Hiking down to Havasupai Village to Havasu Falls

We drove to a big parking lot where we began our hike down to the Havasupai Village at the bottom of the canyon. We went with a group that arranged for our permits, and reservations for the small lodge at the bottom in the village. There is also a campground but very difficult to get reservations as they dont usually answer their phone. It seemed much easier to let someone else get the dates we wanted. I organized a meetup with my group to get 4 ladies to drive together down to Peach Springs, AZ where we started.

Our trip was in March and you can see most of us had pants and jackets to start.

The view of the canyon from the top .

We stayed together for most of the hike. The trail wound through canyons on either side.

We sent most of our gear on ahead with some horses so we only had to carry our daypacks.

Each part of the trail was unique with different stone formations.

The entire trek was obviously downhill but very gradual. 

More different rock formations.

From time to time groups of horses would pass us with gear or supplies for the reservation.

You can see how high the formations were compared to the people.

We knew we were getting close when we saw the sign for the village. Everyone must have a permit to go down to the village. Even if you are jogging in and out in one day. They have people checking.

There is a bridge with water flowing that begins the first signs of the waterfalls to come.

There is a little store with ice creams and drinks as you enter the town. We took a break here to wait for all to catch up.

This is the community center. There is also a small cafe where we ate our dinners. They had homemade Indian fry bread. Just behind is where the helicopter takes off and lands on certain days. We had one person go back on this because she got sick.

Here is the local church in the village. We had a local woman talk to us one night about life on the reservation. Lots of people grow up only knowing of life here. Some people have cars that are permanently parked up on the top to go our grocery shopping to the big town of Kingman (3 hours each way).

Photos I took of the beautiful falls of Havasu. There were actually three we went to. Mooney Falls involved a steep metal ladder and tunnel climb (very fun).  We didnt make it to beaver falls- next time.

Looking down at Mooney falls.

Tonto Rim Hike Peachsprings, Arizona

Today we drove down diamond road that left straight through the town, Peach springs we stayed in.  This is a well kept secret road that rafters use to take out and out in the Colorado river.  We got out for a beautiful hike through peach springs canyon.

This hike ascends about 500 feet to the Tonto Plateau for a 360 degree view of the inner canyon and the rising cliffs above.

Our guides Bruce and Mike. One was a geologist and the other a botanist/herbalist.

The trail included some scrambling down and over some rocks. Some nice views of the Colorado river below.  We had lunch overlooking the canyon.

The vegetation was unbelievable. So many different plants and flowers!

We had an herbalist/botanist on the trip who talked about such plants as mesquite , incensia, ponderosa, junipers, piñon pines. Many beautiful cactus some were flowering. Barrel cactus, ocotillo, cholla (the jumping cactus), prickly pear.  

Ocatillo

We had to walk through this area where there were lots of cholla. You have to be so careful if they get on your skin they must be removed with pliers.  Some got them on their pants or shoes. Our guides, mike and Bruce were swift to remove them. 

Here is a view of the Colorado River. I didn't realize it was green looking.  After our hike we went further on the washboard road to the  river and waded in a bit.  We saw some passing private rafters.  This was a great first day hike for our canyon experience. This was about 7 miles total.

Big Basin Redwoods Park- Waterfall Loop

Big Basin Redwoods Park has many hiking trails with tall trees. We chose the Waterfall loop for obvious reasons.

The humidity was much higher than what we were used to in Colorado.  Lots of moss and ferny type of vegetation.

Several types of mushrooms along the trail.

We went in February and were prepared for rain but were pleasantly surprised we had none. Lots of tree canopy and shade.

These banana slugs were common here. Never saw one before.

Here you can see the scale of the tree height.

One of the three waterfalls along the trail.

Coming to another waterfall.

Railings to get past this waterfall.

Last Waterfall on the trail. Total distance was 11 miles- no elevation really.

Loved these tall trees!

Climbing around , under, and over downed logs added to the fun.