At the western end of the granite gorge is Mystic Spring Trail, an easy
route down to the Colorado River and up the other side to Dutton’s Point
and Powell’s Plateau. The magnificent panorama eastward from Havasupai
Point takes in fifty miles of the canyon, while westward is the unique,
table-like formation which characterizes the lower reaches of the river.
The views from both rims are pronounced by noted artists and explorers
to be unequaled.
Present accommodations at Havasupai Hotel (Bass’ Camp), near head of
this trail, are fairly good, consisting of a cabin, several tents, and
good trail stock; wholesome meals are served in comfortable style. A new
hotel is to be built here during 1903. Bass’ Camp is now reached by
stage from Coconino, a station on the Grand Canyon Railway, or one may
take a team direct from Bright Angel.
A visit should be made to the Havasupai Indian village in Cataract
Canyon. Any bona fide tourist can procure an introductory letter from
the railroad agent at Williams or Grand Canyon. On presenting same to
the U. S. Indian agent at Supai, permission will be granted to enter the
reservation. This is an unique trip of about forty miles, first by wagon
across a timbered plateau, then on horseback down precipitous Topocobya
Trail, along the rocky floors of Topocobya and Cataract canyons, deep in
the earth, to a place of gushing springs, green fields, and enchanting
waterfalls. Here live the Havasupai Indians, one of the most interesting
tribes in Arizona. The round trip from Bright Angel or Bass’ Camp is
made in three or four days at an expense of $35 to $50 each for a party
of three persons.