Hit the Trail

Pioneering the Best Trails in the Southwest

Home/Hikers Column/Important Updates for Park

Important Updates for Park

Silver Bridge (Hiker’s Bridge) Closed Until Further Notice

hikers bridge Important Updates for Park
Silver Bridge (Hiker’s Bridge) | Photo by Denise Traver

The Silver Bridge which crosses the Colorado River is temporarily closed to hikers, effective immediately, due to structural safety concerns. At this point, there is no estimated time for repair.

For those hiking the Bright Angel Trail, please note that this means an additional 1 1/2 miles added to your trip to cross the Black Bridge (on the South Kaibab Trail) to get to Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground.

For more information, please read the NPS News Release, Silver Bridge Temporarily Closed in Grand Canyon National Park.

COVID-19 Impacts on Visiting the Park

As is the case everywhere, COVID-19 has changed the way one visits Grand Canyon. Listed here are some key things to note. Check out the Grand Canyon National Park Public Health Update page for a complete list of all Grand Canyon operation updates and notices.

  • Entrance stations are not being manned but have automated fee machines for paying entrance fees. You may also purchase a pass in advance from nearby third-party vendors (in the town of Tusayan), online, or through Recreation.gov.
  • The East Entrance to the park at Desert View, the Desert View Watchtower area and campground are CLOSED. You must use the South Entrance near the town of Tusayan to enter and exit the park.
  • The North Rim is under water conservation measures until further notice due to a pump failure at the Roaring Springs Pump House.
  • There is limited shuttle service. Please check the update page for specifics.

Major Project at Phantom Ranch / Bright Angel Campground

This notice is for those planning a stay at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground through 2021. The Wastewater Treatment Plant located at the bottom of Grand Canyon and serving the Ranch requires critical rehabilitation due to deferred maintenance and increased visitation levels.

While the project is underway, it will be necessary to reduce water and wastewater demands on the system. This means that overnight use and existing visitor facilities at the Ranch will be reduced dramatically.

The campground reservations will be decreased by 50%, and Phantom Ranch’s hiker dorms will be closed for the duration. Also, all guest showers will be suspended.

There is much more regarding this project, and I recommend you read the entire news release for full details: Grand Canyon National Park Announces Modifications to Phantom Ranch Operations.