At Deer Creek, a 100-foot-high waterfall tumbles out of a sinuous Tapeats sandstone tributary, creating a welcome oasis on the lower river at mile 136. River runners often stop here to hike around the falls to Deer Creek Narrows, along a trail barely wider than a footstep, suspended high above the rushing creek waters.

Matkatamiba Canyon, at mile 148, is another sinuously carved side canyon and a favorite with photographers and hikers. Its walls, ledges, and pools are formed from Muav limestone.

Havasu Creek enters the Colorado River at mile 157. From the mouth of the canyon, it’s 5.5 miles to Mooney Falls, one of four waterfalls in the Havasu Canyon area. Supai Village is approximately halfway between the rim and river, about eight miles.

The Havasupai people lived at Grand Canyon for centuries, widely roaming the rims and tributaries in search of game and plants until the government established their small reservation in 1882. Today, the tribe supports itself with tourism. People come from all over the world to see the waters of Havasu Creek, spilling into travertine-lined pools that reflect the sky.