When I left off yesterday, we had just finished our day hike from the campground nearly all the way to Beaver Falls and back. Due to the height of the canyon walls, there’s a narrow window of time to view these waterfalls in full sunlight before shadows start to creep in. Luckily, we make it back up to Havasu Falls — the most famous of the falls here, named after the tribe who owns this land — in time for great photos and an afternoon of swimming and relaxation. Here’s Havasu Falls from a distance:
My friend Irving heads right down to the falls while I climb higher for more views. The sun is hiding behind the clouds so the light is diffused and even. After being nervous about shadows for the past few hours, I’m happy with the lighting.
One thing Irving and I had talked about before getting here was that we’d both be disappointed if the bright blue color of the water was photoshopped in all the pictures we’d seen of this place. But thankfully that’s not the case, and I am pleased to report the water is indeed that mesmerizing shade of blue in person.
As I walk to the base of the falls, I spy this sign explaining why the water is bright blue — it gets its hue from a high concentration of lime.
There’s a lovely area at the base of the falls with picnic tables. Since we’re here on a Monday, it’s not too crowded. Part of me wishes we had a full day to spend right here — I would read a book and eat Indian fry bread and swim in these blue pools all day.
Photo op time. Shout out to Irving for posing anytime I asked, and also for taking my photo when requested!
I spend awhile swimming in this natural pool below:
Then a bunch of other people join:
Okay, back to Havasu Falls — we are ready to take the plunge. Irving goes first.
The water is delightfully refreshing. And the force of the waterfall is remarkable — it pushes you back when you get with 15 feet of its base.
I still can’t get over the color of the water. It’s just as stunning up close as it is from a distance.
My turn! I dive towards the base of the falls, only to be pushed back just as Irving was.
So glad to be here, seven years after Havasu Falls first landed on my radar.
Tomorrow I’ll be back with a wrap-up post about our 10-mile hike back up to the hilltop parking lot. And on Friday… video footage recapping our trip.
