Havasu Falls, Supai, AZ. I just have straight up answers to your questions: Yes, I always recommend the Wailua kayak and Secret falls hike to friends and visitors. The Kamokila village is 2 miles up Kuamoo Rd, just past the Opaekaa falls lookout and crosswalk, on a little road going down to the river. He also provided a lot of great local recommendations. OR FOR HELP BOOKING TEXT OR CALL US 808-822-2846 (808-VACATION) .. 7AM-4PM KAUAI TIME Just play that by ear. From the moment we started with the kayaking (which I am experienced) to the hike, he made us feel comfortable and educated us about the wildlife and plants wed see along the way. This excursion is well worth the money and I would most definitely recommend it for anyone visiting this island! The water is usually fairly warm and the surrounding area is very picturesque, which means that this spot makes for an awesome summer days swim. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. All rights reserved. Get See here for the full Fossil Creek trail guide. We departed early enough that we were just leaving the falls when the majority of the tour groups were arriving. This was a fantastic day. I can already imagine myself exploring these scenic spots and feeling refreshed by their beauty. A permit needed and it is 2 hours from Phoenix. I did and I love her Cd, so glad I got it! Even the pretty springs is a great area to see before you go to the waterfall and cave area. Here is The Phoenix Bucket List: 16 Things You Have To Do. Bring bottled water and something a snack on. I'll check with Parrish since they have a full time activities desk. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Guided tours are not necessary, it's more a question of your level of confidence on a kayak. " Jun 2022 We did it as part of Kayak Wailua and the trail is gorgeous and the falls are beautiful and refreshing. "image": { Which one is your favorite? The Mogollon Rim and Payson area are packed with absolutely amazing things to see. Check in starts 30-Minutes prior to start time, we depart on time and do not wait for late arrivals. It normally is pretty busy so try to go during the week to avoid crowds. Secret Falls Kayak Tour is the most popular kayak tour on Kauai! 5-hour kayaking and hiking tour in the Wailua River Valley, on Kauai, Learn about local wildlife, and Hawaiian history and legends from the guide, Park the kayaks for a hike to Secret Falls, Includes all needed equipment and instruction, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, No heart problems or other serious medical conditions, We depart immediately after check-in so no late arrivals will be permitted, Not recommended for participants with recent back, knee or ankle injuries, Participants must be in good physical condition and able to hike approximately two miles through rocky, muddy and slippery terrain. It's the one one the little road first left on Kuamoo Rd, barely 50 feet from the intersection with the main highway. Well, I would love to call ahead and make sure. 2.5 hours from Phoenix. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Permit is needed. We did and had the falls to ourselves though we had to pass two groups on the trail. I am not a hiker and was a little tentative at first but our guide John was SUPER! Ilima Rivera was our guide, she was born and raised on Kauai and has a beautiful voice!! The journey up Romero Canyonis well worth it when the stream is flowing and the pools are full. Outdoor Project may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers. Definitely take your time and enjoy yourself as when will you be back again? It is 9 miles and a lot of it is out in the open in the sun. Very important to beat the crowds and tour groups by leaving before 8am. They refunded us half of the money we paid which I also appreciated very much. "logo": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/themes/sage/public/images/logo.svg" This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. Explore the natural beauty of Kauai on a 5-hour tour that combines a lovely kayaking trip with an moderately easy hike to Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls. Top 12 Spa Resorts in Phoenix (& Nearby Scottsdale), Top 13 Hotels Near Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Colorado, 10 Best Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts in Greece, Top 10 Tiny House Vacation Rentals in Arizona, 12 Best Tours & Things to Do in the Grand Canyon, 14 Best Hotels for Watching 4th of July Fireworks, 9 Water Parks in the Wisconsin Dells Your Kids Will Love, 13 Best Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the World. This is a well known swimming hole less than 30 minutes from Camp Verde. Wailua River and Secret Falls 12 years ago Save My husband and I will be in Kauai in two weeks and we are interested in kayaking the Wailua River and hiking to Secret Falls. The hike to "Secret" Falls was not a problem, but wear water shoes (which I'm sure you already knew) because you have to hop across a stream or two along the way. Paddle the majestic Wailua River, one of Kauai's most beautiful jungle rivers until you come to the trailhead for the hike to enchanting Secret Falls, an 80-foot fall that descends into a refreshing swimming hole. We were given instructions on what to do and where to go. Romero Pools: Another seasonal swimming hole can be found in Catalina State Park, but it is guarded by a steep and rocky hike