Supai

It's a challenge to get to Supai—and it probably isn't your final destination. Make the eight-mile trek or fly more than 3,000 feet into the Grand Canyon's depths to reach the village of Supai. There are a few things to do in this town in the Grand Canyon, and one of the world's most beautiful environments is just a bit further away.

A "feet" to get here

Supai lies within Havasupai Canyon on the lands of the Havasupai Tribe, which encompass land both above and below the rim of the Grand Canyon; however, do note that Supai is not part of Grand Canyon National Park. To be granted access, you'll need to be lucky enough to secure a highly coveted permit to Havasu Falls via a lottery held once annually, usually in February. Permit in hand, getting to Supai requires an eight-mile hike, riding by horse or mule, or taking a helicopter ride.

What to know

Supai is home to one of the most remote United States Postal Service locations and is the only place in the US where mail is still carried out by mules. A favorite, but simple souvenir is to mail a postcard from Supai, which stamps mail with a unique "Mule Train Mail" stamp.

The community is home to just about 200 people, who accommodate thousands of tourists every week, shuffling through their village to reach the waterfalls. (Note: Residents are not tour guides, entertainers, or hosts. They're locals, so please be respectful of tribal rules and regulations and always respect their privacy and customs.)

Between Supai and the Havasupai Campground beyond, you'll pass Navajo, Rock and Havasu Falls. Just beyond the campground is Mooney Falls. If you're extra ambitious, you can continue hiking about three miles to Beaver Falls, and six miles more from there to reach the confluence of the Colorado River.

In town

Visitors are required to stay at least one night. You can either camp at the campgrounds (four-day/three-night permits only) that are two miles from Supai or stay at the Havasupai Lodge in the village. Learn more about visiting Havasupai in this guide. Wherever you're resting, you've come all this way. Why not poke around a bit?

The Havasupai Museum of Culture educates visitors on the history, culture, art and traditions of the Havasupai. The museum also puts on annual festivals that visitors are welcome to enjoy, including the Havasupai Peach Festival in August and the Grandmother Canyon Gathering in the fall.

Dining

There are a handful of dining options in Supai. Another pro tip: Bring cash. The Sinyella Store is the only spot in town that takes credit cards, and has a minimum spend of $10—but the frozen Gatorade after a tiring journey is worth every penny. You can also stock up here on snacks such as potato chips, canned goods and other essentials. Appreciate the selection, as it's not easy to get supplies in Supai! The Sinyella Store also serves food, including Supai Tacos (a hearty meal that's wrapped in frybread) and burgers. Both the Sinyella Store and the Havasupai Tribal Cafe's breakfast burritos are recommended fuel if you're headed back up to the trailhead.

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