Swimming At Beaver Falls

You can swim at Beaver Falls!  It’s much easier (and safer) than swimming at Mooney Falls, where the undertow and current can be quite strong.

Beaver Falls is made of a series of cascading pools, which are very nice to wade through and lounge in.

It’s one of the best spots to enjoy the blue waters of Havasu Creek!

Because the swimming holes at Beaver Falls are surrounded by canyon walls, the sun disappears in the afternoon. Most swimmers tend to leave after the sun drops.  Chances are, depending on the time of the year, you’ll be the only people there by late afternoon!

What Creates The Beautiful Travertine Waterfalls And Pools?

Beaver Falls (and the similar smaller waterfalls in this part of Havasu Creek) are created by travertine shelves or terraces.

You’ll see the same formations in the Havasupai Falls Campground, too.   In fact, I chose our campsite because it had a view of the terraces which I found especially pretty.

The Havasupai Tribe says high concentrations of lime in the water help build the natural travertine terraces over time.

If you look closely, you’ll see rocks and twigs in the shelves at Beaver Falls, which get trapped in the lime and help build the structure.  In one spot, you’ll see an entire tree trunk that helped form one of the main pools at Beaver Falls.

The Water Temperature At Beaver Falls (Havasu Creek)

Contrary to what many blogs post about the water temperature in Havasu Creek, it is *not always 70 degrees.

In the summer months, the water temperature at Beaver Falls will be up into the 70-to-75 degree range.  It fluctuates by a few degrees each day.

In the spring and fall, the water temperature of Havasu Creek is in the 60s, and it drops down into the 50s during the winter.

The US Geological Survey has a temperature gauge, keeping track of Havasu Creek several times each day.

Here’s how the temperature averages layout over the course of a year:

What To Pack For A Visit To Beaver Falls

In addition to your own personal choice when it comes to hiking boots, water shoes and sandals, here are a few other things to make sure to bring in your day bag on a hike to Beaver Falls.

• SPF for your face and body.  I used a new Neutrogena product on my face for this trip, which I like a lot.  It provides broad-spectrum coverage and an SPF of 60, but it’s invisible.  Your face won’t have that weird milky white residue.  I also like their roll-on stick option for my arms.
• Gloves for climbing down the chains and rocks at  Mooney Falls
• Plastic hiking bag for your wet shoes
• Quick-dry towel for the creek crossings
• Life Straw water bottle (MVP of the trip) so you can safely drink the creek water
• Foot Glide (a last-minute purchase, which spared my feet from blistering)
• Headlamp (just in case the sun sets and you have to climb Mooney Falls in the dark)

Photography Tips For Beaver Falls

While most people come to enjoy a sunny day at Beaver Falls, photography is easier after the sun drops.  It gives you much nicer, even lighting for your photos while still picking up the bright blue tones in Havasu Creek.

You can also use the “live” photo option on an iPhone to get the effect of a smooth, time-lapsed waterfall.  After taking a “live” photo, open the photo.  On the top left of the screen, click the drop-down “live” menu and hit “long exposure.”  It’s a fun trick to play around with at all of the Havasupai Falls!