Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 7-11, 2025

Bright Angel Trail Reopening and Ongoing Trail Closures

On May 15, 2025, Bright Angel Trail and Bright Angel Campground (excluding large group sites) will reopen to the public following months of closures for Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) project work. This milestone marks a significant step forward in restoring access to one of the park’s most popular corridor routes. However, construction in the inner canyon remains active, and several key trail segments and facilities will stay closed through October 1, with impacts expected throughout the summer.

The River Trail, which connects River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction, will remain closed, as will the Silver Bridge and the Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail West junction to Plateau Point. The large group campsites at Bright Angel Campground are not expected to reopen until October. These closures are necessary to allow continued work on utility infrastructure—including installation of new water and electrical lines and reinforcement of the Silver Bridge.

Once Bright Angel Trail reopens on May 15, hikers will be able to travel between the South Rim trailhead and Pipe Creek Beach. The River Resthouse will also reopen at that time. However, there will be no access to Phantom Ranch via the River Trail due to the ongoing closure. Hikers seeking a corridor route between South and North rims will need to use the South Kaibab Trail and cross the Colorado River via the Black Bridge, which will be the only pedestrian crossing available until at least September 30. The Tonto Trail remains open and provides a connection between Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails, although detours are in place around active construction zones.

River trip operations will also be affected. Through May 14, commercial trip exchanges will occur at Pipe Creek Beach, while private trip exchanges will use Boat Beach. Starting May 15, both commercial and private exchanges may take place at either location. While Phantom Ranch Lodge and Canteen reopened on schedule April 1, staff and visitors should expect visible construction activity in the Phantom Delta area, including fencing and limited access near utility corridors.

As temperatures rise, the park is urging all hikers—especially those attempting rim-to-rim routes—to exercise caution. April through October can bring extreme heat in the inner canyon, and the risk of heat-related illnesses remains high. Park staff and partners should continue emphasizing self-reliance and physical preparedness to prevent emergency incidents. Response times may be delayed due to limited personnel and ongoing high call volumes.

Although the May 15 reopening will provide much-needed access to the inner canyon, construction across the park—including on the South Rim and at the Phantom Ranch water treatment plants—will continue this year. Additional closures are anticipated this fall, and details will be shared as plans are finalized.

All staff working at Grand Canyon National Park are encouraged to refer visitors to the Grand Canyon Operations Update webpage and the TCWL project pagefor the most current closure information and maps.

Thank you to all staff and partners for your continued flexibility, communication, and dedication to safety during this critical infrastructure project.

Temporary Closure of Verkamp’s Restroom and Parking Area: April 14-May 9, 2025

The Verkamp’s Restroom and the adjacent parking area behind the Verkamp’s Visitor Center will be closed from April 14 to May 9, 2025, for roof replacement. During this time, parking will not be available at this location. Visitors and Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) holders are encouraged to park in the nearby El Tovar/Hopi House parking lot during this period.

Porta toilets will be available adjacent to the Verkamp’s Restroom.

We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve facilities at Grand Canyon National Park.

Next Week’s Cultural Demonstrators at Desert View

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday— April 15, 16, and 17, 2025

Roy Walters (Diné Sculptor and Painter) will share how he creates sculptures out of natural stone and the inspiration behind his art. He taught himself the art of stone sculpting, starting with nothing but a stone, a file, a hammer, a chisel, and sandpaper. Roy hopes to reflect wisdom, strength, and compassion for others, through his art.

Marlene Walters (Diné Jewler and Painter) will demonstrate how she creates jewelry from natural stones, shells and juniper berries. Marlene believes to make the most of your journey, you need your language, culture, beliefs, nature, Holy People, and fine arts to guide you.

More information on the Cultural Demonstration Program can be found at the park website here.

North Country Healthcare Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening on April 14

On Monday, April 14 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., North Country Healthcare will sponsor a breast and cervical cancer screening event. All major insurances accepted, no referral needed for annual mammogram screening.

More information (in English and Spanish) can be found in the attached flyer here.

Easter Pancake Breakfast and Egg Hunt—April 19​

Join the fun on Saturday, April 19 at the Grand Canyon School Cafeteria for the annual KLC Pancake Breakfast fundraiser and easter egg hunt. Breakfast will begin at 9 a.m. with an easter egg hunt for all ages on the school grounds to follow.

More details, including a full flyer is available here.

Bake Sale Fundraiser for 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip

The 8th grade class is continuing its fundraising efforts for their upcoming trip to Washington D.C. Visit the General Store in the park on Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Save the Date—Seasonal Potluck at Rec Center on April 26

On Saturday, April 26 from 5:30-9 p.m., come gather for a seasonal kickoff party at the Rec Center Ramada/Volleyball Court. Hot dogs, burgers, and veggie burgers will be provided but please bring a dish to share.

More information, including an RSVP, can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, (food until 9 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse – Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (food until 9:30 p.m.)
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
• Fred Harvey Food Truck at GCVC now open for the season! Daily hours approximately 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10 a.m., dinner 5-9 p.m., beginning Monday, April 14: breakfast 7-10:30 a.m.,
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., beginning Monday, April 14: 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m., beginning Monday, April 14: Canyon Village Market 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Camper Services, daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning Monday, April 14: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures Bike Tours and Cafe: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamps 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Yavapai Geology Museum-8 a.m.-7 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-7 p.m., Kolb Studio-8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.
• Shuttle Bus Spring Schedules (March 1 – May 23, 2025)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 a.m.
• Inner Canyon:
• Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens to Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024, to May 14, 2025
• Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024, to May 14, 2025
• Bright Angel Campground, closed Nov 4, 2024, to May 14, 2025

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last tower access at 5 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours)-pay at pump only, beginning Monday, April 14: retail open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• The Desert View Campground will reopen for the season on Saturday, April 12 and will close mid-October 2025. Again, this year, reservations are solely booked through www.rec.gov.

North Rim

• The Supai Tunnel Compost Toilet Facility, located 1.5 miles below the North Rim on the North Kaibab Trail, will be closed from April 6 to May 6 for maintenance and repairs.

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• Joseph Secody gives a special hoop dance presentation near the Hopi House on April 10 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• A view of excavation work in progress on Feb. 25, 2025, along the River Trail for the Transcanyon Waterline project. NPS Photo/S. Graham.
• Verkamps restroom located adjacent to Verkamp’s Visitor Center (NPS Photo)
• Sculpture by Roy M. Walters (courtesy of R. Walters)
• Sunset on April 4 from the South Rim (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)