You're young, in shape, and curious about the world. You've got that travel bug you just have to itch, so, where should you go? If you want to travel somewhere on a budget that has breathtaking views, not too far away, but feels like you're a million miles from home - Supai, Arizona is for you. 10 miles down into the Grand Canyon, you will find this lush oasis. There are only three ways to get to Supai: hiking, by horse, or (if you don't want the true experience) by helicopter.
With turqoise waters, lush forests, and a tribe that has to get their mail by Pony Express - here's why you should add this on your bucket list:
1. The Experience Will Challenge You
When was the last time you really challenged yourself? This 10 mile hike can be grueling, especially if you are attempting this in the warmer months. You will have a 30lb pack hanging off your shoulders, in the desert, walking for 10 miles. You will be tested physically, mentally, and spiritually. You will be sleeping on the ground (or hammocks), your shower will be with biodegradable soap in the rivers, and your meals will consist of granola bars and dehydrated meals. This experience will force you to step out of your comfort zone.
2. You Will Meet Awesome People Along The Way
This is an intense hike, it takes preparation, planning, and physical exertion. It's not for the weak-minded. The few who decide to adventure to Supai are looking to challenge themselves and take in the beauty of nature. You will meets all walks of life, people from different states, different countries. With no technology besides the cameras to capture the beauty, you will have time to converse with the people you pass along the way or the ones setting up camp next to you. Be open with the hikers you meet, share a campfire, do yoga by the falls, explore!
3. The Natives
Eight miles into the hike you will reach the Havasupai tribe. They live off the land, speak their native tongue, and can help guide hikers down by horse. I'm sure there are some who get tired of all the tourists wanting to see their beautiful home, but most are more than happy to help! There's not much to their town, but they do have a church, one school, and a couple stands of their homemade food we can try (for a price). It's amazing to see how these people live in such an alluring place all their lives. They truly live a simple life and there's so much to learn from them.
4. All The Dogs!
A little before reaching the village, you will start to notice an insane amount of dogs, like, a lot of dogs. All roaming about, following the natives or begging for food. And although 99 percent of them are strays, they are quite the entertainment! I don't know if I should be telling you to pet them (I mean, they are strays) but the for the dog-lovers - you will be in heaven.
5. Boredom Isn't Possible Here
You hike eight miles to the village, another two miles to your campsite, and from there you have an infinite amount of places to explore! I thought I would be beat once we made it to our campsite, but once you see all the beauty along the way, the second you drop your pack and set up camp, you want to head right back to all the falls. You pass three different ones along the way, but I would suggest finding your campsite so you don't have to carry your heavy packs with you while exploring. There are five different waterfalls to hike to, and plenty of beauty in-between.
5. The Changes In Scenery
Oh, you thought it was just waterfalls? Sometimes I swear I was in the middle of a rainforest. And to think this is in the bottom of the Grand Canyon? If you want to hike down to Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls, you will hike for about four hours through dense forests. It was fascinating to go from the top of the canyon to seeing how lush the bottom can be.
6. Experience The Simplicity
There's a couple outhouses, you can only refill your water bottle from a natural spring, and the only planned activity is group yoga in front of Havasu Falls. The only cover you could find in times of rain would be your poncho or your tent (unless you want to hike two miles up the canyon to the village). But yet, it's all worth it. Living in our country's society, we take many things for granted that occupy our mind. Social media, video games, TV - you won't find any of that here. Which is what makes this place even better! Soak up the sun, bathe in the falls, and explore the forests. Within nature, you will find yourself.
7. The Views!
Last but not least, every direction you turn you will be starstruck by the beauty! Even from the top, the Grand Canyon is something straight out of a painting. Then the farther you go down, the better it gets. The entire trip felt like a dream and I hope everyone gets to experience this. You will come back a different person, I can promise you that. The things that nature can do to your soul can't be explained.
