Everything you need to know for your ultimate hiking experience:

HYDRATION: The first symptom of dehydration is thirst. Adequate water helps to keep your energy up, to keep your body properly functioning, and to protect you in an unexpected situation that could require you to be in the desert longer than you had planned. It is ideal to increase your hydration the day before the hike.

RESTROOM: See map below. There are no restrooms along the trails, with the exception of one primitive restroom at the shoreline of only the Pilot Rock hike. There is a restroom available in the main parking lot where the Wanderlust, Slot Canyon and Slot Canyon to Shore hikes meet. The main parking lot is just down the road from meeting point parking lot for Pilot Rock. There is also a restroom available at Short Stop convenience store at the intersection near the entrance: Short Stop map

FOOTWEAR: All footwear should be broken in to help prevent blisters that could make your hike uncomfortable and lead to a possible infection. 

Worst option: Flip flops are not an ideal option because they don’t provide adequate muscle support for navigating the terrain. 

Acceptable option: Outdoor sandals with a thick sole and over-the-foot straps. 

Better option: Tennis shoes 

Best option: Hiking shoes or hiking boots have soles with a tread design that provides greater muscle support and eases navigation of outdoor terrain. 

The best socks are moisture-wicking materials to help prevent blisters. Socks made from Merino wool will provide the best protection, followed by those made from nylon, synthetic polyester or polypropylene (or a combination); socks made from rayon, linen and cotton are also acceptable. 

APPAREL: Layered clothing allows you the freedom to adjust how comfortable you are if the weather should suddenly change either cooling down quickly due to cloud cover or winds or heating rapidly due to sun position. A tank top or t-shirt with a light jacket or sweatshirt is recommended.

PACKS: Hiking is best experienced if you don’t have to weigh down pockets or carry items. A good cross-body bag, sling bag or fanny pack is recommended. Backpacks are available for rent at check-out. All trash must be carried back out (Leave No Trace). Plastic shopping bags are not acceptable to carry items.

NAVIGATION: It is always a good idea to download the route from All Trails to your phone to help with navigation in the event that there is an unexpected situation. Ensure full charge on mobile phones and smart devices; close unused apps to save battery uses. You can download the free All Trails mobile app to download GPX coordinates and map routes to use in an emergency where mobile service is not available. (Wanderlust trail is the same as Trashcan trail on All Trails.)

SUN: The intensity of the desert sun is one of the magnificent components of the terrain. Remember to apply sunscreen about 30 minutes prior to the hike (don’t forget the back of your neck, ears and tops of feet, if wearing outdoor sandals). A long-sleeve shirt can help prevent sunburn from progressing, as well as a hat with protective neck material. Chapstick with an SPF is also recommended. 

WILDLIFE:  Your Havasu Hikes guide is certified in safely relocating venomous snakes, however, please read the following information regarding rattlesnakes and what to do if one is encountered: What to do

WAIVER HIGHLIGHTS: You REALLY should read the waiver before you sign it. But here’s a jist of a few of the most important highlights: 

Havasu Hikes is not responsible if you have a heat-related injury, get injured, bitten, lost or die. (It sounds ominous, I know, but you’ll likely be fine.)

You have to bring your own inhaler and/or Epinephrine. 

REFUNDS: Havasu Hikes can cancel a hike up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled meet time for unforeseen emergencies, including weather. If this occurs, a refund will be issued. 

If Havasu Hikes deems that you are not physically fit to safely enjoy the hike, you will not be allowed to participate and a refund will be issued to you only, not those in your party. 

If unexpected weather causes a hike to end early, refunds will not be issued. 

If you need rescue, you will pay all related costs. 

If you stray from the designated trail, litter or destroy the environment, you will not receive a refund. 

If you get lost, you will not receive a refund. 

Havasu Hikes reserves the right to deny participation, even after the hike has begun, in which a refund will not be issued.