The Confluence is a friend favorite! The Confluence is where Havasu Creek and the Colorado River meet.
LOCATION
The confluence is located within the Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona, U.S.A), where Havasu Creek flows out of Havasu Canyon into the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
ACCESSIBILITY
Most people reach the confluence during a multi-day rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
A few people who are staying at Havasupai make their way to the Confluence (a permit obtained in advance from the Havasupai Tribe is required to enter the Havasupai Tribal Lands).
DISTANCE
The mileage for the hike is approximately:
Supai Lodge to the Confluence = 8.5 miles
Havasu Falls to the Confluence = 7 miles
Mooney Falls to the Confluence = 6 miles
Beaver Falls to the Confluence = 4 miles
The time it takes to get from these locations to the confluence depends upon several factors. A time gauge that I offer is that it will likely take a person/group twice as long to go from Beaver Falls to the Confluence as it did for them to go from Mooney Falls to Beaver Falls.
That said, my friends usually take around 3 hours to go from the middle of the campground to the Confluence. Remember, if going on a Friday or Saturday, there can be a wait to go down the tunnels, chains, and ladders of Mooney Falls.
TIP: Go before 8:00 AM
WATER TEMPERATURE
The Colorado River is usually cold (56F +-5F).
Havasu Creek seems to always be warmer than the Colorado River (60-75F).
TIP: Check the United States Geological Survey (USGS) gage for Havasu Creek upstream of the Confluence.
WATER COLOR
The Colorado River is usually brown, brownish green, to green in color.
Havasu Creek is usually blue, and varies depending upon rain and flooding. During and after a flash flood, Havasu Creek will be brown, then brown-green, then green, then green-blue, and finally it will return to blue – a beautiful light blue.
FISH
Suckers spawn in the Confluence Channel in March and April (literally hundreds of suckers!).
TIP: Go in March or April to see the most fish, and get to the Confluence before the rafts.
CAUTION
The Colorado River has a strong current.
TIPS
Take a water filter, such as the SAWYER Mini or the HYDROBLU water bottle. I prefer the refreshing taste of the Colorado River over the mineral-laden and relatively warm waters of Havasu Creek. Drink up before making the return hike!
A cooling towel such as the original FROGG TOGGS can be a life saver. The rock walls of Havasu Canyon radiate heat and temperatures reach 100F+.
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