Mooney Falls Hike in Havasupai: Not for the Faint of Heart
If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you are dreaming of or already have permits to visit Mooney Falls in Havasupai. The waterfalls of the Grand Canyon are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire world. That bright blue, clear, rushing water against the red rock surrounded by ferns and other greenery.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Mooney Falls. You really can’t visit Havasupai without seeing it. I like to be prepared before my trips and hikes to know what to expect, so I wanted to share my tips with you! The descent down the canyon wall to the base of Mooney Falls IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. It involves small caves, lines of people, holding onto loose, wet chains
HIKING DOWN MOONEY FALLS IS A REWARDING ADVENTURE IF YOU ARE PREPARED.
HISTORY BEHIND MOONEY FALLS
This stunning, blue, 196 ft waterfall was named after Daniel W. Mooney, who was a rancher who came to the Grand Canyon to mine and seek riches in the 1870s. He decided to descend down the falls on a rope to continue his searches and fell 100 feet to his death. This event led to the name Mooney Falls. This is a very steep hike. If you fell, you could too fall up to 200 feet to the canyon floor- please be careful!
Where is Mooney Falls?
Most people know the hike into Havasupai is LONG. It’s 9.6 miles one way down the canyon, past the village, and to the campground. The nice part about Mooney Falls is that it is a short 1.0 mile from the beginning of the campground. the campground is big, so you may be even closer. Some people camp right near the top of Mooney Falls too, but there are signs that you shouldn’t.
DISTANCES TO MOONEY FALLS:
FROM HUALAPAI HILLTOP: 10.6 MI
FROM SUPAI VILLAGE: 3 MI
FROM HAVASUPAI FALLS: 1 MI
FROM YOUR CAMPSITE: <1 MI
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE MOONEY FALLS?
MOONEY FALLS HIKE DETAILS
Let’s help prepare you for your adventure so you know what to expect when you visit! Plus, you won’t have phone service to look any of this up when you’re down there.
HIKE STATS
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MOONEY FALLS
Alright people, let’s roll! The first stop will be the overlook view of Mooney Falls. Take it in- it’s beautiful and SO POWERFUL. If you aren’t up to doing the scary part, the views here are great. There are multiple areas to take photos.
OVERLOOK VIEW
view from the top of mooney falls
OKAY, TIME FOR THE FUN PART! You’ll go through 2 caves before reaching the ladders. The view between the two ladders is killer. REALISTICALLY, be prepared for lines depending on the time of day that you go. We had to wait for a while INSIDE the cave because a family brought their 1-arm child through and realized that he couldn’t make it down the ladders. Safety is always first, if you can’t do it safely, turn around.
CAVE VIEW OF MOONEY FALLS
I’ve seen amazing photos and videos of people sitting in the cave with the falls in the background, but it was SO UNREALISTIC to get footage like this in real life. There are people waiting for you and they don’t want to wait for your photoshoot. LOL. Just enjoy the journey.
After the first cave, there’s a very sheer cliff before the next cave, so be careful. AFTER the second cave, you climb down.
GEAR FOR MOONEY FALLS
I read multiple times to BRING GLOVES to go down the ladders. I decided NOT TO because of weight.
There was a big pile of gloves before and after the ladders for use, which was nice although I don’t like the concept of leaving gear behind. The gloves will get totally soaked.
I did use gloves + it did help, but I would have been fine without them.
THE LADDER SECTION OF MOONEY FALLS
THE SCARY PART. Or for me the fun part haha. I had so much fun. Some people were terrified though. GO DOWN BACKWARDS. There are steep cliffs, chains, and rickety old wooden ladders. AT THE SAME TIME, you’re getting pelted by spray from Mooney Falls behind you. Ahhh, so much fun. It’s hard to take photos when you have wet gloves, but I snapped a few.
DESCENDING MOONEY FALLS
If you want to watch a video instead, check out my Go Pro footage from climbing up Mooney Falls below!
BOTTOM OF MOONEY FALLS
If you got to the bottom- CONGRATS! You’re a BAD A$$. Whether you’re continuing on your hike to Beaver Falls or the Confluence, or just hanging around at the bottom, take some time to enjoy it.
The part that stinks about visiting here is it’s VERY HARD to get a photo without other people being around unless you visit at odd times of the day. I had to crop out a few people with a special app, and use interesting angels to get my photo.
To get close to the falls, you do need to cross water- not deep though. We went to Beaver Falls and then came back and by that time I was too lazy to cross it…. BUT I REGRET IT. So go over there!
GEAR FOR MOONEY FALLS
THINGS I’M GLAD I BROUGHT
Sturdy Hiking Shoes– Danner Mountain 600 (in photo above)
Garmin InReach Mini 2– It’s easy to get lost in the canyon. This allows you to send an SOS and TrackBack your steps.
Micro Fiber Towel– Lightweight. 1 is enough for 2 people.
Teva Water Sandals– to change shoes for water crossings
WHAT I’d do different
I feel like this picture explains perfectly what I’d do differently. My mom and her wife brought small backpacks for day hikes- like this REI Flash 22. We didn’t so my husband brought his giant pack and it was just too much.
Also, YOU DON’T NEED HIKING STICKS. They get in the way. We thought we’d want them from being tired from the hike in, but we were wrong.
NEED PACKING ADVICE FOR HAVASUPAI?
I detailed my entire packing list for Havasupai in my post HERE.
MOONEY FALLS SUMMARY
For me, this hike was exhilarating. I’d 100% do it again. You just need to be prepared, and okay with a little fear. Havasupai is amazing. Sign me up to go again!!
If you’re extending your trip in Arizona or the Southwest, consider adding these amazing locations to your list!
Visit The Famous Horseshoe Bend in Arizona
