Hualapai Hilltop Heliport

Common Complaints

• Unpredictability and Long Wait Times: Flights are on a first-come, first-served basis, not guaranteed, and cannot be booked in advance for tourists. Tribal members and contractors receive priority, leading to potential wait times of 6 hours or more for tourists, especially on busy days. The schedule can change due to weather, service needs, or emergency diversions.
• Limited Facilities: The heliport offers only basic amenities, including portable restrooms, shade structures, and limited benches. There is no food, fuel, potable water, or reliable cell service available at the hilltop.
• Cost and Baggage Restrictions: The helicopter flight costs approximately $150 per person each way, with additional luggage charged by weight (e.g., $50 for a full pack).
• Parking Challenges: While free parking is available in a large gravel lot, it often fills before sunrise on flight days, requiring overflow parking along the remote Indian Road 18. Vehicle break-ins have been reported, and the lot is unattended.

Hualapai Hilltop Heliport offers an invaluable service for accessing the remote Havasupai Falls, primarily for its significant time-saving and physical benefits. However, travelers should be prepared for its very basic facilities, the unpredictable nature of flights, and potentially long, uncomfortable waits due to its first-come, first-served policy and priority boarding for tribal members. Always have a backup plan to hike out if helicopter service is unavailable.