Due to water restrictions, Grand Canyon National Park will temporarily close overnight accommodations. Due to four “significant” breaks in the 12-plus-mile Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park, the park has implemented “Stage 4 water restrictions” on the South Rim. Since July 8, the park has faced challenges with water supply and, currently, no water is being pumped to either the South or North Rim.
As of Thursday, August 29, all park concessions have halted overnight accommodations. This includes hotel facilities operated by Xanterra, such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge and Phantom Ranch, as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village. Overnight hotel accommodations located outside the park in the town of Tusayan will not be impacted by changes in park operations.
Only dry camping will be permitted. While spigot access at campgrounds on the South Rim will be turned off, faucets in bathrooms will remain operational. In addition, no fires will be allowed on the South Rim and inner canyon areas. Fire restrictions prohibit all wood burning and charcoal fires, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbeques.
Good to know: The park will remain open for day use. All South Rim food and beverage services will remain open. The North Rim's Grand Canyon Lodge and other North Rim visitor services, such as the campground, will remain open.
“These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources,” the National Park Service said in a statement. “The goal is to restore full operational status for overnight guests on the South Rim as quickly as possible.”
Existing conservation measures remain in place for both the North and South Rims. This includes limiting showers to five minutes or less, turning off faucets while shaving or brushing teeth, flushing toilets selectively, washing laundry with full loads, and reporting leaks to the appropriate offices.
Hikers in the backcountry must carry all necessary water or methods to treat water.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov
Related Stories
Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel Launches Family-Friendly Packages
Hyatt Announces Partnership With Under Canvas
Western River Expeditions Opens Slots for Grand Canyon Rafting