through the desert. But neither one of us had been in a kayak before. Accessing Uluwehi Falls is best done via guided tour. A definite must on your vacation, worth every penny! There are several places in Wailua and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A little further out it gets to about three feet deep, and at its deepest point, theres an area that reaches between nine and ten feet deep. Sacred Falls Adventure - Wailua River Kayak, Hike & Waterfall Swim . TanqueVerde Falls: Another canyon trek leads to a stream that runs close to Saguaro National Park. Super fun! He helped to make the trip fun with his interaction. In any case, what's important to know is that you shouldn't go kayaking when there is lots of rain inland and the river turns brown from the runoff. For those who dont really like the hiking aspect, there is a tram that leaves each hour that will take visitors within a half-mile of the falls. Take an eco-adventure Kayak/Hike and see a Secret Waterfall! "headline": "8 Swimming Holes in Arizona You Need To Dip Into", Very pretty. Its about protecting what sustains us. Swimming at Seven Falls isnt just your average spring or summer treat, but its also a reward for completing the four-mile hike out to get to it in the Bear Canyon region of Tucsons Sabino Canyon. Wolf Creek: Huge waterfalls feed pristine pools when snowmelt or monsoon rain fills Wolf Creek. Well send you our newsletter with travel destinations, Great guided tour. The walk is amazing as you walk along the stream and other little falls the entire way so it is not like you just do a hike for the falls at the end but there is beauty every step of the way. (From $178.01) Hi there, would stay in Scottsdale as your home base and then a couple days in Sedona! Tour Notes This tour is relaxing and safe but not recommended for any one that is pregnant, has bad knees/legs/ankles or a bad back. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Staying indoors is always an option, however, if you need to get your fix of Mother Nature, here are some of the best swimming holes in the state! With picnic tables and site-seeing ledges this spot is great for families and adventurers alike. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Kayaking instruction for all levels. Well worth the beautiful waterfall at the end. Feel free to park nearby and your guide will meet you and take care of you from there. As the sun heats the desert in spring and snow melts from the mountains,TanqueVerde fillswith rushing water and brings the desert to life. Take your time and enjoy this park. The hike itself is a great distance for all fitness levels and it is definitely best for families out of any of the options in this article. Not to mention, if you have ever wanted to go behind a waterfall then you can check that off your bucket list because there is a little cave behind the falls. Why? At least with a tour you have someone watching your back if something goes wrong. Maybe the most well known waterfall in the area and it is absolutely stunning from the falls itself to the water and creeks all around it. So much to see, so much to enjoy. The payoffs at the end are like nothing I have seen around the world in terms of all of the amazing activities and things to see near the end. The high flow makes the north fork of the river dangerous. This excursion is not for the faint of heart. Explore Wailua River on Kauai's east coast with a 2-mile guided paddle up the scenic river valley and then embark on a 1.5-mile rainforest roundtrip hike to the 120-foot Uluwehi Falls, aka Secret Falls. Zach was a great tour guide! We did the 7:00 tour and were the only ones there at first. If you want to the best adventure you need to hike the entire way down the creek, it is amazing, tips on how to do this in the article below. Gila Box Riparian National Conservation Area. There is also a gift shop on the premises. However, any water color is amazing a it is really the canyon that makes this ares so beautiful. There are local outfitters and boat trips if you do not have your own. As for December. Journey up the Wailua River for an adventurous paddle, hike, and swim at beautiful Uluwehi Falls. { It is beautiful and the tour is very educational on the history of the Hawaiian people. See this article for the full Water Wheel Falls hike guide. The rocky shore line can be treacherous and very slippery. The tour of the river up to the falls was informative and beautiful. Its crazy but there are literally multiple storybook oases in the desert just outside of Phoenix, Arizona. " There were families swimming, there is a lovely playground and lots of grounds for the kids to burn off some energy. I do not want to deal with transporting the kayaks since we will need 3 of them (2 doubles and 1 single). Not to be confused with Fossil Creek, Bob Bear/Fossil Springs is my favorite hike in Arizona (aside from Havasupai) and it has the best water activities to spend a full day hanging out. Two hours from Phoenix and within Tucson city limits is another waterfall gem. Verde Valley. Our guide was helpful and informative. A guide shares the river's ancient history as you kayak through a tropical forest at a pace suitable for all experience levels. The Wailua Complex of Heiau (National Historic Landmark)-remains of heiau (places of worship), pu . " Magnificent, But Muddy " Dec 2019 The new boardwalk covers about 70% of some of the most slippery and difficult parts