Living the Grah Life with Meghann and Zach – proving the best moments are often the unplanned ones.
One of the things I love most about hosting Had To Be There is getting to connect with people like Meghann and Zach – two of the kindest, most down-to-earth humans I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with. Their energy is calm and genuine, and their stories are packed with the sort of detail that makes you feel like you were right there with them.
What Surprised Us About Hiking to Havasupai Falls
by Meghann & Zach Grah
We had minimal backpacking experience when we hiked to Havasupai Falls in 2018, but it’s still one of our most treasured travel memories. With limited experience, we let our naivety guide us. In the months leading up to the trip, we researched the trail, debated over what gear to bring, and trained hard, knowing we’d have to climb the steep trail out of the Grand Canyon.
Even with all that prep, nothing could’ve prepared us for how surreal it felt to finally be there. Below are five things that surprised us about visiting Havasupai Falls, along with tips we wish we’d known before going.
1. Sunrise
We didn’t expect to watch the sunrise from the bottom of the Grand Canyon. We started early to beat the heat, not realizing it would put us right in the heart of the canyon as the sun came up.
First, the sky slowly brightened, then the canyon walls lit up with a golden glow. It was quiet, peaceful, and unforgettable. Wake up early to start and savor this quiet time on the trail. 🌄
2. Heat
Even with an early start, we still felt the effects of dehydration. Bring electrolyte supplements – without them, water alone won’t keep you hydrated.
3. Supai Village
Supai Village is tiny with just one restaurant, two stores, and a post office. The village is about a mile away from the campground, but you’ll pass by it on your hike in and out. Store hours, menus, and items in stock can vary, although we were able to treat ourselves to ice cream daily.
4. Mooney Falls
The trail to Mooney Falls is notoriously sketchy. Chains and ladders guide you along the steep path, but everything is slick from the waterfall’s spray. Go slowly, watch your step, and be patient.
⚠️ The ladder traffic down to Mooney Falls only flows one direction. People at the top can’t see those waiting to come up from below, so reversing the flow of traffic is difficult. If you plan to visit Mooney Falls or the waterfalls beyond, bring everything you’ll need for the day before heading down. The ladder traffic typically doesn’t reverse fully until evening.
5. Beaver Falls
Beaver Falls is an incredible spot to swim, picnic, and spend the day. However, the hike there is long and exposed, with many water crossings. Wear water shoes with good grip, and start your hike here early to avoid the worst of the heat. Bring lots of snacks and water because you won’t want to leave!
If you’re planning a trip to the Washington area – or anywhere with a trail – Meghann and Zach’s blog, The Grah Life, is a fantastic resource. They’ve covered everything from national parks like Mount Rainier, Arches, and Yosemite to international trips through Finland and Vietnam, with practical tips on hiking, backpacking, gear, and permits along the way.
You can check out their full Havasupai guide here and explore more of their adventures at thegrahlife.com.
🎧 And if you missed our conversation back in episode 80, it’s well worth a listen – tune in here to hear the full story behind their Havasupai adventure.