tuesday) or you will go up with the other caravan Tuesday morning if you’ll only be going to Havasupai. We will share all transportation expenses (and need volunteer drivers), explore the Grand Canyon Caverns on a walking tour 21 stories underground (or upgrade to a spelunking tour). For the spelunking tour, it provides a full jumpsuit, helmet, headlamp, guide, and a chance to see parts of the cavern not visible on the regular tour. There will be a choice of 2 sections to explore. The second was not open last year for us to explore. Ladders, ropes, climbing, and rabbit holes are required obstacles. Claustrophobic individuals are not recommended to do this upgraded adventure tour.
We will spend the night in the G.C. Caverns Inn (near Peach Springs) Monday and/or Tuesday night, river raft Tuesday for the day, and hike into the Canyon Wed morning. Continental breakfast is included at the Inn. The caverns have a room the size of 2 football fields, and it’s always 56 degrees down there!!!
http://gccaverns.com/tours-activities/caverns/
It is a 10 1/2 mile hike so everyone will need to be prepared for the adventure. A horse can be rented to take you down, but they are not cheap (over $200.00 r/t). The helicopter may not operate on the days we are hiking. We will camp 3 nights in the Canyon, along Havasu Creek. The lodge may have space. Please check with me for that. It will be priced for double occupancy so if you don’t want or can’t find a roommate, the cost will increase.
The beautiful and unique blue-green water gets its color from a mineral called Travertine. Since we are camping, you can partner up with one of our travelers to share camping and cooking gear to save on costs, extra weight, and add to the fun. Pack mules are included with this trip so you can put together a duffel bag with 30 lbs of gear per person. They will weigh the bags. You’ll just need to carry down a day pack with food, water, camera and essentials. If you don’t have camping gear, you have the option to rent, buy or borrow. We’ll talk about that before the trip.
We will have the opportunity to hike down to the Colorado River, where rafters will be floating by or stopping for a look at the magnificent Havasu Creek and waterfalls. Everyday, we can swim, jump, and dive in the pools at one of the amazing waterfalls down there (at your own risk, of course). Our campsites will also be along the creek between Havasu Falls and Mooney Falls. There are caves to explore (if you are prepared for it), time to relax, photographic opportunities are endless, and the beauty of the canyon will inspire you. You can bring a hammock instead of a tent, and tie it between 2 trees. Your choice! There is a fresh water drinking spring near the campsites so filters and purifiers will not be needed.
Come join us on our second trip all the way into the Canyon. There will be a trip mixer for everyone to meet and discuss partnering up, group meal ideas and planning, packing lists, sharing gear, camping suggestions, etc. Date TBA
Start breaking in your hiking shoes/boots now. You will have dozens of blisters if you wear new footwear on this trip. If you can hike Picacho Peak all the way up and back, you should be prepared for this hike. No alcohol is permitted on the reservation in any form. You can be fined and/or arrested. This includes wine and beer, not just spirits.
Trip Includes:
1 night hotel (double occupancy) at the Caverns and a continental breakfast
45 minute walking cavern tour (2-3 hour upgraded tour is $60/person extra)
Entrance Fee into the Reservation
3 nights camping fees
All taxes
Reservation Environmenal fee
Roundtrip packmule rental
Price for rafting extension and extra night hotel TBA
Not Included:
Roundtrip car transportation (I need volunteer drivers)
Meals
Camping gear
Cost:
$299/person (double occupancy)
Single Occupancy for hotel: $50 extra/night
Upgraded Cavern Tour: $60 extra
Deposit: 50% due within 1 week of rsvp. Final due on or before Sep 1
Let’s Go!!!
All monies are non-refundable. Signed waiver required from each participant.