Mooney Falls

Mooney Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Havasupai system at 190 feet, a thundering column of turquoise water that dwarfs the tiny figures of hikers at its base. The sheer power and height make Havasu Falls' downstream neighbor arguably more impressive, if less photographed. The travertine formations at the base create natural pools and terraces, and the spray generates a permanent rainbow on sunny afternoons that arcs across the entire width of the canyon.

Reaching the base of Mooney Falls is the most adventurous descent in the Havasupai canyon system: a series of hand-carved tunnels, chains, metal stakes driven into the wet rock, and near-vertical ladders lead through the travertine cliff face behind the falls. The descent is not for the faint-hearted — the rock is perpetually wet and slippery, and the exposure is considerable. Once at the bottom, the reward is a massive turquoise pool and the option to continue 3 miles downstream to Beaver Falls.

The same permit that grants access to Havasu Falls covers Mooney Falls. The descent to the base takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and comfort level. Arrive early in the morning to avoid queuing on the chains and ladders. The falls are named for prospector James Mooney, who fell to his death here in 1882.