of the trail. We recommend booking Wailua River State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. One of the most popular hikes in Sedona and for good reason. Lots of stories on the kayak ride on the river. In thisstate famous for giant cacti and triple-digit temperatures, there are actually many hidden canyons that flow with cold, clear water. Superstition Mountains Area, Mesa, Arizona, Pinaleno + Chiricahua Mountains Area, Arizona. The cool and clear water is roughly 10 degrees warmer than most natural streams in the area and is located near the small and very popular Beaver Creek Campground. The falls were beautiful as well :). Wear broken in Chacos, shorts, and a light rash guard over your swimsuit and a hat to protect you from the sun on the river. Bring a cooler, some friends and go enjoy this real life desert oasis. Nice kayak ride out followed by a hike to the waterfalls and then kayak again back in. The water runs fairly clear and remains cool throughout the year. Then a mile of hiking rocky, root exposed, through waist deep rivers, climbing up muddy river banks to get to the Falls. Great hikes to the grotto and falls. It is easy to access thus it can be extremely busy. Excuse me buttin gin herebut, is this something you can do in December too? What hotels are near Wailua River State Park? Were in our late 50s in good shape the shady hike was super easy while the kayaking takes a little more effort. Other recommended items to bring: swimsuits, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snacks, and a towel. To get there just google search the Bullpen Day Use Area and you will get taken to the trailhead. If theres one thing that locals in Arizona are experts on, its beating the heat and tolerating those steep triple-digit temperatures that frequently occur over the summer months. Although many people cliff jump here, its discouraged due to the pools varying depths and possible hidden objects. Can anyone recommend a company that does this? For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. The Narrows Hike Zion National Park Beginners Guide, Zion National Park Bucket List | 27 Things You Must Do, 12 Must Do Things On New Zealands North Island. He was 1/2 leader and 1/2 cheerleader, which makes an optimal guide. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. People have died from this hike due to not taking it seriously and be sure to bring a lot of water. The waterfalls were spectacular! Wailua River State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Hike was not too difficult, some muddy slippery parts but also a boardwalk along a lot of it. It remains one of my favorite vacation memories yet. We weren't sold on the group tour idea, so we rented a two-person kayak from the gas station (at Texaco at the time) at the "Y" in the highway at Wailua. I strongly recommend this place to anyone. Note that all riparian zones are sensitive ecosystems, and this is especially true of water in the desert. I noticed the lunch provided by other tours was a sandwich on white bread, no thanks! No flip flops. Kauai will put you there . Definitely recommend going behind the waterfall if you are able. Share. Altogether, it was awesome. Lush river valley with riverboat cruise (fee charged) to Fern Grotto, an unusual fern-covered cave set in a tropical garden; scenic vistas of attractive waterfalls 'Opaeka'a Falls and Wailua Falls) and the Wailua River Valley. West Clear Creek goes on for miles of ever-changing sites along the gorgeous stream. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Wailua River State Park: Wailua River and Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour on Kauai (From $125.00) Half-Day Kayak and Waterfall Hike Tour in Kauai with Lunch (From $130.37) South & East Kauai - History-Legends & Waterfalls - 6 hrs. "datePublished": "2016-07-25", It's flat and muddy in spots. Then paddled home. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-26990144', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rental car etc. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Thanks! It isnt much of a hike to the falls and the hour of driving on the awful road from Camp Verde isnt ideal for lower profile cars. $2245+ Air & 11-Day Israel & Jordan Value Group Tour . Just a few miles out of Phoenix is a spot that locals love to visit time and again when it gets too hot outside to bear. Required fields are marked *, 8 Must Do Waterfalls & Swimming Holes Near Phoenix. See here for the full Bob Bear Hike Guide. more. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. There are spiritual sites from Poli'ahu Heiau to Luakini Heiau. We watched some of the tour groups go upriver, and I don't doubt they were having fun, but they were being driven by the tour company's schedule, not their own. But again, at least there was a group. This is an easy going Hawaiian Style kayak paddle on a Class Zero river combined with a moderate hike through a rain forest, wading through streams . http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/article_d251e29f-477c-535d-abda-41b144eca38e.html. treacherous and you can get yourself killed. Sacred Falls new boardwalk! