Experienced hikers are known for their very lengthy bucket lists of hikes that they would like to take. One hike that seems to be the dream for all hikers is Havasu Falls. How could you say no to five beautiful turquoise waterfalls? Although many hikers spend a lifetime trying to get to Havasu, I had the privilege of going at just 17 years old.

From obtaining tickets to planning the hike, Havasu Falls can be a very difficult hike to go on. Normally during years without Covid, reservations for Havasu go on sale February 1. These reservations are much like buying concert tickets, and it is very hard to get them. Luckily, my mom was able to obtain the tickets after waiting in line for a short time. Our time at Havasu was scheduled from November 24 to November 27. The next step was to schedule flights and book hotels.
We flew out of Cincinnati and into Phoenix on November 23. From the Phoenix Airport there is a trolley that travels across town to the rental car building. After several hours of waiting in line at the rental car place, we were able to leave. Although, we were stuck driving a white Kia Soul for the week. We then set out on our journey from Phoenix to Peach Springs, and we were able to see a lot of cool roadside attractions along Route 66. Although, we did have to stop at Walmart and Target for last minute supplies that we could not bring on the plane. When we arrived in Peach Springs we checked into the Hualapai Lodge. The Hualapai Lodge is the nearest hotel to the Havasupai Trailhead, and is around 66 miles from the Hualapai Hilltop. The Hualapai Lodge is very well-known, and they have the walls lined with pictures and autographs from celebrities. My favorite singer, Taylor Swift, even has an autograph hanging on the wall there. The Hualapai Lodge is also known as one of the towns that the creators of Cars got their inspiration from. Knowing how the first Cars movie starts, I was pleasantly surprised to see the cop sitting in the middle of the sleepy town when we arrived late at night.

After getting settled in our room, we decided to get a lot of rest for the big day ahead of us. We were so tired from traveling all day that the loud trains that went by right outside the hotel did not even wake us. Stay tuned for the next article in my series to see how our trip goes!