Sunday 1 September 2013

BEAUTIFUL PLACES

Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon


Havasu Falls  is a waterfall in the Grand Canyon located 1½ miles (2.4 km) from Supai, Arizona, USA. It is arguably the most famous and most visited of all the falls on Havasu Creek and consists of one main chute that drops over a 90-foot (27 m) to 100-foot (30 m) vertical cliff into a large pool. Due to the high mineral content of the water, the configuration of the falls is ever-changing and sometimes breaks into two separate chutes of water.

The falls are known for their natural pools, created by mineralization, although the configuration of the falls and the pools are damaged or destroyed repeatedly by large floods that wash through the area. A small man-made dam was once constructed to help restore the pools and to preserve what is left.
High calcium carbonate concentration in the water creates the vivid blue-green color and forms the natural travertine dams that occur in various places near the falls.
There are many picnic tables on the opposite side of the creek, and it is easy to cross over by following the edges of the pools. It is possible to swim behind the falls and enter a small rock shelter behind it.
























Havasu Falls is known throughout the world and has appeared in numerous magazines and television shows, and is often included in calendars that feature incredible waterfalls or beautiful scenery. Visitors from all over the world make the trip to Havasupai primarily for Havasu Falls.
The vibrant blue water contrasts against the striking red rocks of the canyon walls as Havasu Falls plunges nearly 100 feet into a wide pool of blue-green waters. This, the most striking waterfall in the Grand Canyon, sports a wide sandy beach and plenty of shady cottonwood trees to relax by.






















The area is part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation and is managed by the tribe. The number of visitors is restricted and reservations are required. See the tribe's website for contact numbers and info about making reservations. You must apply for reservations months in advance for trips during the tourism season.
May/June and September/October are the best months to visit if you want to play in the water. Hiking conditions are excellent in the earlier spring and later fall, but the water will be cold and less inviting. The water is delightful during mid-summer but hiking conditions are hot. hike/backpack or ride horses to reach the waterfalls. From the trailhead it is 8 miles to the Havasupai village of Supai, where you check in at the tourism office. You can also buy basic supplies, food and drinks in the village.














































Havasu Falls is located 2 miles below the village. Mooney Falls is a mile further down the trail. A campground can be found along the stream between those two waterfalls. Most tourists camp but some elect to stay in the lodge in the village. The village also offers a small cafe. A series of beautiful and photogenic waterfalls can be found on Havasu Creek, a tributary to the Grand Canyon. The water flows out of limestone, which gives it a pleasing blue-green hue. The waterfalls have created large plunge pools that are clear, deep and inviting. People come from around the world to view the waterfalls and Grand Canyon scenery, and swim in the pools.























There’s off the beaten path. And then there’s Havasu Falls—located a mile and a half outside the Havasupai Indian village of Supai, on the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The only way to get here is to charter a helicopter, hike a steep 10 miles, or hire a pack animal. (The U.S. Post Office still uses mules to make mail deliveries to the village.) And you’ll need a permit ($20). But boy, is it worth it. A torrent of water streams across the sunburnt rock face of the Grand Canyon’s south rim, collecting in a pool 100 feet below. The water, so turquoise it looks like it’s on loan from the Caribbean, stays about 72 degrees year-round and is perfect for lazy floating or practicing your belly flop.





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