Episode 29: THE “FUCK IT LIST” ZONE — HAVASUPAI FALLS SURVIVOR’S GUIDE
- Krystal
- May 28
- 5 min read
BEFORE WE BEGIN:
TLC WARNED US. WE DIDN’T LISTEN.
At some point during a 3AM TikTok doomscroll spiral after our Big Bend trip collapsed into a dusty construction-zone disappointment, Krystal with a K found Havasupai Falls.
And because apparently we make major financial decisions with the confidence of raccoons on espresso, we bought permits the exact second they dropped.
Three permits.Four days.Three nights.Nearly 40 miles.One mildly unhinged family.And an 8-year-old who somehow became the emotional support wilderness leader.
And honestly?
It was the trip of a lifetime.
This wasn’t just a hike. It was a reminder that life is terrifying, beautiful, exhausting, breathtaking, painful, hilarious, and way too short to spend waiting for “someday.”
As a 3-time cancer survivor, I am hyperaware that the clock is always ticking.
So ALL DARK HUMOR ASIDE…
You can absolutely do this.
And this trip? It is 1,000% one of the greatest things I have ever done in my entire life.
Not because it was easy. Because it wasn’t.
But somewhere between the suffering, the fear, the laughter, the waterfalls, and the moments where we questioned every decision we’d ever made… we felt alive.
Really alive.
So yes: prepare properly, respect the canyon, know your limits, and train beforehand.
But stop waiting for “someday.”
Do the scary shit. Book the trip. Live your fucking life.
Because being afraid to die should not stop you from living.
Being afraid to never truly LIVE is much scarier.
WHAT THE HELL IS HAVASUPAI?
Hidden deep inside the Grand Canyon on Havasupai tribal land sits one of the most beautiful places we have ever seen: turquoise waterfalls surrounded by red canyon walls that honestly look fake in person.
It is breathtaking. It is magical. It is also physically abusive.
Havasupai means: “People of the Blue-Green Waters.”
Which sounds peaceful until you realize you have to descend into the surface of the sun carrying your own survival gear to get there.
The hike itself:
~10 miles each way (depending on where you camp)
brutal heat
switchbacks, ladders, river crossings
legs questioning your life choices
And then there’s Mooney Falls:
A descent that is equal parts anxiety-inducing vs terrifying.
A 220-foot drop involving caves, chains, wet rocks, ladders, and narrow cliffside passages that feel like nature’s version of “you sure about this?”
I had the MOST worry about this section before the trip.
But once we got there with our 8-year-old, something shifted.
He did so well. Calm, focused, and braver than I expected. Watching him move through it made a lot of my fear quiet down. Not disappear—but soften enough for me to trust the moment.
That doesn’t mean it won’t be scary for others. It might.
But sometimes fear is louder in your head than it is in reality.
Face it anyway.
Or at least try.
HOW TO GET PERMITS BEFORE YOUR SANITY COLLAPSES
Permits are ONLY available through the official Havasupai reservation website:
2026 permits are already mostly SOLD OUT.
2027 permits are expected to release around early February (exact date varies yearly).
Prepare accordingly.
THE SURVIVAL LIST
AKA: SHIT THAT KEPT US ALIVE
This is pretty much everything you need, including links for some of the items that we purchased and worked well. We felt VERY PREPARED and did not overpack.
CLOTHES
Hiking pants
Hiking Boots: https://amzn.to/3PGxPcp
Wool socks (TREAT YOUR FEET LIKE FUCKING QUEENS) + bring 2–3 extra pairs (you will live in these for 4 days, 3 nights)
Sunshirt
Shorts
Swimsuits
Hats
Sunglasses
Water shoes/sandals
HYDRATION
There is a spring at the START of the campgrounds, so you don't necessarily need a water purify. Bring a wearable water source and a plastic or reusable bottle to mix your electrolyte drinks in: You need WAY more water than you think.
