Waterline Repair Update – April 9, 2026

Repair efforts on the Transcanyon Waterline near Manzanita Resthouse are ongoing, and crews are making steady progress in the inner canyon. Today (Thursday), pipefitting and welding operations are expected to be completed. The crew will remain overnight in the canyon and begin flushing the line to prepare for restoration of water service.

If all goes well during this process, the park is optimistic that water pumping to the South Rim will resume as early as Saturday, April 11.

In the meantime, it is critical that all residents continue to proactively conserve water at home. Simple actions—such as shortening showers, reducing unnecessary water use, and ensuring washing machines are run only with full loads—remain essential to sustaining our limited supply.

If pumping does not resume this weekend, the park will move to more stringent water conservation measures, which may include the full closure of overnight lodging operations on the South Rim.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Water Utilities and Special Projects crew, who have been working around the clock under challenging conditions to repair the pipeline and restore service as quickly as possible.

2025 Park Profile Now Available

Grand Canyon National Park’s 2025 Park Profile provides a snapshot of key operational and visitor use trends over the past year.

What Happened in 2025?

• Total visitation reached 4.43 million, reflecting a decrease from 2024 levels (4.92 million). Despite this decline, the park continued to see strong use across the backcountry, river, and the shuttle bus system.

• The Dragon Bravo Fire burned nearly 150,000 acres, including more than 71,000 acres of park-managed lands. Stabilization and recovery efforts from infrastructure and utility losses began later in the year and will continue moving forward.

• The Transcanyon Waterline construction project continued in 2025, supporting long-term improvements to the park’s critical water delivery system.

• The Visitor & Resource Protection Division remained highly active, responding to 848 emergency medical incidents and conducting 232 search and rescue operations. Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) teams made nearly 98,000 visitor contacts and conducted over 18,000 preventative actions, reinforcing the importance of proactive safety outreach.

• Park operations in 2025 were supported by 369 NPS employees, along with a strong Volunteers-in-Parks program. A total of 619 volunteers contributed more than 28,000 hours of service—representing nearly $1 million in in-kind support—and continue to play a vital role in supporting park operations and visitor services.

To view the full report of park statistics, the annual 2025 Park Profile is now available and also on the park’s Statistics webpage.

On April 1, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum visited the National Park Service’s Denver Service Center (DSC), the agency’s centralized hub for planning, design, and construction management.

During the visit, DSC team members highlighted key projects at Grand Canyon, including the Transcanyon Waterline replacement and North Rim redevelopment. The discussion provided an opportunity to showcase the scope and importance of these efforts in maintaining critical infrastructure and enhancing visitor experiences.

Spring Updates to Interpretive Programs and Visitor Center Hours

This spring, Interpretation will implement several temporary adjustments to programming and operations due to seasonal staffing transitions and training. The Canyon Connections program will conclude on April 12 as winter seasonal employees complete their terms.

From April 19 through May 2, Grand Canyon Visitor Center hours will be reduced to 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., with the Geology Talk at Yavapai Geology Museum continuing daily at 1:30 p.m.

Beginning May 3, Visitor Center hours will expand to 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Two daily programs will be offered initially, including a Rim Walk at 8 a.m. from Bright Angel Trailhead and a Geology Talk at 3 p.m. at Yavapai Geology Museum. Additional programming is expected to be added over Memorial Day weekend.

More information on these temporary program adjustments can be found in the attached flyer here.

Cultural Demonstrators next week at the Desert View Watchtower

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday — April 14 – 16

Edith Honytewa (Hopi Jeweler) & Rosalee Lewis (Yavapai Apache Textile Artist), Kandis Quam (Zuni Painter)

Edith Honwytewa, a Yavapai-Apache artist who was raised in Hopi and has lived in the Verde Valley for over 40 years, will be demonstrating beadwork in her first year at Grand Canyon. She learned the craft from her mother and continues a strong family and cultural tradition through her work. Edith draws inspiration from plants and natural elements, reflecting the deep connection between her art and the environment. Her beadwork is rooted in traditions that play an important role in cultural dancing and ceremonies.

Rosalee Lewis, an enrolled member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation from Cottonwood, Arizona, will be demonstrating ribbon skirt making during her first appearance at Grand Canyon National Park. A self-taught artist, she has been creating ribbon skirts for the past three years, drawing inspiration from fellow artists, as well as her friends and family. Her creative process is fueled by a constant flow of ideas sparked by different fabrics and patterns. Rosalee blends her own vision with influences from others to create unique, personal designs.

