Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 15-19, 2025

Lodging Reopens as Transcanyon Waterline Work Continues

As 2025 comes to a close, overnight lodging on the South Rim has resumed and some water restrictions have eased. This progress comes after park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the existing pipeline and resumed pumping water without identifying additional breaks.

Hotels operated by Xanterra—including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, and Maswik Lodge—as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village, are now welcoming overnight guests, with reservations open. While water storage is improving, the park will continue operating under enhanced water conservation measures until storage tanks reach adequate capacity. Dry camping remains in effect, campground spigots are still turned off, and fire restrictions continue across the South Rim and inner canyon.

At the same time, critical TCWL construction work will require modified and extended inner canyon trail closures through June 30, 2026. Rockfall damage along the River Trail and ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation have necessitated closures of the River Trail, Silver Bridge, and Plateau Point Trail, with hikers using the Black Bridge for river crossings.

We recognize these impacts have been challenging and sincerely thank employees, residents, and visitors for their patience, flexibility, and continued water conservation as this vital work moves forward.

Winter Operations Update: Pilot De-Icer Program Planned for 2025–2026

In preparation for the 2025–2026 winter season, Grand Canyon National Park staff will begin a pilot deicer program designed to improve safety during snowy and icy conditions.

Traditionally, winter road operations at Grand Canyon rely on snowplowing and cinders. While effective, extreme winter storms in recent years have led to challenging road conditions, higher accident risk, and increased demands on staff and emergency responders. The pilot program is designed to explore whether limited, carefully managed use of road deicer can help reduce icy conditions in select South Rim locations with a history of winter incidents.

The program will be implemented as a three-year trial in a small number of high-risk areas including the El Tovar Hill, Buggeln Hill, West Rim Drive and Village Loop (Hermit Interchange), South and Center Intersection, and the Market and Center Intersection.

Chemical deicers are already approved for use on walkways in the park, and this pilot will help determine whether limited roadway use can complement existing winter operations without compromising resource protection. The trial will also provide valuable data to inform future planning and environmental compliance, should the park consider longer-term use. As always, road closures and travel restrictions may still be necessary during severe winter storms.

Rehabilitation work is underway at Phantom Ranch on the historic building that now serves as the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) operator’s residence. Originally constructed in 1923 as a U.S. Geological Survey laboratory, the structure reflects the long history of scientific work in the inner canyon and continues to support essential park operations today.

This work is being conducted by the NPS’s Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) in close collaboration with Grand Canyon National Park staff. HPTC’s mission is to preserve and maintain historic park facilities while developing the next generation of preservation professionals through hands-on, experiential learning.

The project focuses on upgrading aging interior systems while preserving the building’s historic character. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems are being modernized to meet current code requirements, interior finishes in the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom are being rehabilitated, and significant improvements are being made to address long-standing rodent and pest intrusion. Window rehabilitation is also planned to restore full functionality while maintaining the building’s historic appearance.

Due to Phantom Ranch’s remote location, all materials and debris are flown in and out by helicopter in coordination with the park’s aviation team. Upcoming work will include electrical and plumbing rough-ins and insulation installation. This effort reflects the park’s commitment to protecting historic resources while ensuring safe, functional housing for employees who support critical inner canyon utilities.

Wildlife Collaring Moves Forward Thanks to Grand Canyon Conservancy

During the recent lapse in federal funding, when many park operations were paused, Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) provided critical, timely support that allowed two high-priority wildlife conservation projects to move forward without delay. Thanks to GCC’s funding and the collaboration of SRM wildlife staff, law enforcement rangers, seasonal wildlife and vegetation crews, and dedicated volunteers, Grand Canyon National Park successfully completed GPS collaring operations for both elk near the South Rim Village and bighorn sheep from the Bright Angel pack.

These collaring efforts are essential groundwork for launching the park’s innovative Conservation K-9 program. The GPS collars are used strictly to collect location data prior to the deployment of Blue, the Conservation K-9, who will help reduce human-wildlife conflict by gently deterring animals from high-use visitor areas. The collars do not influence animal behavior electronically; instead, they allow biologists to understand baseline movement patterns and later evaluate how those patterns change over time.

The work was both complex and time-sensitive. Five individually marked, habituated elk were collared just before their temporary paint markings faded with winter, and before calving season restricted spring operations. Shortly after, five bighorn sheep were collared during the narrow fall and early-winter window when conditions allow safe access and visibility before sheep disperse into more rugged terrain.

Grand Canyon Conservancy’s support during a critical moment ensured the scientific integrity of the program and positioned the park for long-term success. Thank you to GCC and to every staff member and volunteer who helped make this conservation effort possible.

Grand Canyon Incident Report Now Available

Grand Canyon Law Enforcement has combined significant incidents from all districts including the South Rim, Canyon District, and the North Rim.

