What to pack for your Havasu Falls Hike
Packing for the Havasu Falls hike is an emotional journey in itself, and trust me, I get it—I’ve been there. As UNSTOPPABLE Stacey, I’ve tackled countless adventures, but each one starts with the same mix of excitement and nervous energy, especially when it comes to packing for a strenuous trek like this.
I know the questions that swirl through your mind: Will my pack be too heavy? Am I bringing enough water? What if I forget something essential? These are the same questions I ask myself every time I prepare for a hike, whether it’s in the Arizona wilderness or halfway across the globe.
But over the years, I’ve learned how to pack with purpose and confidence, and now I’m here to share my hard-earned tips with you. Together, we’ll make sure you’re ready to face this unforgettable adventure with everything you need—and nothing you don’t.
Just so you know, there are three sections to this pack list:
- Clothing I wear while hiking in and out,
- What I carry in my daypack, and
- What’s packed in my backpack (carried by the pack mules)
Here’s the FREE downloadable Havasu Falls packing list: Packing-List-Havasu-Havasupai-Hike
Read on!
1.) WHAT TO WEAR as you hike 10 miles (16 km) into Havasu Falls
- Shoes or boots – I recommend high-top hiking boots for added ankle support … find out why by clicking here.
- Hiking socks – I use ultra-thin toe socks and thick wool socks for added cushion
- Shorts and T-shirt for hiking in and out
- Straw hat
- Hiking poles
- Daypack (see below)
- Looking for accommodations?
- Find your dream hotel!
- Plan your fun
- Rent a car
- Get the best travel insurance
2.) WHAT I CARRY IN MY DAYPACK
- Three liters of water
- Havasu Reservations – printed copy
- Lunch and snacks
- Camera/smartphone with small battery backup
- Shoulder holder that attaches to daypack for smartphone
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Light rain jacket – doubles for wind jacket on another layer when necessary (Check out my recommendations for best lightweight rain jackets.)
- ID and copies of printed Havasupai Reservations and Pack Mule Reservation
- Confirmation
- Journal and pen
- Medications
- Small first aid kit
- Band-Aids – all sizes,
- Neosporin,
- Moleskin,
- Ibuprophen,
- packaged antiseptic wipe,
- small Swiss Army knife
Leave a cooler in your vehicle stocked with Gatorade or other non-alcoholic beverages for refreshment after your grueling hike out of Havasu Canyon.
Now that you know what I carry in my daypack, take a look at what’s in the backpack that I send down with the mules:
3.) PACKING YOUR BACKPACK FOR HAVASU FALLS, ARIZONA
This is what I packed in my backpack for my 3-night Havasu Falls hike:
- Water shoes such as Tevas or KEENS – I use KEENS when hiking in rocky creek beds added toe protection.
- Quick drying shorts and T-shirt shirt for swimming (doubles for hiking clothes)
- Midweight baselayer bottoms or yoga pants for cool nights – can be worn under shorts
- Beanie or other warm hat for sleeping and cold mornings
- Light puffer jacket or fleece jacket
- Coleman stove
- Propane gas canister
- Two pans
- Cups and utensils for cooking and eating
- Biodegradable dishwashing soap – please don’t wash your dishes in the creek or at the spring.
- Food and snacks
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Foam or inflatable mattress
- Large battery back-up and cords to recharge camera/smart phone
- Extra pair of glasses
- Backpack cover – protection from the dust and grime if you have mules carry your pack in. We used one heavy-grade plastic garbage bag for each backpack, but wished we would have brought an extra bag for the way out.
- Duct Tape – to tape your “Mule Reservations” on to your bag if no one is at the trailhead to receive your bag.
- Water – Carry 3 liters of water for the hike in your daypack – I thought it was worth re-mentioning here. You’ll be able to refill at Fern Spring in the campgrounds. We also found 5-gallon plastic water bags at the Havasupai Campground Headquarters that we used for the duration of our time at the Campground. We returned them to the Campground HQ when we left.
This Havasu Falls packing list is only part of my Complete Guide to Hiking Havasu Falls.
Optional items to Pack for Havasu Falls Hike:
- Towel – I leave mine at home because it is so dry in Arizona, I simply air dry.
- Swimming suit – you might notice that I didn’t include a bathing suit on my list. It’s not because clothing is optional at Havasu Falls. In fact, nudity is strictly forbidden by the Havasupai Tribe. I chose to honor the sacred place by wearing more modest quick-drying shorts and T-shirt instead of a swimsuit.
- Rat sack – to keep the very aggressive ground squirrels out of your food at Havasupai Campground. We used the 5-gallon plastic utility buckets that were provided by sympathetic donors. You might find them at the Havasupai Ranger Station or at the campsite.*
- Hammock – I left mine at home because it adds just one more complication to picking your campsite in an already over-crowded camping facility. If you bring it, you’ll have to find a campsite that has two trees spaced for your hammock. I like to keep it simple. (KIS)
Imagine the sinking feeling of stopping mid-step on your backpacking trip, heart racing as you frantically search for your phone—your lifeline for navigation, photos and connection. Before my Havasu Falls hike, I faced that fear too. Then I discovered the phone shoulder pocket, a simple yet brilliant solution recommended by FarOut guides when they hired me to map a route.
This water-resistant carrier attaches securely with Velcro to any backpack shoulder strap, belt or padded strap, keeping your phone right where you need it—safe, accessible and worry-free.
No more endless patting of pockets or digging through your bag. It’s saved me countless moments of stress and precious time. Don’t let the fear of losing your phone shadow your journey—get yours today and walk with confidence.
👉 Don’t let the fear of losing your phone slow you down on the trail—grab your phone shoulder pocket now and walk worry-free!
Download Your FREE Packing List
This Havasupai Packing list is downloadable to an easy-to-read PDF with checkboxes for your convenience. Download the FREE packing list here:
Packing-List-Havasu-Havasupai-Hike.
If this FREE Havasu Falls Hike packing list is of any benefit to you, please leave a comment in the comment field below. I would love to hear from you.
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey is an Arizona travel writer who writes about her hiking adventures that take her across the globe.
Related articles:
Feeling like a Non-Native Species at Havasu Falls
Complete Guide to Hiking Havasu Falls
4 thoughts on “Your Complete Packing List for Havasu Falls Hike (2026)”
Every angle of Havasu Falls offers a new view to admire. From the top of the falls to the pools below, the scenery constantly changes, making it impossible to get bored while exploring the area.
You’re absolutely right, Zidane! Thanks so much for commenting on the complete packing list for Havasu Falls hike!
Havasu Falls is one of those rare places where the colors feel almost unreal, with the milky turquoise water standing out against the deep red rock of the canyon.
Thanks for your comments about the complete packing list for Havasu Falls hike