$799 for a hike!

A few months ago the Travel Network had a episode on Havasu Falls near the Grand Canyon. It showed the gorgeous falls followed by the 2008 flash flood that nearly killed 5 people. The Canyon belongs to the Havasu Tribe. Near the evening of the flash fllood a local native gave a casual warning to over 200+ campers at the base, which no one took to heart. A few hours later the water level rose 5 ft and continued to climb till 2am. 5 campers were stranded on one side of the river, climbing on top of trees to save their own lives. Despite the suspense of the recap CB and I decided we wanted to go there, the falls were truly beautiful. We started our research and to reach the falls we have to drive to Hualapai Hilltop 70+ miles away from South Rim Grand Canyon. Guests must leave their cars there and either hike, horseback or helicopter to the village. The campsite is another 2 miles walk away. I thought it'll be easier and cheapest to go with a group but I was so wrong. Most organized tours charge $799 for 3 days 2 nights! They provide transportation from Flagstaff, mule transport for backpacks only, provide all gears and food. but for $799??? You still have to camp and eat camp food!! Cruise ships charge less than that for a week!

Screw that. We already own our gear so we're going to do it our way. 13 hour drive over night leaving Wednesday after work. Then hike our asses down 10miles in 80F+ heat. Carry our own food and water and if we're lucky we'll get to enjoy the falls by 1pm. Final cost excluding gas and food? $70. Where the hell do they charge $799? Even if we hired a mule to carry our backpacks it's only an additional $40.

update in a few weeks.