Point Imperial looking towards Saddle Mountain on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park (NPS Photo/M. Jenkins)
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park will begin modified fall operations at the North Rim on Oct. 15.
As part of this transition Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road will be temporarily closed from sunset Oct. 15 through sunrise Nov. 3, 2026, to accommodate critical road repair and rehabilitation work in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration. The closure is necessary to maintain a safe work environment for crews while they complete these critical repairs.
The North Kaibab Trail remains closed in its entirety following the Aug. 29 flash flood, which caused extensive damage to the trail, bridges and other infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon.
The North Rim Backcountry Information Center will close for the season at 12 p.m. on Oct. 15. Backcountry recreational opportunities will remain available on the North Rim. Backcountry permits will remain available at the South Rim Backcountry Information Center and online through recreation.gov
The General Store, operated by Aramark, will close for the season at 4 p.m. on Oct. 15, 2026. The North Rim Campground, also operated by Aramark, will close for the season the morning of Oct. 16, 2026. The North Rim gas station closed Sept. 19. Fuel is not available within the park, so visitors should plan ahead and ensure they have sufficient fuel before entering the North Rim area.
“As we transition to modified fall operations, visitors should plan ahead, monitor changing conditions, and be prepared to travel self-sufficiently,” said Ed Keable, Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent. “These temporary road closures will support essential repairs and help protect both visitors and work crews. We encourage everyone planning a North Rim visit to check current conditions, carry adequate food, water, fuel, and emergency supplies, and use extra caution as winter weather arrives.”
The North Rim entrance gate on State Route 67 will close at sunset Nov. 30, 2026, or after the first major snowstorm, whichever comes first. Visitors traveling to the North Rim before the gate closes should be prepared for winter driving conditions on State Route 67 and throughout the park. Snow, ice and rain are common on the North Rim during this time of year. Emergency response will be extremely limited, and response times may be significantly delayed.
For current road conditions, call Arizona Highway Information at 1-888-411-ROAD (7623). Nearby lodging, food services, and fuel are available approximately 45 miles north of the North Rim at Jacob Lake. Additional accommodations are available in Fredonia, Arizona, and Kanab, Utah.
Visitors should check current park conditions and closures when planning travel to the North Rim.
— Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.