Blue Water and Mineral Deposits in Grand Canyon

People on our trips are often stunned by the bright blue waters flowing through Havasu Canyon—especially when compared with the muddy waters of the Colorado River. Walking up this canyon and seeing the almost luminescent water is like entering a whole new world. 

In fact, the water is so striking that the people of the Havasupai Tribe, the Havasu Baaja, took their name from it. Havasu means blue green water; Pai and Baaja both mean people. For over 1,000 years, the Havasu Baaja have called the village of Supai—near the bright blue creek in Havasu Canyon—home. 

So… Why is this water SO blue?

The answer lies in its chemical composition. Havasu Creek is heavy with a mineral called calcium carbonate which gives the water its bright, vibrant blue. Don’t be fooled! Just because the water is blue doesn’t mean it’s safe to drink. We recommend drinking the filtered water we provide, and enjoying the calcium carbonate-rich water for its beauty and the way it helps cool you off in the summer heat! 

Calcium carbonate is also responsible for much of the rock formation you see throughout the canyon—especially near the Little Colorado River and in Havasu Canyon. These crumbly-looking, light-colored deposits (often blackened on top)—called travertine—are formed when the calcium carbonate and carbon dioxide in water combine to form a weak acid. That acid then reacts with limestone and is later left behind when the water evaporates at springs or other sites where it leeches from the rocks.

In some parts of Havasu Canyon, travertine forms so quickly around fallen branches or rocks that it actually changes the flow of the creek itself.

You can find travertine outside of the Grand Canyon as well. Deposits often form around hot springs which also tend to have elevated levels of calcium carbonate. 

For an up close and personal look at this amazing water and some seriously cool looking mineral deposits, book a trip with us!