Is there a way?

[pahiker]

We did the standard backpack trip in the GC this year (S.Kaibab to BA campground, then up BA the next day). We wanted to do the Havasupai Falls as well, but could never get them to return a call or an email. But, this got me wondering, is there a trail (or set of trails) to go from the BA campground to the HF campground? Anyone know?

[Jim]

No, too far, and not NPS lands.

[pahiker]

Thanks. That's what I thought (last part). Distance not really a problem.

[Jim]

I mean the distance between the reservation's campground and facilities and the NPS lands is too far. No offense, the distance may not seem like a problem, but that is not a corridor trail area with water stations, lots of other hikers, and so on, so it is really too far. Look at the Grand Canyon Unleashed Map. There is a great amount of rugged, completely off trail, and more than likely little to no water distance west of the South Bass Trail.

What you write about, is better suited as a river trip, not a backpacking trip.

[pahiker]

I understand what you're saying, and I accept your expertise. Water, et al, is why I was asking about the possibility. Distance, off-trail hiking, etc, is not a problem, have done lots of that. Water, however, is a problem. Thanks.

[The_Eagle]

I quickly through together a route on named trails / Indian Roads with only about 3 miles of off trail hiking

87 miles 13k AEG - See Below

http://hikearizona.com/map.php?MY=11948&M=3

[pahiker]

Eagle, I thank you for the time and effort to put this together, but, as Jim said, the water is going to be the issue. Unless there are water sources available, it's not going to be a go. I'm assuming there are no reliable streams along the way.

[chumley]

I'd also say that your original problem is still a problem:

We wanted to do the Havasupai Falls as well, but could never get them to return a call or an email.

Regardless of how you get there, you still need to make a reservation, get a camping permit, and pay those exorbitant fees.

Unless you are planning on a 180-mile out-n-back from Grand Canyon Village, you would also need to set up a shuttle to get you when you get out from Havasupai. Simply stated, this route is not a viable option.

The simple 3-hour drive from GCV to the Hualapai Hilltop TH to Havasupai is by far the easiest, safest, and most pleasant way to experience it.

[pahiker]

Agreed, we were just looking at it as an adventure hike, like we do back in the east. We were planning on having two cars and doing a shuttle trip. Contacting them is still a bugger, not sure just what the problem is. Obviously it's possible, since others do it. Maybe just calling / emailing at the wrong times.

[chumley]

For an "adventure hike", I would recommend the Arizona Trail. The whole thing or any portion thereof. Established routes, trailhead access points, known water sources, etc.

A single overnight, or a month on the trail, you can put together some serious butt-kickers in some incredibly scenic landscapes.

Map of segments here: http://hikearizona.com/map.php?X=49

[pahiker]

It is on our horizon, but will have to wait a few years.

[FOTG]

@chumley
@The Eagle

,

this route is not a viable option

Maybe for you and those born with tiny hearts who lack imagination. Me I prefer to live by the motto that goal oriented people find ways

Bruce your route is going in the archives for potential future use ;)

[hikeaz]

Good reading in preparation for this hike would be 'The Man Who Walked Through Time' as well as 'Grand Canyon Treks'. (Remember, though in the first case he had a re-supply system in place).
There was also a 'speed-hike' on the north side done years ago by 'The Factor' - a real feat!
From the maps you can see there are trails as far along as Royal Arch Creek/Pasture Wash.
Early spring would be the only viable time of year for this trip as you would need to rely on potholes and runoff for water needs. Further along than R.A. Creek you would want to be up on the esplanade level to take advantage of those.
You could also phone Bob Marley (no, not that one) in Black Canyon City for some older, albeit 'feet-on-the-ground' beta of the trip, as he walked the length of the Grand Canyon (hiking upstream, though) years ago. http://www.unm.edu/~ma...

[mazatzal]

The last I heard no permits for the Topocoba hilltop access.
viewtopic.php?f=55&t=2147

[nonot]

The tribe owns the entirety of lands constituting the Topocoba Hilltop road to Supai and is extremely unlikely to grant a permit to hike down the road. In fact they are also currently refusing access to the Great Thumb as well. That said, if you drive to the S Bass TH and get dinged for the fee, it is vague what that "fee" is granting access to, exactly and they seem to overlook most infractions into the Great Thumb area.

But I do not believe the Havasupai tribe wants any outsiders trespassing near the source of the Havasu river and being caught there is probably not going to end well.

The route that the folks like Colin Fletcher used is on the Tonto and Esplanade. There are some really crappy points between Apache Point and the great thumb, but the hiking around the great thumb area itself is quite good. At some point though you reach the reservation from that route as well and would need permits to cross through Havasu Canyon.

Your best bet to visit Havasupai is simply to call them about the permit you are seeking and try to figure out what the hold up is.

I have heard of the tribe granting permits for those hiking the standard route, so I would recommend applying for permits for anyone interested in hiking the entirety of the south side of the river. For those interested, Benson's journals are also a good source of information as well as Fletcher and Butchart.

[big_load]

The route that the folks like Colin Fletcher used is on the Tonto and Esplanade.

And he used resupply methods that are no longer viable.

[nonot]

Many people have hiked through this area without resupply, and the only known hiking death I'm aware of in the last 10 years or so was a falling accident. There is however, one other person missing and presumed dead somewhere in this general area of the canyon..