No trip report online, but I’m happy to share some details and tips here. First and foremost, hammocks are welcome and very popular in Havasupai. Just be sure to bring tree straps to conserve the resources there.

From the trailhead to the town is 8 miles beginning with a lot of switchbacks and then opening into a wash. Very little tree cover until you get to town. From town it is another two miles to camp, but you’ll be following the river and lush vegitation. For some people, the mileage isn’t an issue, but the sandy trail, heat, and sun are. My wife’s group included a lot of inexperienced youth and they averaged about 1 mile per hour! Most hikers average at least 2 MPH. If you know your own average hike speed you can calculate your trip time and determine what resources you’ll need.

My wife’s group packed several gallons of water and cached it along the trail for the hike out. They ended up not needing it but it was a good fail safe. Most people recommend hiking early in the morning or late at night to avoid the heat. The springtime might no be so bad, but it is still an open trail with a lot of direct sun.

My wife hiked in sandals–not the open-toe river sandal, but some quality hiking sandal, providing excellent foot coverage but maximum ventilation. Even light trail runners would be good. Most of her group wore stiff backpacking boots with high ankle support and were miserable. My wife was the only one without blisters yet they asked her how she could stand hiking in sandals. Of course, I mention this just as an example, not a prescription. My wife was also outfit with an ultralight kit so there were other factors in her favor.

My wife’s group also paid to have the mules pack their gear out, so they only carried water and snacks, and still averaged only a mile per hour, or less, coming out.

For me, hiking that slow would be tantamount to torture.

Zach, thanks for the great information. Do you have a resource that mentions hammocks are banned? Are there notices at the campgrounds? We’ve been working with the rangers over the past few months and we’re hoping to get some concrete intel on hanging in the canyon.

Cheers!

I’ll let you know — I’d certainly love to tag along, so I’ll keep in touch. The lack of trees won’t stop me from Paria; I’m already planning to either tarp tent (e.g., hammock bivvy), or bring a lightweight stand, depending on the outcome of my research and trip planning.

That would be fun, although it’s not solely my trip, looking like a group of four. You’ll have to get your own permit, but email me glen(at)gossamergear(dot)com, I can keep you in the loop as our planning progresses so if there’s a way for our paths to cross we can make that happen. Of course, we won’t be looking for sites with trees… 🙂

Thanks Glen! I noticed Paria was on your list for 2013 — I’ll pencil in those dates, if you don’t mind me tagging along 🙂