Exactly How to Get a Havasupai Permit in 2026 (step-by-step)

Snagging a competitive Havasupai 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 2026 for your dream Havasupai backpacking trip!

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.

In 2026, there are several changes to the permit system:

• new booking platform for making reservations
• option for early access to purchase permits for the campground and lodge (for a fee)
• newly established cancellation policy (partial refunds)
• previous “lottery” purchase option and “transfer board” have both been discontinued

We’ve created this guide that walks you through the exact steps to getting a Havasu Falls permit in 2026. (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 permit and 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 2026
• Tips for getting a permit
• Our experience
• Havasupai Permit FAQs

Psst! We’ve got all sorts of tips and things to know once you start planning your Havasupai backpacking trip!  

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How to get a permit for Havasupai in 2026

Permits are required to hike to Havasupai. No ifs, ands, or buts.

(Yes, they do check for them.)

There have been some changes this year, including a new booking platform, so pay close attention (even if you’ve gotten permits in the past).

Where can you get a permit?

You can apply for a permit on HavasupaiReservations.com. Before permits go on sale

This year, there is Early Access for permits. This means you can pay an additional fee to have first dibs on permits:

• Early Access: January 21, 2026 (8am Arizona time)
• Regular Sale: February 1st, 2026 (8am Arizona time)

How much do permits cost?

Permits are only sold for 3 nights/4 days, no more and no less.

The 2026 rates are:

• Campground permit: $455 per person for 3 nights
• Lodge: $2,277 per room (3 nights), for up to 4 people

Fun fact: This is said to be the most expensive backpacking permit in the USA! (Worth it, in our opinion!)

Early Access for 2026 permits

Early Access Period: January 21, 2026 (8a.m. AZ time) – January 31, 2026 (5p.m. AZ time)

Remaining reservation dates will become available to the public on February 1st at 8 a.m. Arizona time.

I have scoured the Tribe’s website as well as their announcement and replies to comments in their official Facebook page.

According to what I’ve read:

• All permits and dates will be made available during the Early Access period
• There is no application or lottery process (you log in and purchase)
• This means that there could be a chance that all permits (or the vast majority) sell out during the early access period.

Early Access Fee:

• $40 per person fee for campground permits
• $160 fee for lodge permits (covers up to 4 people)

These fees are on top of the permit fees.

Total cost (with Early Access Fee)

• Campground Permit Fee: $455 + $40 early access fee = $495 per person
• Lodge Permit Fee: $2,277 + $160 early access fee for one 3-night reservation (allows up to 4 people per reservation) = $2,437 for 1 room, whether you have 1 person or 4 people

Tips for getting a Havasupai permit

I have some tips for increasing your odds at getting permits this year.

Read through them and may the odds be ever in your favor!

1. Pay the early access fee

If you really want to go to Havasupai in 2026, you should bite the bullet and pay the additional early access fee.

If you don’t, you may not have many dates to choose from when they go on sale to the public on February 1st.

2. Know potential dates you want to go

The date in which you go is VERY important (as there are some seasons I highly recommend you avoid, due to potential flash flood danger).

Do your research and compare the best season with your personal calendar to find several options. Write them down so you have them ready.

3. Set up your account early

Set up an account at HavasupaiReservations.com so all your details are ready to do when you log in.

• fill in all your personal information
• add a PATL (potential alternative trip leader)
• add your credit card information

4. Set your alarms

Set your alarms for when Early Access opens up on January 21, 2026 at 8 a.m.

• It is 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

5. Set up multiple devices

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.

6. Be prepared to move quickly

• At 8 a.m. Arizona time, the page automatically updates and you should click the “Make a 2026 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. 
• Before you arrive at the trailhead, you must check in at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn the day of or the day before you permit start day. This is where you will need to show your printed off permit.
• They will provide you with more documents, which you will present at a checkpoint.

Additional things to know about getting a permit

• Dates during the most popular season (summer) sell out in minutes – sometimes seconds! – from going live.
• 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. 
• Important: I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again – be sure to print out your permit and carry it with you.

Come along on our Havasupai adventure!

Wanna see what our Havasupai backpacking trip was like up close and in-person? Watch this video to see exactly what our experience was like, including details you won’t find anywhere else!

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). 

If you choose to do Early Access, you will have an additional fee ($40 per person for camping permits, and $160 per room at the lodge).

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?

No. As of 2026, permits are no longer transferrable.

If you’re having trouble transferring your permit, you can post in the Facebook Group “Havasupai Reservations – Transfers and Cancellations” and share your dates. 

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations were not allowed in past years, however, as of 2026 you are able to cancel your permit.

That said, the policy is quite strict:

• must cancel at least 90 days before the first day of your permit
• you will receive a 50% refund of the permit fee (excluding early access fees)
• if you cancel within 90 days of your start date, you will not receive a refund

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. 

What if I don’t get a permit?

If you don’t get a permit, check for cancellations.

As people cancel throughout the year, their permits will be released to the public. Check back periodically. Several people have secured permits this way, but it is not guaranteed.

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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
• Havasu Falls Camping Guide
• Havasupai Waterfalls
• Havasupai Confluence Hike: Is it worth it? + Essential Tips
• Everything you need to know before you go to Havasupai

Don’t miss your chance to grab our Havasupai Packing List!

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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!