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Here you just put wheels on the kayak and roll them to the boat launch on the river. Our guide Robert was great, he was knowledgeable and great with everyone regardless of there experience. our latest advice & deals in your inbox! Then go up from there and bear a slight left and go down the step road that will take you to the Hawaiin village of Kamokila. Pros: physical exertion, beautiful water fall, at one with nature. The guide with those groups, shared some information, and so we were able to get a gist of What the history of the area and what was going on around the Falls. You can rent kayaks at the Kamokila reconstructed Hawaiian village, and then you have less than 1/2 mile to paddle. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Tonto Natural Bridge is a terrific spot right off the highway where you can get a hike in, go into the huge cave, dip in the water as well as enjoy a beautiful little waterfall. I'm working on our itinerary now so we have the majority of our plans set before arrival. A wonderful place, a wonderful, time. The transport rack they put on the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I'm not sure you're allowed to dock at the Fern Grotto (the Smiths boats used to have an exclusive concession), so ask where you rent. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. Grasshopper Point in Sedona is just about two miles south of Encinoso Picnic Area and a budget-friendly natural swimming hole. And they lug the kayaks for you so no risk of damage to a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 90% of travelers recommend this experience. I could go on about this place as it is the best day hike in Arizona. There are now a lot of warnings including not bringing dogs due to the length and heat. The hike has some areas of rocks to maneuver but his has some planks for walking too. Look for the STAND UP PADDLE shop and Dukes Kayak Adventures sandwich board next to it. It was well worth it to see the waterfall at the end. If you know where to look, you can find relief on even the hottest of days in Arizona. Must wear shoes that are secure to your feet. Definitely pack a lunch and enjoy exploring all around the area. It is consistently shaded by trees and you cross the water every half mile or less making it constantly refreshing and cool. Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. Parking pass purchased there on site and it is 2 hours from Phoenix. For a more fun unique adventure you can just walk in the water the whole way up as long as it isnt going to fast when you go. Stay on trails, pick up trash, don't disturb plants or wildlife, and respect other users and private property. For more Bob Bear Trail tips and to see my other best 5 hikes near Phoenix checkout this article. 2 hours from Phoenix. They added a boardwalk, so it's less muddy! Highly recommend booking the earliest trip as the waterfalls are not so secret and a lot of people go. } What's the best way to see Wailua River State Park? Multiple access points andhikes of varying distances access different parts of the creek, offering something for everyone and ways to escape the crowds. Would definitely do it again. [x-cloak]{display:none!important}. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Your Kauai Secret Falls Kayak and Hike Tour totals about four miles of paddling and two miles hiking round trip. At its most shallow point, theres a beach with a nice wading area thats perfect for families with little ones. A top rated outdoor adventure tour for the active family. Swimming at Seven Falls isn't just your average spring or summer treat, but it's also a reward for completing the four-mile hike out to get to it in the Bear Canyon region of Tucson's Sabino Canyon. here for the full guide for Tonto Natural Bridge State Park. It my first time in Arizona so Im totally unfamiliar with the area! QUESTIONS? Great vantage point of the river from the park, and more chickens in one spot than any we seen in Kauai! We also visited the village while here. Havasu Falls, Supai. This was an amazing experience led by an outstanding guide by the name of Zack. We had to transport ourselves from the meet up point down to the dock. One of the companies is located in the Coconut Plaza Shopping Mall, new re-modeled. Hubby and I did this about ten years ago, and we had a blast. "dateModified": "2022-04-26", We have kayaked before, but I wouldnt say we are experienced. It is 9 miles and a lot of it is out in the open in the sun. Its incredible the amount of places within 2 hours of Phoenix where you can take a day trip to play in a waterfall or have a drink at an astonishing swimming hole. Kauai is the most cherished of the Islands. For more Sedona info check out my top things to do in Sedona by clicking here or the best restaurants in Sedona here. Unfortunately, it was raining up in the mountains making the river level rise to a point of being unsafe where we needed to cross over for our hike. Keep these places clean and enjoyable for others by leaving no trace. The hike is 30-45 min through a jungle area though the path was pretty clear. Hope this helpsGreg. Zach did an awesome job leading the group and coaching us through the challenging moments. A parking pass purchased there. "@type": "ImageObject", We happen to stop at the right time, and were able to see the big river party barge coming up the river on it's trip to the Fern Grotto. Description. Havasu Falls is one such place and a Hollywood style perfect oasis. Then 2-3 other groups of people showed up by the time we left. Kayaking back was more tiring but doable. There are some of the most amazing swimming holes and waterfalls in the continent in Arizona!