Havasupai Falls Flash Flood Adventure

Havasupai during FLASH FLOODS ‼️🚨🤯💦🤿 Got to be one of the first groups to get to experience Havasupai after it had closed for several years, and Mother Nature greeted us with the most unforgettable conditions possible. Flash flooding that rose the water levels so high 3/4’s of the campsites were under water and “trails” became impassable. Days leading up to our arrival, hard and soft evacuations (get to higher ground) took place amidst flooding and when the rains stopped, the falls raged chocolate brown and appeared like a Willy Wonka factory explosion 🍫💣. On the hike in, helicopters ran nonstop every 10 minutes taking out weary flood-worn travelers, some with wild stories of having to take shelter in bathrooms overnight to stay warm and relocate camp at 11pm to higher ground. When the group I went with departed in 24 hours due to conditions, I stayed on alone, met new friends, and continued the adventure down to Mooney and Beaver Falls to experience the full extent of the flood’s effect on the landscape, trails and falls for a grand adventure I’ll never forget over 35+ miles. Had the absolute best time and so much fun. When we go into nature, we can’t expect anything but the experience that is meant for us. She’s not on our schedule or required to live up to the expectations of pictures we saw on Instagram. With the right attitude, intentions, and preparedness, we’ll walk away with memories, stories, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a place exactly as it was at our unique moment in time. Ever grateful for this REAL adventure and hope to return again under tamer circumstances. Thankful for how the tribe made new routes despite washouts, helped guide around the flooded areas, and kept travelers safe amid a natural disaster. The sense of community could be felt and it was unforgettable. PS, when the fry bread stand ran out of meat for tacos, we substituted chili cheese dogs in the fry bread and it was the greatest hot dog of my entire life. Highly recommend taking this adventure, rain or shine.