A waterfall on Havasu Creek downstream of Havasu Falls, reached only through the Havasupai Tribe's permit system via a hazardous chain-and-ladder descent.
Mooney Falls is a waterfall on Havasu Creek within the Havasupai Reservation in Coconino County, downstream from the better-known Havasu Falls. It shares the same access route and reservation system as Havasu Falls: the trail down from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai village and the campground, entirely on Havasupai tribal land. The tribe's booking system requires every visitor to hold a permit reserved in advance for a minimum four-day, three-night stay; there are no walk-in or single-day visits, and permits for the limited season sell out quickly each year through havasupaireservations.com.
Reaching the base of Mooney Falls is its own undertaking. Past the campground, the trail reaches the lip of the falls, then drops through tunnels and down wet rock secured only by chains and ladders - a descent the Havasupai Tribe's own permit rules call "extremely treacherous" and not recommended for children or adults with physical limitations. The same rules bar jumping or diving from the falls, with fines and a reservation ban for violators, and warn against the climb during rain or flooding. 2026 rates posted by the tribe run $455 per person for a 3-night campground stay or $2,277 per lodge room; this is a multi-day wilderness trip requiring its own planning, not a casual add-on.
Mooney Falls is accessible only with a Havasupai Tribe permit (no walk-ins or day trips); permits for the required multi-night Havasu/Supai trip sell out quickly each year via havasupaireservations.com. The tribe's own rules warn that the descent below Mooney Falls is 'extremely treacherous,' not recommended for children or adults with physical limitations, and prohibit jumping or diving from the falls; do not attempt the area during rain or flooding. This is not a casual day-trip destination. Check the current notice ↗
Know before you go
On Havasu Creek within the Havasupai Reservation, Coconino County, downstream of Havasu Falls; reached via the trail from Hualapai Hilltop to Supai village and campground. A Havasupai permit is required for all visitors; there are no walk-ins or day trips.
Reservations open on a set date each year and sell out quickly; check havasupaireservations.com for current booking windows and trail/weather conditions.
Past the campground, the main trail reaches the lip of Mooney Falls, then descends through tunnels and along chains and ladders bolted to wet rock to the base of the falls.
2026 rates posted by the tribe: $455 per person for a 3-night campground permit, or $2,277 per lodge room (up to 4 people); all bookings require a minimum 4-day/3-night stay.
Not accessible; the descent past Mooney Falls involves chains, ladders, and wet rock and is described by the tribe as not recommended for children or adults with physical limitations.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- Havasupai Reservations — FAQs ↗
- Havasupai Reservations — Entrance Permit Rules and Regulations ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