Kandis Quam, of the Folded Arm People and Eagle clan, comes from a family of well-known artists and has been immersed in art since childhood. Guided by her parents, Jayne and Lynn Quam, and later mentored by her cousin Elroy Natachu Jr., she developed skills in painting, traditional clothing, jewelry, and embroidery.

Her work blends traditional influences with a modern approach, aiming to honor oral traditions and ancestral teachings while connecting past and present through visual storytelling.

More information on the Cultural Demonstration Program can be found on thepark’s website.

Special Evening Program: Apache Language and Connection

Employees and residents are invited to a special Evening Park Ranger Program on Friday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, featuring Orlando Gushoney of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. This unique presentation explores Apache language preservation and the deep connections between language, the earth, movement, and ways of life.

Gushoney’s program emphasizes that language is more than words—it is a way of thinking, feeling, and connecting to the world. Attendees are encouraged to come learn, listen, and reconnect through this engaging and meaningful cultural experience.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Historical Society Virtual Outing: April 14

Join the Grand Canyon Historical Society on Tuesday, April 14 at 6 p.m. (MST) for a virtual presentation by Mike McComb, “Grand Canyon 1956 Midair Collision: What Aviation Archaeology Reveals.”

McComb, an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector and experienced aviation archaeologist, will share insights from expeditions to the 1956 crash sites and what they reveal about the historic tragedy.

Watch live or later on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@GrandCanyonHistory

Save the Date—Town of Tusayan Cinco de Mayo Celebration on May 5

On Tuesday, May 5, the Town of Tusayan will be hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration from 4:30-9 p.m. at the Squire Resort in Tusayan. Mexican food and music will be featured as well as pinatas for kids, a face painter, balloon artist, a dive-in movie and indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a drone light show.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Elk Ridge Community Health to offer Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Event

Elk Ridge Community Health at the Grand Canyon Clinic will be offering a breast and cervical cancer screening event on Tuesday, May 12 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

All major insurances are accepted and no referrals are necessary for an annual mammogram. Appointments are encouraged and can be made by calling: 928-522-9404.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here. A Spanish version is also available here.

KLC Announces 2026 Summer Camp Registration

This week, Kaibab Learning Center (KLC) announces its Summer Camp registration for children ages 5–12. Camp runs weekly fromMay 25 through July 28, with a daily schedule from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Activities include guided hikes, guest speakers, arts and crafts, water play, and group programs. Each week features a different theme, such as geology, desert wildlife, conservation, and outdoor skills, culminating in a final “Junior Rangers Graduation” celebration.

Those interested in learning more or registering should see the attached flyer here.

*New changes to operations are indicated in red.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
• Bright Angel Fountain, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse, Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 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.-9:30 p.m. (food until 9 p.m.), Outdoor patio from 12 p.m. until dusk (weather permitting)
• Food truck located at Grand Canyon Visitor Center shuttle bus bay: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
• Canyon Food Cart (Rim Trail between Bright Angel and El Tovar Lodges: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10 a.m., dinner 5-8 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Camper Services: CLOSED due to water restrictions

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures Cafe and bike rentals: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Kolb Studio, Visitor Center Plaza, Verkamp’s, and Yavapai Geology Museum: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Yoga—view the class schedule and learn more here.
• Shuttle Bus Spring Schedules (March 1 – May 22, 2026)
• 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.; Departures from GCVC at 6:20, 7:20, and 8:25 a.m.
• Inner Canyon:
• CLOSED: River Trail east of River Resthouse to South Kaibab Trail junction through June 30, 2026
• CLOSED: Silver Bridge through June 30, 2026
• CLOSED: Plateau Point Trail through June 30, 2026
• CLOSED: North Kaibab Trail north of Ribbon Falls trail junction to the North Kaibab Trailhead.

Desert View

• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. with last stair access at 5 p.m.
• Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Desert View Gas Station (24 hours via pay at pump)
• Desert View Campground will reopen for the 2026 season on April 11

North Rim

• Reopening of Hwy. 67 at the North Rim Entrance Station will be at 6 a.m. on May 15, 2026
• Reopening of the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Ribbon Falls junction on May 15, 2026
• Reopening of Cottonwood Campground on May 15, 2026

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

• CRMP River Mission participants on the North Bass Trail after a long day of work (NPS Photo)
• Excavation work on the broken pipeline near Manzanita Resthouse (NPS Photo)
• Secretary Doug Burgum visits the Denver Service Center (NPS Photo)
• Turkeys near the North Rim Entrance Station (NPS Photo/A. Sherman)

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