Hit the Trail is coming back online but only with limited updates. It is simply too difficult to keep up with the latest information on what is open or closed with COVID raging across the state and the nation. And things are definitely going to get worse before they get better
I HIGHLY recommend that you check out the Grand Canyon National Park Public Health Update page before visiting the park for the latest information. Below are some of the highlights.
South Rim
There are very limited resources for eating in the park. Be sure to visit the update page referenced above for what is open. All visitor contact stations (South Rim Visitor Center and Theater, Park Headquarters Information Desk, Backcountry Information Center (BIC), Desert View Watchtower, and Tusayan Museum) are closed EXCEPT for those that sell books and other items (GCC’s Park Store, Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamps Visitor Center, and Kolb Studio). All Park Ranger talks are canceled.
There is limited shuttle service; see the park update page for more information. The East Entrance is closed and the gate is locked; there is no access from SR 64. You can access Desert View from the South Rim but must return the way you came.
Hermits Rest and the Kaibab Trail/Yaki Point are only available via shuttle. Find out more about the availability of shuttle service on the South Rim Shuttle Bus Routes page.
Desert View
Due to the lockdowns and curfews on the Navajo Nation, the East Entrance is closed and the gate is locked. You must access Desert View from the South Rim and return the same way.
The only facilities available at Desert View are the viewpoints in the vicinity, the vehicle and RV parking lot, and Porta-toilets located near the Desert View parking lot.
North Rim
The North Rim Village and North Kaibab Trail are open for dawn-to-dusk day use only through November 30th unless a snowstorm closes State Route 67 earlier.
You can also drive the Scenic Roads to Point Imperial and Cape Royal during this time. There are limited services on the North Rim; visit the park’s North Rim Service’s Update page for more information.
Backcountry Use
As they are on the rim, things are constantly changing in the backcountry as well. To find the latest updates, visit the park’s Critical Backcountry Updates: Including Trail Closures and Restrictions.
Probably one of the most important things to note is that the only potable water in the Corridor is Indian Garden, Phantom Ranch (drinking water only, no toilets), and the Bright Angel Trailhead. ALL OTHER WATER IS TURNED OFF!
As I’ve stated on the site, it is always important to carry a method for purifying water while backpacking in the Canyon due to the ever-present possibility of a pipeline break or if it is undergoing repair. It is even more important now.
South Kaibab Trail hikers must use the Hikers’ Shuttle; there is no parking allowed at the trailhead. At the time of this writing, Hikers’ Express buses run daily from the Backcountry Information Center to the South Kaibab Trailhead at 6, 7, and 8 am MST each morning. Find the latest shuttle schedule on the South Rim Shuttle Bus Routes page.
Per the park’s Backcountry Permit page, canyon trails are open for day hiking, and overnight backcountry permit requests are being considered. Both the Black Bridge and Silver Bridge are open for hikers.
That’s a rundown on what is available at the park. Please be safe everyone, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!