For all those wishing to see North American Indigenous culture in it’s most undisturbed state, the Havasupai Indian Reservation provides the perfect spot. Located deep inside the Grand Canyon, Supai is the National Park’s only village. The Havasupai, whose name translates to “People of the Blue-Green Waters,” have long called this Shangri-La home. Open to a limited number of tourists the whole year round, this is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Getting here is half the fun, and seeing that the Havasupai do not allow cars, the journey is not for the faint of heart. Upon reaching the rural Hualapai Hilltop, guests can do one of four things: first, they can hike the 8-mile trail to Supai village, second, they can charter a round-trip helicopter ride, third, they can schedule roundtrip saddle and packhorse service, or fourth—and perhaps the most enjoyable—they can schedule roundtrip pack mule transportation. Seeing that the Havasupai allow no cars, it is the last place in the U.S. where mail is still delivered via mule! As a precaution, reservations for camping, lodging and transportation, should be made at least one week in advance, and in fact, no tourists shall be permitted to visit without them. To make reservations, or for further details on directions, trip conditions, prices, etc. contact the Tribal Tourism Office at: 1-928-448-2121, 1-928-448-2141, 1-928-448-2174, or 1-928-448-2180.

Prior to arrival, visitors will have to make a list of all necessities, and if choosing to camp, especial forethought shall be required in the way of mandatory provisions. Though the Reservation has a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a grocery store selling basic items, guests may wish to bring personal items, as a means to augment the daily diet. In addition to this, there is a post office, where special one-of-a-kind pack mule stamps can be purchased.

Finally, once the visitor is settled, much exploration awaits. Offering a number of hiking trails, the Reservation is sure to deliver. Best of all, is the fact that everyone in Supai speaks the ancent Havasupai language, and in fact, this is the last U.S. Tribe where 100% of it’s Tribal members can speak and understand their mother tongue. In the end, with all the above said, why would the tarvelor pass up such a rare experience? Before making the trip, however, it must be remembered that this is Tribal land, and thus visitors shall be subject to Tribal law. For further information, click here for the rules and regulations.