HAVASUPAI Arizona | 5 days - 4 nights | from $1,648 / adult $1,548 / child Trip Summary: By day, trek along narrow side canyons, through underwater grottos and past gardens of ferns and watercress, pausing to soak up the awe-inspiring overlooks of the Grand Canyon as you make your way to your Havasu base camp, accessible only by foot. Pause for a dip at the base of the 100-foot-tall Havasu Falls and visit the Native American village of Supai. Experience for yourself ‘One of the Top Ten Day Hikes in the U.S.’ as rated by Outside Magazine as you wade across blue streams and through lush meadows of wild grapevines on your way to Beaver Falls. Search for fossils and explore a historic mine in the depths of Carbonate Canyon. By night, relax in the mineral-rich waters of a natural pool before feasting on a delectable dinner and wallowing in the quiet comfort of your deluxe base camp, tucked away against the walls of the Grand Canyon. www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 1 THE DAY TO DAY Day 1: Scottsdale / Grand Canyon Caverns Inn Your adventure starts this afternoon when your guides pick you up and drive you north through the red rock canyons and impressive plateaus found in the Sonoran Desert • You’ll pass through four different biological life zones and gain elevation as you cross the Colorado Plateau • Arrive at the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn and take in a Southwestern sunset as you sit down to your first group dinner • Overnight Grand Canyon Caverns Inn (D) Day 2: Hualapai Hilltop / Supai Village Set along the edge of the Canyon, Hualapai Hilltop provides the only land travel access to Havasupai • The trail begins at an elevation of 5,100 feet and starts out with a series of switchbacks before it reaches a dry streambed and begins to level out • Refuel with a picnic lunch on the trail, and then it’s time to continue your descent into the red sandstone labyrinth of the Canyon • Notice how the Canyon widens around mile 8 and the scene is more green and lush as you arrive at Supai, the most remote village in the country • From the village, follow tree-lined trails that lead you into the backcountry of the Canyon • After two easy miles that go by a series of breathtaking waterfalls (stop to swim if you’d like), arrive at base camp • Take some free time to rest or explore as your guides set up camp and make dinner • Overnight Deluxe Havasu Base Camp (B, L, D) Days 3&4: “Gem of the Grand Canyon ” Wake up to freshly brewed coffee and your first backcountry breakfast • Spend the day hiking on nearby trails leading to some of the most scenic spots in the Southwest • Sure, you’re in the desert, but you’ll wade through refreshing streams and walk in fields of wild grapevines too • Visit towering red rock walls and cool off by swimming at the base of a 200-foot-tall waterfall • Every hike is optional; this is your vacation, so spend it as you wish—whether it’s action-packed adventure or an afternoon of rest and relaxation • Your meals will feature fresh, healthy ingredients and will be prepared by your guides who are skilled in the art of backcountry gourmet meals • Overnight Deluxe Havasu Base Camp (B, L, D) www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 2 Day 5: Back to the Rim / Scottsdale After a hearty breakfast, set out on your most strenuous, but rewarding, hike of the week • When you reach the rim in the early afternoon, you’ll feel accomplished and ready to celebrate • Hike back out of the canyon, or if you choose, for an added fee your guides can arrange for you to take a helicopter out or ride horses back to Hualapai Hilltop • Return to Scottsdale before 8:00 p.m. • (B, L) **Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, trail, ocean, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures. Hiking: Intermediate to advanced terrain – up to 10 miles at a time Discovery Visit the Native American village of Supai and learn how the natives have co-existed with nature for generations in such a remote, untouched landscape. Discover why the water in Havasupai shines a pure blue-green color. Hunt for rock fossils in Carbonate Canyon. Listen as your guides describe Havasupai’s numerous waterfalls, some of them created through recent flashfloods. Learn the names of plants such as barrel cactus, sacred datura, broom snakeweed, and crimson monkeyflower. Take a look at the black night sky as you search for hundreds of constellations. Find your way down the twisting narrow caves, steep ladders, iron handholds, and lengthy chains of the 200-foot-high limestone cliffs bordering Mooney Falls. Send your friends a postcard via the only packhorse mail system in the United States! Come and visit “The People of the Blue Green Water” in Red Rock Country. Your guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help select the distance that’s right for you. On this trip, packhorses carry the heavy gear so you can hike unhindered. Activities include day hiking, swimming beneath waterfalls, mild canyoneering, cave exploration and simple R&R. While you may come across other people in the Canyon, our guides know the inside scoop on the Canyon’s secrets – the beautiful spots hidden from all but the most experienced travelers – narrow side canyons, lush fern gardens, underwater grottos, natural showers and awe-inspiring overlooks. www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 3 DISTINCTIVE ACCOMMODATIONS Night 1: Grand Canyon Caverns Inn Funky and retro are two great words to describe the Grand Canyon Caverns Inn which is the closest lodging to the Havasupai trailhead. This historic stop along Route 66 is more than just your classic motel. It features a general store, outdoor swimming pool (open seasonally), Frisbee golf and just up the road, a curio shop. One of this unique property’s claims to fame is an underground cave suite which takes you 22 stories below ground to spend the night in the largest dry cavern in the U.S.! Nights 2 – 4: Deluxe Havasu Base Camp Deluxe Havasu Base Camp is the only privately operated base camp in the Grand Canyon. The camp is located next to a 100-foot-tall waterfall, Havasu Falls, which offers the perfect place for a daily soak in a freshwater pool. Sleep under the stars or in a private, spacious tent set up with high quality and comfortable camping gear. Meals are prepared by gourmet backcountry chefs. www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 4 Arrival and Departures Day 1 starts at 1:30 pm in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Old Town Scottsdale. Day 5 ends with a drop off in Scottsdale between 6 - 8 p.m. 2015 Trip Price Trip Length Host City From 5 days/ 4 nights Scottsdale, AZ Dates $1,648 / adult Airport Code: PHX 4/23 – 4/27 ($80 single (Phoenix) 5/14 – 5/18 supplement) 6/11 – 6/15 $1,548 / child 6/25 – 6/29 7/9 – 7/13 7/16 – 7/20 7/30 – 8/3 9/6 – 9/10 9/17 – 9/21 10/8 – 10/12 10/22 – 10/26 Reservations & Availability 1-800-575-1540 [email protected] What Our Guests Say “Being challenged beyond what I thought I could do and succeeding was rewarding and inspiring. This was the best trip ever!” – Tekla M., Durango, CO www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 5 .