Hiking the Havasu Canyon trail

Three thousand feet beneath the rim of the Grand Canyon, the 5 waterfalls of Havasu Canyon are a nearly impossible blue-green shade that even Crayola couldn’t hope to match. One of the most incredible outdoor adventures in the States—whether you decide to hike, ride a horse, or take a helicopter to the falls—the strenuous 8-mile trip between Hualapai Hilltop and the water forces you to earn the spectacular views that await. Once in the canyon, a dirt trail will take you over two small bridges to turquoise swimming holes and waterfalls that reach up to 200 ft high. For at least the last 800 years, the Havasupai (people of the blue-green waters) tribe has lived here and cared for the falls and land around them. When you visit, keep in mind that this isn’t just a tourist destination—it’s a place central to the identity of the Havasupai people.