Snagging a competitive Havasu Falls permit can seem complicated. However, with these step-by-step instructions as well as some sneaky insider tips, you’ll have the best chance of grabbing a permit in 2024 for your dream Havasupai backpacking trip!
I first want to say I’m so happy you’re here – this means you must be thinking about planning a trip to Havasu Falls, and I couldn’t be more excited for you!
Havasupai is one of the best backpacking trips in the world, and 100% worth the hype.
Due to its popularity, permits are required to hike to Havasu Falls.
Obtaining permits for Havasupai has become more and more competitive each year, and prices have risen along with demand.
On top of increased popularity, the way in which permits are distributed continues to change each year.
We’ve created this guide that walks you through the exact steps to getting a Havasu Falls permit in 2024. (The process is different than it was in years past, FYI!)
We’ve kept this article concise and to-the-point so it’s just the information you need, and no fluff!
Hopefully after reading these steps and tips, you’ll have your name on a 2024 Havasupai permit and you can start planning the adventure of a lifetime!
Guide to getting a Havasu Falls permit
- How to get a permit for Havasupai
- New Presale Permit System for 2024
- Tips for getting a permit
- Havasupai Permit FAQs
Psst! We’ve got all sorts of tips and things to know once you start planning your Havasupai backpacking trip!
The ultimate Havasupai packing list
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This FREE PDF download includes everything you’re going to want to pack for your Havasu Falls hike, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips!
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How to get a permit for Havasupai
Permits are required to hike to Havasu Falls. No ifs, ands, or buts.
(Yes, they do check for them.)
You can apply for a permit on HavasupaiReservations.com.
- Reservations for the campground are available from February 1 – November 30, 2024.
- Reservations for the lodge are available from April 1 – November 30, 2024.
How much do permits cost?
Permits are only sold for 3 nights/4 days, no more and no less.
The 2024 rates are:
- Campground permit: $455 per person for 3 nights
- Lodge: $2,277 per room (3 nights), for up to 4 people
New presale permit system for 2024
The Havasupai Tribe has set up a presale system for getting permits.
Havasupai presale permit system:
- Presale runs January 5th – 18th, 2024
- Select 3 desired reservation start dates and a preferred month
- Pay a non-refundable $15 fee per permit
- Once presale closes, entries will be randomized and assigned a limited number of reservation dates
- You will be notified of your awarded dates before January 26th via email and automatically charge your credit card on file
- Remaining reservation dates will become available to the public on February 1st at 8 a.m. Arizona time
Note: Entering in presale does not guarantee a reservation spot
The presale system is new as of 2024 and has a lot of people confused and frustrated. It seems like a good idea because when the permits go public on February 1st, the Havasupai Reservations website nearly crashes each year.
However, since you have to select 3 start dates AND a preferred month, we’re assuming many people will get dates selected that will not work for them. But we’ll see how this goes.
Tip: The tribe does recommend setting your PATL (Potential Alternate Trip Leader) before the end of the presale, because you cannot change your PATL once your reservation is made.
Tips for getting a Havasupai permit
Every February 1st, there is a mad (virtual) dash to the Havasupai Reservations site because everyone and their mom is trying to snag a permit.
If you have some flexibility in your schedule and you’re okay with a randomizer selecting your dates, we’d suggest signing up for the presale permits so you don’t have to deal with the craziness when the permits go public.
If you wait until the reservations go public, here are our top tips to secure a reservation:
Before February 1st:
- Set up an account at HavasupaiReservations.com
- Fill in all your details, including PATL and credit card information
- Know the potential dates you want to go
- Set your alarms for February 1st at 8 a.m. Arizona time
- Remember Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings
- Let’s be honest, set your alarm for 7:45 a.m. just to give yourself some buffer time
On Permit Opening Day (February 1st):
- Open up HavasupaiReservations.com on your computer and your phone (or other device) so you have multiple ways to secure a permit.
- We did this when we got our reservation and it seemed to work well
- Have your computer use WiFi and your phone use data so you don’t slow down your WiFi
- If possible, have a friend do the same and it doubles your chances to get a reservation.
- At 8 a.m. Arizona time, the page automatically updates and you should click the “Make a 2024 Campground Reservation” button.
- Select the number of people in your party (max. 12 people).
- Select a start date from the available options.
- It is best to be flexible because you never know what will be open by the time you make it to the calendar screen.
- Once you have your dates, verify your information and pay your $455 per person fee.
- There is a timer that starts after you have selected your dates, so it is best to have all your information entered on your profile before opening day.
- When you snag a permit, do a celebratory dance because YOU’RE GOING TO HAVASUPAI! Whoop whoop!
Preparing for your hike:
- Be sure to print copies of your permit to show at the check-in location and the checkpoints.
- Check out our complete guide to backpacking Havasupai because it has literally everything you need to know about preparing for this trip, including:
Additional things to know about getting a permit
- Dates during the most popular season (summer) sell out in minutes – sometimes seconds! – from going live.
- You need a profile set up on the permit website in order to complete your transaction. Expedite the process by setting up your profile in advance so purchasing them is quick and easy.
- For the best chance of securing a permit, go in a smaller group as it can be difficult to get many permits during much of the year.
- If possible, be flexible with your dates.
- If you don’t get your dates, check for cancellations. Several people have secured permits this way, but it is not guaranteed.
- Important: I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again – be sure to print out your permit and carry it with you.
Havasupai permit FAQs
Still have questions about getting permits for Havasupai? We’ve got answers to the most common questions we see.
How much does a Havasupai permit cost?
The Havasupai camping permit costs $455 per person (prices increased in 2024).
How many days can I get a permit for?
The Havasupai permit is for 4 days/3 nights. This is a set amount of days for all permits. You could end your trip early but you cannot spend more than 3 nights.
How many people can I add to my reservation?
One reservation can have up to 12 people, but you’ll still pay per person.
Can I transfer my permit?
Yes, but only through HavasupaiReservations.com.
If you want to transfer your reservation to someone you know, add them to your account as a PATL (Potential Alternate Trip Leader) before you make the reservation. You can use the official transfer system to move the reservation from you to your PATL.
You can also transfer your permit to the public Cancellation / Transfer list. If you decide to post your permit on the public list, someone can take over your reservation and you will get your money back minus a 10% processing fee.
If you’re having trouble transferring your permit, you can post in the Facebook Group “Havasupai Reservations – Transfers and Cancellations” and share your dates.
Are permits refundable?
No. Havasupai permits are non-refundable and non-changeable.
You can only transfer your permit via the public Cancellation / Transfer list on HavasupaiReservations.com.
Can I go without a permit?
No, you cannot visit Havasupai without a permit. There are checkpoints before you get to the trailhead and you need to show your permit at each checkpoint.
Plan the perfect Havasupai backpacking trip
Now that you know exactly how to get a permit for Havasupai, here are some other Havasu Falls articles to check out. We’ve got tons of guides filled with essential information and secret tips that’ll ensure you have the adventure of a lifetime!
- What to pack for Havasupai
- Best time of year to visit Havasu Falls
- Havasupai hiking guide + map
- Everything you need to know before you go to Havasupai
Don’t forget to download our complete packing list for hiking Havasupai! It’s packed with good suggestions and insider tips to help plan your Havasu Falls hike. And it’s completely FREE, so why not!?
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We want to hear from you!
Have you done the Havasu Falls hike before? Do you have more questions about getting a permit or about the hike itself? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!