If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Havasu Falls in winter —in my opinion, the very best time to visit— your packing list will be a little different than in summertime. Temperatures may dip below freezing in February and March, with highs in the low 60s.
Most Havasu Falls packing lists on the internet focus on the busy summer season, when temperatures can soar above 100ºF and rarely dip below 50º. While many of the items you’d bring in summer still make sense in the Havasupai winter —yes, you should still bring your swimsuit!— there are a few key items you’ll want to add to your winter packing list.
1. A sleeping bag rated 30º or below
Winter temperatures in Havasu Canyon can dip just below freezing, so you want a bag rated for at least 30ºF. Personal comfort levels differ, however. I tend to sleep cold, so I carried a bag rated 20ºF. My friend Nick used a 30ºF bag on the same trip and we were both very happy.
In terms of keeping you warm, a good sleeping pad can be just as important as a good bag. It protects you from the cold ground and keeps you comfy, too! Look for an insulated one with an “R-value” (a way to measure warmth) of at least 3.0 for winter camping.
3. Breathable winter baselayers, including puffy jacket and hat
Layering is key, especially for winter hiking. Smartwool makes my favorite baselayers, made of wool to help absorb odor. Even though it was in the 30sº on our hike out of Havasupai, we worked up a good sweat, and I stripped down to this baselayer without overheating. At night, when it hovered around freezing, we wore baselayers with our puffy jackets and shells and still wished we’d been able to have a campfire. Definitely bring a waterproof outer layer just in case it rains — or even snows, like it did on our trip.
4. Two pairs of gloves: one warm, one grippy
A pair of grippy utility gloves are a must for the climb down the slippery chains at Mooney Falls. Before and after the climb, though, you’ll wish you had something a little warmer between you and the chilly air.
These air-activated heaters are great for keeping toes and fingers from freezing on cold winter mornings. I like keeping two in my puffy pockets to squeeze while I’m waiting for my morning coffee.
6. A quick-drying towel
The water of Havasu Falls itself is geothermally heated and stays comfortable year-round, but getting out of the water is another story. While in summer you’d be fine drip-drying, the winter air will freeze you fast. Bring a towel to wrap yourself in and keep your warm layers dry for later.
You should carry at least one extra pair of socks, especially on trips where you’re likely to get wet. That’s extra important on cold-weather trips like Havasu Falls in the winter. Bring one pair of warm “sacred socks” that never leave your sleeping bag, just in case the other pair both get wet. (I love Smartwool and Darn Tough.)
8. A Nalgene for a hot water bottle
Before you crawl into your sleeping bag at night, boil some water on your camp stove and dump that hotness into your Nalgene (carefully.) It’ll act as a hot water bottle, keeping you warm while you sleep. Keep it in the bottom of your bag to warm your toes, or place it between your legs (near your femoral artery) to keep you warm all over.
9. Instant hot cocoa and apple cider
Nothing makes a cold campsite cozy like a hot drink. Whether you’re sipping by Mooney Falls in the morning or at your picnic table at night, you’ll be glad you brought these along.
10. Hot soup packets
When you’re backpacking, a soup course might seem like a luxury — but trust me, it’s worth it! Pack a few packets of instant miso or lemon chicken soup for a tasty, warm-you-up-quick appetizer. (Bonus: miso soup helps replenish the salts you lose while hiking.)
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Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive packing list — these are just some winter-specific items you might wish you had on a trip to Havasu Falls outside of summer. Make sure to always bring the 10 Essentials of Camping and Hiking with you, and check out one of the many generic Havasu Falls packing lists online to make sure you don’t forget anything. (Pro tip: bring plenty of cash for the fry bread stand and snacks in town!)
Have you been to Havasu Falls in winter, or are you headed there in 2020? Any packing suggestions or questions I didn’t cover here?
Related:
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit Havasu Falls
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