Mooney Falls

Mooney Falls is famous for its dramatic 190-foot plunge into a turquoise pool and its treacherous descent route involving tunnels and exposed cliff ladders. It is named after prospector James Mooney, who died here in 1880 when rope broke during an attempted descent, and his body remained on the ledge for 18 months before recovery.

Yes — swimming is allowed in the pool at the base of Mooney Falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.

Pets are not permitted on trails in Havasupai Reservation. Please verify on the official website before you go.

Havasupai Reservation requires paid permits (typically $100+ per person plus campground fees); reservations required months in advance and are difficult to obtain. Please verify on the official website before you go.

No direct vehicle access — Mooney Falls is reached only after an 8-mile hike from Hualapai Hilltop trailhead where parking is available. The falls are approximately 2 miles beyond Supai Village campground. Please verify on the official website before you go.

About 3.2 km / 2 miles one-way from Supai Village campground (or 16 km / 10 miles from Hualapai Hilltop trailhead). Please verify on the official website before you go.

Hard — descent to the base requires navigating steep carved tunnels, chains, and near-vertical ladders with significant exposure. Please verify on the official website before you go.

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) for moderate temperatures, as summer can exceed 100°F and winter may bring ice on descent ladders. Please verify on the official website before you go.

From the campground, hike downstream past Havasu Falls. The descent to Mooney's base begins at the clifftop viewpoint. Enter two short tunnels carved through rock, then descend using chains and metal stakes. Navigate nearly vertical ladders bolted to the cliff face (approximately 200 feet of exposed descent). Conditions can be slippery when wet. This descent is not recommended for those with fear of heights or without good upper body strength.

• •Havasu Falls — iconic blue-green waterfall about 1 mile upstream, most photographed in the area
• •Beaver Falls — series of cascading pools approximately 3 miles downstream from Mooney Falls
• •Supai Village — remote Havasupai tribal village, only accessible by foot, horse, or helicopter
• •Colorado River confluence — challenging multi-day hike option downstream from Beaver Falls