Water Bladder/CamelBak Knockoff:
2 Liter (for our 8 year old): https://amzn.to/3RANRVR
3 Liter: https://amzn.to/4vADmkb
Electrolyte Packs
purchase at any grocery store
Collapsible Water Container
SLEEP SYSTEM/NECESSITIES
Framed Backpack: https://amzn.to/4nXLcBN
Tent (lightweight)
Sleeping pads
Hammock (we slept in hammocks and loved it BUT it is NOT for everyone)
Pillowcases
Sleeping bags: https://amzn.to/4dP4TGW
FOOD & CAMP KITCHEN
Jet Boil + fuel
Snacks: trail mix / nuts / beef jerky
Freeze-dried meals (most are 2 servings BUT you burn way more calories than normal so bring extra if possible):
Mountain House Emergency Meal Assortment Kits, Freeze-Dried Survival Food Kit: https://amzn.to/4vfITwa
Fork/spoon combo:
Titanium Long Handle Spork Ultralight Camping Spoon Fork: https://amzn.to/4wUExvV
Bowls
Trash bags
Critter bag
Plastic baggies (1-gallon ziplocks for trash — pack it in / pack it out)
550 cord
Knife
Headlamps + flashlights (WITH red light so you’re not blinding everyone like a menace)
HYGIENE
Organic camp soap
Organic sunscreen
Organic deodorant (you will smell worse than puberty — accept it early)
Baby wipes (non-negotiable 4-day canyon survival item)
Ladies: bring pads/tampons/cups. Nature does not care about your schedule.
MEDS
Ibuprofen
Tylenol
Regular medication
Knee braces/ Stablizer especially if you are over the hill FOR THE DOWNHILL HIKE (trust me on this shit): https://amzn.to/4fj4b7z
Hiking poles: https://amzn.to/4u74FkT
Small First Aid Kit....because shit happens
THE “FUCK IT LIST” ITINERARY
THE NIGHT BEFORE
Hydrate aggressively
Electrolytes
Stretch
Eat real food
Mentally prepare for hitting THE DREADED WALL at mile 7
WHERE TO STAY:
GRAND CANYON CAVERNS INN
Best option.
beds
A/C
showers
restaurant actually hits
permit pickup nearby
Leave EARLY (3:00–3:30AM).
Drive is dark, remote, and full of elk and black cows that appear like horror movie extras.
DAY 1
Hike down at ~5AM before sunrise.
Hit café for breakfast/coffee (game changer).
~10–11 miles into camp.
DAY 2
Mooney Falls + Beaver Falls
Mooney Falls = anxiety-inducing vs terrifying.
After arrival, my biggest fear was this section.
But our 8-year-old handled it so well that a lot of my fear just… released. Not gone, but quieter.
Face fear anyway. Or at least try.
DAY 3
Waterfall exploration day:
Hidden Falls
50 Foot Falls
Navajo Falls
Havasu Falls
Wrong turns included. Still survived.
DAY 4
Hike out ~4:30AMTop ~10AM
Mules used ONLY for hike out.
OTHER USEFUL SHIT
MULES
$200 one way
$400 round trip
you can book in the village on the way in
If you join the facebook pages some people may want to split the cost and have the same days as you
LOTS OF PEOPLE FROWN UPON THIS...I look at it as supporting the people and the reservation. It is a personal choice.
HELICOPTERS
Yes they exist. No they are not guaranteed. Check the official webstie above for more info.
BIG TIPS (DO NOT SKIP)
SOCKS WITH SANDALS = elite hiking gear
Wool socks are survival, not fashion
Start hikes before sunrise
Treat your feet like queens
Bring cash for fry bread
YOU WILL STINK
Hang EVERYTHING — critters WILL get into your packs, food, trash
Leave a cooler in your car with ice, water, Gatorade, sealed snacks for post-hike recovery
DO NOT leave food in your car unless sealed and IN YOUR COOLER— or expect Mickey Mouse and his entire uninvited clubhouse to move in
TRAIN IN YOUR NEW BOOTS BEFORE THE TRIP (NO NEW BOOT GOOFIN)
Train:
several days a week walk and work up to 5–7 miles
TRAIN DOING UPHILL WALKS (this was the toughest part of the entire trip for us)
Last month: add pack hiking
DO NOT exceed 20% of your body weight in your pack
FINAL THOUGHTS
This trip was exhausting, terrifying, painful, beautiful, and unforgettable.
And if you’re wondering if you should go:
This is your sign.
Do it scared.Do it prepared.Do it anyway.
PLOT TWIST…
WE SURVIVED.
BEFORE YOU GO
If you’re into dark humor, sarcasm, and absolutely unfiltered 18+ chaos, go watch the full episode of PLOT TWIST: STILL ALIVE on YouTube, Spotify, or listen on Apple Podcasts and all major podcast platforms.
And if you want to support the madness or rep the journey, check out our "STILL ALIVE" Havasu Falls merch here www.plottwiststillalive.com
Fucking EPIC!