The trail drops steeply into Hualapai Canyon for the first mile and then descends more gradually for a half mile to the bottom of the canyon. Its sheer, massive walls become narrow, blocking the sunlight and distorting the size of giant boulders along the path. Eventually the canyon widens and cottowoods, willows, box elders, hackberry trees and wild grape vines diffuse the harsh sunlight of a mid-morning sun. The path follows a small creek that joins the noisy Havasu Creek at the confluence of the Hualapai and Havasu Canyons. Cattails, maidenhair fern and watercress can be seen along the creek to the village of Supai past peach orchards, fig trees and cultivated fields of corn and alfafa.
Campers continue for two more miles to the first campsites.
Ground fires are prohibited so a gas stove is necessary for those who plan to cook. All hikers must obtain advance approval from the Havasupai Tourist enterprise before starting into the canyon. On arrival at Supai Village, visitors register and pay an entry fee. Amenities include campgrounds, a lodge, a village caf , a general store and a post office. All financial transactions require cash except at the lodge where travelers checks and money orders are accepted.