See the latest Incident Report:

Grand Canyon Incident Report Ending on 12-8-2025

Special Program TONIGHT at Grand Canyon Visitor Center

Lowell historian and Astronomer in Residence alumnus Kevin Schindler presents “Nasa Astronaut Training at Grand Canyon” on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Visitor Center Theater followed by a constellation tour.

In preparation for their voyages to the Moon in the 1960s-70s, Apollo astronauts hiked into Grand Canyon to hone their geology skills. The expeditions turned into crash courses in geology. Relive these expeditions and hear about why this training was so important. Who is the only one of the 24 astronauts to visit the Moon not to train at Grand Canyon? Join the program and find out! After the program, participants will go outside and point out constellations and other features of the night sky.

Last Grand Canyon Conservancy Community Dinner on Friday, Dec. 19

Grand Canyon Conservancy continues to sponsor weekly Community Dinners now through Friday, Dec. 19. Complimentary meals will be served at Plaza Bonita on Friday, Dec. 19. This event is available for all South Rim and Tusayan residents, employees, and their families.

More information can be found in the updated flyer here.

Grand Canyon Conservancy offers holiday discount for locals

For the 20th year, GCC is offering a holiday discount for Grand Canyon community members. From Wednesday, Dec. 17 through Tuesday, Dec. 23, community members can enjoy 25% off their total purchase in-store at any GCC retail location.

This discount applies to the Grand Canyon Village Stores and the Desert View Watchtower. More information on this discount can be found in the attached flyer here.

Save the Date — Community Blood Drive Friday, Dec. 19

The Grand Canyon Rec Center will host a community blood drive with Vitalant on Friday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit Vitalant’s website here.

Vitalant is the sole supplier to 96% of AZ Hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center. In appreciation for helping patients this holiday season, all donors will receive a $15 rewards gift card, and a free pizza slice and soda from Fratelli Pizza in Flagstaff.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Last call! Christmas Bird Count — Sunday, Dec. 21

The Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society, is the longest running citizen science survey in the world. The data collected during Christmas counts provide critical global data on bird population trends.

In 2012, Grand Canyon NP conducted its first Christmas Bird Count in nearly 30 years and made many noteworthy observations. Over the subsequent years, we have built on that success and continued to document the many reasons that Grand Canyon is designated as a Globally Important Bird Area.

On Sunday, December 21, teams of volunteers will identify and count birds in and around Grand Canyon Village. Others will hike into the inner canyon. You are invited to participate! Participants of all skill levels are welcome, though some basic level of familiarity with the canyon’s wintering birds is very helpful. Each participant should have a pair of binoculars and appropriate food/water/clothing for a winter day outdoors.

If you are interested in participating, please email Brian Gatlin at brian_gatlin@nps.gov or via phone at 928-707-3180.

A “Comfys” Wearable Blanket give-away will occur on Tuesday, Dec. 23 from 12-5 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Food Pantry.

Grand Canyon community residents, including Tusayan and surrounding area, are invited. Please see the Grand Canyon Food Pantry website for more information on this event.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-9 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9:30 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.- 9:30 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 7-10 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

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10 a.m., dinner 5-8 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 11-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 8 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: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., bike tours suspended until spring 2026
• 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.-6 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 provides trauma-sensitive yoga for our community. View the class schedule and learn more at www.grandcanyonyoga.com.
• Winter Shuttle Bus Schedule (Dec. 1, 2025-Feb. 28, 2026)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: Suspended (open to private vehicles)
• Village (Blue) Route: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 8 a.m.-7:20 p.m.
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 8 and 9 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 Clear Creek Trail Junction

Desert View

• Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with stairs closing at 4 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), retail closed for the 2025 season

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

• El Tovar holiday tree on Tuesday, Dec. 16 (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• Damaged section of the River Trail with a temporary footbridge spanning the former trail (NPS Photo)
• Winter conditions along South Entrance Road near Center. This is one of several key locations being targeted under the 2025-26 pilot de-icer program. (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Rehabilitation Photos: Upper left: TTAP intern standing next to demolitoned East wall of kitchen (NPS Photo/I. Nickel) Upper Right: HPTC employee works with GRCA aviation team on backhauling construction waste (NPS Photo/C. Buck), Bottom left: HPTC crew works on measuring rodent excluding fabric for interior framing members (NPS Photo/I. Nickel), Bottom right: HPTC crew works on framing layout in bedroom ceiling (NPS Photo/I. Nickel)
• Bighorn collaring with park Wildlife staff as well as Superintendent Keable. (NPS Photo)
• Blue, Grand Canyon Conservation K9 (NPS Photo)
• View from a Night Sky Program at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Williamson’s Sapsucker near Park Headquarters (NPS Photo/J. Baird)