Beaver Falls
Arizona • Grand Canyon National Park
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainPhoto Credits (5)
Difficulty
Hard
Trail Length
3.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Beaver Falls
Beaver Falls is a striking run of cascades and turquoise pools on Havasu Creek, set within the Havasupai Reservation. The falls are framed by red canyon walls and lush riparian pockets, creating vivid contrasts that make this stretch of creek one of the most photogenic in the region. The site sits on tribal lands (land owner: DESG; designation: TRIBL) managed by Havasupai authorities, so visitors should respect access rules and permits required by the tribe. The falls share the same sparkling blue water that defines other famous Havasu Creek drops — nearby Havasu Falls (Havasupai: Havasuw Hagjahgeevma) is a well-known example of the creek’s scenery and is noted on Wikipedia as a Grand Canyon-area waterfall within Havasupai tribal lands. Beaver Falls rewards hikers with multiple swimming holes and cascade viewpoints, making it a memorable day hike for those prepared for water crossings and rugged canyon terrain.
The Setting
Beaver Falls sits at 2,201 feet within Grand Canyon National Park, fed by the Havasu Creek, in the hills of Arizona.
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Mooney Falls (200 ft) lies 1.7 miles to the southeast. Also nearby: Havasu Falls (100 ft, 2.5 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The hike to Beaver Falls is an out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles round trip with roughly 350 feet of elevation change; it’s rated moderate. The route leaves the campground area and follows Havasu Creek, requiring multiple creek crossings and short sections of boulder scrambling and ladders. The trail is generally well-marked but can be rugged underfoot and wet where it runs alongside and through the creek, so sturdy footwear and caution at water crossings are advised. Expect a natural, unpaved trail with variable footing rather than a developed surface; the difficulty comes from the creek crossings and uneven terrain rather than technical climbing.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted.
Accessibility
The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Beaver Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
Permit required
Permits are required to enter the Havasupai Reservation and must be obtained in advance through the official Havasupai Tribe website. Permits often sell out months in advance.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Beaver Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit due to milder temperatures. Summer can be very hot, and winter may bring cooler temperatures and icy conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Watch for flash flood warnings during monsoon season (July through September). Check with Grand Canyon National Park for current conditions.
Safety Information
The trail involves steep sections, ladders, and water crossings, which can be hazardous. Flash floods are a risk, especially during monsoon season. Always check weather conditions before your trip.
Current Water Conditions
66 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 25 years of record
6.91 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge HAVASU CREEK ABOVE THE MOUTH, NEAR SUPAI, AZ (4 km away).
Today
Roaring
76 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
80 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
71 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
66 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
66 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
66 cfs
9/10Sun
Roaring
66 cfs
9/10Best window: Wed — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late March, peaking in August.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Kaibab hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 599 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 2,239 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 739 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 679 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,239 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 599 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Beaver Falls is accessible via a hike from the Havasupai Campground, which itself requires a 10-mile hike from the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead. Visitors must first obtain a permit to enter the Havasupai Reservation.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Hualapai Hilltop trailhead, which serves as the starting point for the hike to the falls.
Elevation
2,201 feet above sea level
Coordinates
36.281338° N, -112.729783° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy, water-resistant hiking shoes as the trail involves water crossings. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. Be prepared for a long hike and ensure you have a valid permit before arriving.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
JUMPUP CABIN
23.3 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Since the 1900s, Jumpup cabin has been used by ranchers as well as the Forest Service, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site consists of a historic two-room cabin, shed and composting toilet. Recreation Jumpup cabin is located at the trailhead for the Ranger trail, a 17-mile wilderness trail that winds through Kanab Creek. Hiking this area is very popular in the spring and fall months, but is discouraged during the hottest summer months. Water is scarce and
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
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Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Beaver Falls, Arizona on SoakingSprings.
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the area include Havasu Falls, Mooney Falls, and Navajo Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to various desert wildlife, including birds, lizards, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially dangerous animals.
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Beaver Falls
6 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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