Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Saying Goodbye to Havasupai: A Final Hike Out on Halloween

After an incredible few days exploring the beauty of Havasupai, it was time to pack up and hit the trail. On Halloween morning, at 5:00 am, we started our hike out of the canyon, greeted by the quiet stillness of the desert as the stars still twinkled above. Although the thought of leaving this magical place was bittersweet, we were prepared for the long ascent ahead.

A Fun Halloween Twist

To keep things lighthearted, I dressed up as a simple cat for Halloween—just ears and a tail—since I didn’t want to carry unnecessary items into the canyon. It added a fun touch to the day without weighing me down during the hike.

Pre-Dawn Hike in the Canyon

As we hiked under the soft glow of our headlamps, the canyon took on an eerie yet peaceful quality in the pre-dawn darkness. The towering red walls loomed overhead, and the small pools of light from our lamps illuminated the path. Despite the early hour, there was a quiet energy in the air as we navigated the winding trail, knowing these would be our final moments in Havasupai.

Memories of Havasupai

Each step reminded me of the breathtaking experiences we had shared over the past few days—swimming in the turquoise pools, climbing down Mooney Falls, and exploring the narrow canyons near the confluence. It had been a journey filled with awe, challenge, and connection to nature. Now, the same trails we had once hiked with excitement were guiding us homeward.

The Final Ascent

By the time the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the cliffs, we had already covered several miles. The golden light slowly brought the canyon back to life, revealing the vibrant colors that had become so familiar. We paused to take in the beauty one last time—the rust-red rocks against the brilliant blue sky, a sight that would be etched in our memories long after we had left.

Reaching the Hilltop

The final stretch—the ascent up the switchbacks to Hualapai Hilltop—was the most physically demanding part of the hike. With every step up, we gained a new perspective on the vastness of the canyon we had just left behind. Despite the fatigue setting in, the anticipation of reaching the top kept us going. It was a reminder of how far we had come, both physically and mentally, during our time in Havasupai.

Finally, after hours of steady hiking, we reached the hilltop. Looking back at the trailhead below, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Havasupai had gifted us with its natural beauty and challenged us to push our limits in ways we hadn’t expected.

A Well-Deserved Break in Seligman

But the adventure didn’t quite end there. After loading up the car and bidding farewell to the canyon, we made our way to Seligman, a small town on historic Route 66, to replenish supplies and take a well-deserved break. The charming roadside stop seemed like the perfect place to pause after such a challenging journey. We couldn’t resist stopping at Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In, a quirky diner known for its old-school burgers and milkshakes. It was the ultimate post-hike treat—savoring thick, creamy shakes and juicy burgers as we reflected on the amazing adventure we had just completed.

The Next Leg Of Our Adventure (Day 7)

Exploring Devil’s Bridge

The next day started with an early drive to Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful morning. The red cliffs, glowing in the soft light of the rising sun, created the perfect backdrop for the hike. The natural sandstone arch of Devil’s Bridge was an incredible sight, and standing atop it gave us breathtaking views of the valley below.

A Scenic Stop at Oak Creek Vista

On our way out of Sedona, the landscape gradually shifted from oak, sycamore, and walnut trees to the towering ponderosa pines of the high desert. We made a quick stop at Oak Creek Vista, also known as The Overlook near Flagstaff. Bill and I paused to take in the panoramic views of the Coconino National Forest and the winding road that meanders through the stunning Oak Creek Canyon. A Native American market was in full swing during our visit, offering an array of handcrafted jewelry and artwork. We explored several tables, each displaying beautiful pieces that added a unique cultural touch to the experience. The combination of breathtaking views and the vibrant market made this stop even more memorable. It’s a perfect place to appreciate the spectacular beauty of Northern Arizona.

An Unexpected Gem: Walnut Canyon National Monument

Next, we had a happy accident—missing an exit led us to an unexpected gem, Walnut Canyon National Monument. This detour turned out to be a wonderful find! The ancient cliff dwellings carved into the canyon walls were remarkable. It didn’t even feel like I was in Arizona—it was like stepping back in time. I didn’t have as much time to fully explore the monument, but I was thrilled to have stumbled upon it.

Captivating Vistas and Camping at Lone Rock Beach

We took a detour to visit Horseshoe Bend, an awe-inspiring natural wonder carved by the Colorado River into a dramatic 270-degree bend. The viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramas of the river’s vibrant turquoise waters, which contrast strikingly with the rich red rock cliffs. Arriving around sunset, we were treated to a stunning visual display as the shifting light accentuated the curves and colors of the rock formations, creating a truly mesmerizing spectacle.

Continuing our journey back to Utah, we arrived at Lone Rock Beach just in time to set up camp for the night. The sight of Lone Rock dramatically jutting out of Lake Powell was absolutely stunning. We set up our camp directly on the beach, with the tranquil waters and striking red rock formations providing a picturesque backdrop. As evening fell, we savored a BBQ dinner of fish and steak while watching the transition from dusk to darkness, which enveloped us in a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Stargazing by the Fire

Later, we built a cozy fire on the beach, perfect for warming up as we enjoyed the amazing stargazing opportunities. The vast, clear night sky was dazzling with stars, and we ended the day relaxed and in awe of the beauty surrounding us.

Reflection on an Incredible Journey

As we sat by the fire on our final night, the vast expanse of the sky above felt like the perfect metaphor for our journey—endless, awe-inspiring, and full of unexpected moments. From the challenging ascent out of Havasupai to the surprise discovery of Walnut Canyon and the stunning beauty of Devil’s Bridge, the past few days had taken us far beyond what we imagined, both physically and emotionally.

Each day offered moments that reminded us of nature’s raw beauty and our own resilience. Whether it was the peaceful stillness by the lake, the exhilarating hikes, or simply stargazing beside the fire, every experience deepened our connection to the earth and to each other. As we packed up camp, ready for the next adventure in Utah, I knew the memories of these days would stay with me, etched into my mind like the canyons themselves.