Atypical Events

Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon Closes due to Flooding

Posted by jessie under News, Travel

On August 16th, flash floods tore through the popular Havasu Falls area of the Grand Canyon, causing a great deal of damage to the access trail and campground areas.

Most tourists/campers made it up to the village of Supai, which sits well above the Colorado River, before being flown out by helicopter.

The Havasupai tribe had planned on re-opening the campgrounds within a few weeks, but now says the area will have to remain closed for the next six months in order to repair parts of the 8-mile trail and damaged campgrounds. This area of the canyon is only reachable by foot or helicopter.

The flood waters caused a lot of damage to waterfalls that attract thousands of tourists to the area every year. The popular blue-green travertine pool below the falls has even dried out.

The closure of the area is a blow to the village, which relies heavily on tourism.