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The History of the Grand Canyon and the Hualapai and Havasupai Nations
One of America’s most iconic destinations, the Grand Canyon draws thousands of visitors each
year. Although everyone who ever sees a postcard of the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the
Grand Canyon recognizes the landmark on sight, few people know the history of the people who
lived in the area around the canyon for thousands of years – the Hualapai and Havasupai Nations
of Native Americans. Tourists planning Grand Canyon Skywalk tours or other tours can have a
richer experience by learning more about the area’s history.
Ancient Culture
The area around the Grand Canyon has been inhabited for thousands of years. Archaeologists
refer to the first people to live in the area as Ancient Puebloans. They are thought to be the
forerunners of modern Pueblo peoples, such as the Navajo. Later inhabitants of the area include
the Cohonina, the forerunners of the Hualapai and Havasupai.
The Hualapai and Havasupai
The Hualapai traditionally inhabited a 100 mile stretch of forest beginning at the south end of the
Grand Canyon. The Havasupai live in an area about the size of Delaware near Cataract Canyon.
The Havasupai and Hualapai have historically had good relations, and are ethnically and
culturally very similar.
The word “Havasupai” translates as “People of the Blue-Green Waters,” referring to the
beautiful waterfalls of the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Visitors on Grand Canyon sightseeing
tours will often visit the Havasupai reservation to experience the natural beauty of this sacred
ground.
The Havasupai have lived in the Grand Canyon area for nearly 800 years. Between the 1880s
and 1920s, the Havasupai were all but forced off of their land by the U.S. government, and the
tribe suffered greatly. In the 1970s, much of their land was returned to them. Today the tribe
numbers about 650 members.
The Hualapai, or ”People of the Tall Pines” number around 2,300, including 1,600 tribe
members who live in the Grand Canyon area. The Hualapai fought a war with European settlers
between 1865-1870, with disastrous results for the tribe, which lost many to battle and privation.
The tribe later hammered out an agreement with the U.S. government to retain some of their land
and maintain their way of life.
Hualapai lands are a sportsman’s paradise, with ample hunting, hiking, and fishing opportunities.
A great deal of the tribe’s income derives from the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Grand Canyon
Skywalk tours offer a glass bridge that allows visitors to walk past the Grand Canyon’s rim to
look down upon the Colorado River.
Havasupai and Hualapai lands offer many recreational and educational opportunities to Grand
Canyon sightseeing tour attendees. Scenic Airlines & Coaches can provide safe, informative
tours of the area. Learning more about these ancient bands of Native Americans will enrich
visitors’ experiences when they tour the Grand Canyon.