The thousands of tourists who travel to Havasupai deep in the Grand Canyon each year to camp near the falls will have to do so without the benefit of professional guides. The Havasupai Tribe has decided not to allow outfitters to escort visitors this year down the long path that leads to its small, road-less reservation and on to its main tourist draw. Tourists can visit the waterfalls, either by reserving a room at the tribe’s only lodge or by getting a permit for one of its hundreds of camping spots. Starting in February, visitors will have to find their own way to the reservation’s waterfalls and caves, and carry their own food and gear. Abbie Fink, a spokeswoman for the Havasupai Tribe, said the Tribal Council’s decision isn’t a reflection on the outfitters. Rather, she said the tribe wanted to manage all tourist traffic itself. The tribe relies heavily on tourism and estimates that between February and November, it gets 30,000 to 40,000 visitors per year to its reservation. (Thanks to AP)
