In the state of Arizona, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, there is a hidden town called Supai. This community maintains a lifestyle very different from that of most cities in the United States.

According to reports about this small town, there are no cars circulating here and it can only be reached on foot, on the back of a mule or by helicopter.

Even mail continues to be delivered using a traditional system that has remained in operation for decades: a mule caravan.

This unique distribution method, administered by the United States Postal Service (USPS), not only carries letters and packages, but also contributes to the supply of a community that lives isolated from the rest of the country by the geography of the Grand Canyon.

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Between 10 and 22 mules travel to Supai every day

One of Supai's most striking features is the way it receives mail. Each day, between 10 and 22 mules, guided by a horseback muleteer, travel nine miles (14.5 kilometers) along a rocky path to the town's post office.

The descent to the village takes around three hours, while the return takes around five hours due to the slope. At the end of the delivery, the mule driver releases the mules so that they can make their way back on their own.

Each animal carries up to 200 pounds (90 kilograms) of cargo, distributed in a balanced manner to ensure stability during the journey. Additionally, the Supai Post Office uses a special postmark inspired by this historic transportation service. According to the USPS, records of this system have existed since the 1930s.

An isolated community with different habits

Supai is considered the most remote community located within the contiguous United States. According to a BBC report, the town is located about 13 kilometers from the nearest road and has no access for motor vehicles.

In this small oasis, where around 208 people live according to the 2010 census, daily life adapts to the limitations of the environment. Travel is done on foot, by mule or by helicopter, used mainly for the transport of passengers and urgent goods.

Food also requires special logistics. The frozen foods arrive daily by truck to Peach Springs, a town that is home to the only post office in the country equipped with a cold room to subsequently supply Supai.

Traditions that are still valid

The Supai community is inhabited by the Havasupai tribe, an indigenous people who have resided in this area for more than a thousand years.

Its name means “people of the blue-green waters,” in reference to the turquoise color of the waterfalls formed by natural travertine deposits.

Many families maintain traditional practices such as growing corn, beans and squash on small plots. They also continue to speak their native language and make handmade baskets, customs passed down from generation to generation.

The Tribal Council manages the Havasupai Indian Reservation and regulates visitor access. Every year, more than 20,000 tourists come to see this natural area, but they must obtain prior permission before entering.

Additionally, authorities monitor the condition of mules used by commercial tour operators to ensure the well-being of the animals that remain central to daily life in Supai.

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