Flooded Paradise

In Arizona, at the northeast end of the Grand Canyon sits a turquoise oasis of paradise. One would hardly believe it existed if they didn't see it for themselves nor understand its grandeur were they not to experience it firsthand. (Photo courtesy of Jennie Doezie)

Since living in Los Angeles, I have made the trek to the waterfalls in Havasu Canyon twice. It's a beautiful 10-mile hike in to the Havasupai Village, then another 2-miles or so to the campground and the site of several huge tumbling waterfalls. Though having explored the area and the different parts of that canyon, I am still in awe of its creation.

It's weird to believe that the elements that created this amazing paradise are also the forces of nature that would destroy it. Just a couple of weeks ago, flooding turned the turqoise waters into flowing doodoo.

Here is an article about it: "Hundreds evacuated near Grand Canyon after flooding"

The Falls are temporarily closed until Spring 2009. Bridges and campgrounds need to be replaced and repaired. I found these pictures online from a guy who was there with his friends and was one of the 400 or so people evacuated.

This is a picture of Havasu Falls a couple weeks ago during the flood. It normally looks like what you see in the picture above.

Here is a picture of a bridge that managed to survive the flooding.

If I remember correctly, this is on the way to Beaver Falls and that overflowing water is not normally there. That hike is pretty much surrounded by canyon walls, but the flooding seems to have found it's way down.
I'm sure Havasupai has undergone a series of makeovers throughout the centuries and will eventually recover, but for those who had big plans this summer to visit again, (Eva, Jennie, with all your family and friends and then that ginormous group from SLC), I am sad for everyone.

When they do open up Havasupai again, I think you should go. The trek down to the Canyon isn't an easy one. It is long and hot. But just remember to LOOK UP and enjoy the blue sky and the beauty of the canyon walls. The Falls will just be the climax to your efforts.