Iconic Havasupai Falls Has Been Closed Indefinitely Due to Flooding
The highly coveted, reservations-only site has been shuttered indefinitely by the local tribe that operates it.
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The amazing view of Havasu Falls from above the falls after a hot, long, hike through the desert.
The famous Havasupai Falls in northern Arizona has been closed indefinitely due to severe flooding that has wreaked havoc on this picturesque locale. Known for its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic red rock formations, Havasupai, which is part of the Grand Canyon National Park, has been a bucket list destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, drawing thousands to register for its reservation lottery each year. But the punishing flooding, which occurred late last week, has not only caused significant damage to trails and campgrounds but has also led to a tragic loss.
On August 25, the family of Chenoa Nickerson, 33, announced through a Facebook group dedicated to flood rescue efforts that she had been found dead in the area. Nickerson had been hiking with her husband and was swept into Havasu Creek around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. Her body was discovered after an intensive search by rescue teams, highlighting the severity of the flooding and the challenges faced in the rescue operations.
The closure of Havasupai, which is part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, has left many travelers in limbo. The extensive damage has made many of the the trails impassable and the campgrounds unsafe. The Havasupai Tribe has not yet provided specific details on how refunds will be managed. Those who were able to get reservations, but didn’t purchase travel insurance are now facing uncertainty regarding refunds for their bookings.
For further updates on the status of the closures, be sure to check in with the NPS website as well as the Havasupai Official Tourism page.
