So, in preparation, we hit the gym and began to fill our backpacks with all of our hiking and camping needs.

Once our packs were filled, we were left with a 35-pound backpack for my husband to carry and a 15-pound pack for me. Accompanied by another adventurous couple, we set out for the Grand Canyon the day before Thanksgiving. 

Havasu Falls

Early the next morning, we strapped on our backpacks and started on our long, strenuous 10-mile hike into the canyon. We began our descent down a steep mile-and-a-half of switchbacks before the trail flattened out into the valley of the canyon. Each step into the canyon took us back into time as the layers of rock revealed approximately 350 million years of the Earth’s history.

We trekked through the canyon floor, encountering different terrain after every mile or so. The surrounding landscape ranged in color from golden beige and brown to black and vibrant red. Our feet were confronted with contrasting trail conditions from loose gravel to slick rock to paths of sand.

Along the path, we were passed by a mule-train (The Pony Express), as this is the last place in the country where mail is still delivered in this manner.

We followed the trail through the towering canyon walls toward the Supai Indian village, the only place in the Grand Canyon still inhabited by native people.

After eight miles, we finally reached the village. The pathway meandered past a small grocery store, a restaurant, a school and scattered houses with clothes drying on lines and horses in small stables.

This is home to 600 Native Americans who live in the depths of the canyon, known as the Havasupai Tribe, which means "people of the blue-green water."

Trees Line a Trail to Havasu Falls

Approximately two miles past this small village, we would soon find out why its people were named as such.

As we approached the majestic Havasu Falls, our eyes were given a magnificent sight that somehow soothed our aching bodies – a cascading waterfall that pours over red sandstone cliffs into a large turquoise pool as water spills into smaller blue-green pools that flow into the stream.

Limestone deposits in the water are responsible for its brilliant color. Depictions of paradise came to mind at first glance, as it felt like a piece of heaven on earth.

After the long journey to get to the falls, it was like discovering a rare jewel that Allah left hidden away in the depths of the earth. SubhanAllah (Glory be to God), it was worth every mile.

We planned to camp rather than stay at the lodge, so we pitched our tents just below the falls alongside the creek. We continued to take in the sights by hiking along narrow ledges and through dark tunnels with signs reading, "Use extreme caution and proceed at your own risk!" More breathtaking than dangerous, I thought, as a spectacular view of Mooney Falls and a blue-green pool into which it falls emerged.

As if that wasn’t adventurous enough, a chain-link ladder descending a steep 200 feet will take you to the base of the falls, where you can take in its grandeur.

As our breathtaking adventure came to an end, we headed back to the village the next day where an easier way out of the canyon awaited us – a helicopter. There are many options getting to and from Havasu Falls. Mules can be hired to carry backpacks, for those who wish to hike with a lighter load, and horse rides are available for those who don’t wish to hike at all.

Or, you could just fly over the trail in and out of the village. We decided to take the hardest way in and the easiest way out. Whatever your age or level of fitness, Havasu Falls is accessible to just about everyone. Yet, less than 5 percent of the Grand Canyon’s 5 million annual visitors actually visit these falls. So, take a hike for an unforgettable adventure.