Havasu Falls, Havasupai Nation, Grand Canyon, Arizona

Havasu Falls plummets 100 feet over a travertine ledge into a deep turquoise-colored pool at its base along Havasu Creek in Grand Canyon. Travertine deposits along the stream are continually created as calcium and magnesium carbonates precipitate out of the mineral-laden waters which flow down Havasu Creek. These minerals are carried in solution due to the high levels of dissolved carbon dioxide in the water and begin to precipitate out as the carbon dioxide evaporates from the water. This process results in an elaborate and every-changing series of travertine pools at the base of each waterfall along Havasu creek. These dissolved minerals also tint the water a lovely turquoise green. Several other beautiful waterfalls occur along this canyon inhabited by the Havasupai people who live in the village of Supai just upstream from this location. All goods to this village are brought in by trail or helicopter since no roads penetrate this deep canyon. This photograph was captured from the side of the trail to the falls.