Grand Canyon, AZ

Nestled deep within the walls of the Grand Canyon lies a small village named Supai. The Indian people of the Supai reservation discovered early on that they are live in an area where tourism would thrive. Even though the main source of income is tourism (http://www.havasupaitribe.com/aboutus.html), I have always felt that this is a place to get away from the busyness of life and relax while taking in some beautiful sights.

The hike in to the village is eight miles starting off with about two miles of steep switchbacks into the canyon. After this it is an easy hike down to the village. The village is home to about 450 members of the 650 member Havasupai tribe (http://www.desertusa.com/mag06/sep/supai.html). It is very interesting to walk through this village and see the homes and businesses that have been established in this very poor community. An interesting fact about Supai is that it is the only place in the US that still has the U.S. Postal Service deliver mail via pack mules. After the village there is a two mile hike to the campgrounds, and the waterfalls of the Havasu creek.

The translation of Havasupai is "People of the Blue-Green Waters." I think this is a fitting name for a place with one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world. Havasu falls is a drop of about 100 feet to multiple pools of the famous blue green waters. Mooney falls is about two miles downstream and drops 200 feet. These falls are part of the main draw for backpackers and photographers. The Havasu Indian reservation has a special place in my heart because of the serenity and rest that it offers. I can't wait until I have the chance to return some day.