Spring Operational Changes Begin March 1

As spring break approaches, visitors and park residents should be prepared for long lines and full parking lots. Traffic congestion at the South Entrance Station is heaviest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center will begin to fill by noon. The South Entrance webcam (updated every five minutes) continues to be a great way to monitor traffic.

We want to express our appreciation to all the entrance station staff for their continued hard work and dedication. Your professionalism makes an incredible difference in providing visitors with a positive experience. Thank you!

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Starting on Sunday, March 1, all three shuttle routes will resume for the season. This includes: the Kaibab Rim Route (Orange Route) servicing the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC) east to Yaki Point, the Village Route (Blue Route) servicing primary visitor facilities, and the Hermits Rest Route (Red Route) providing service from the Village along the west rim to Hermits Rest.

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.

Campground Openings

Mather Campground will fully reopen on March 1, offering 328 sites. Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov. Desert View Campground will reopen on Saturday, April 11.

Lower North Kaibab Trail Reopens March 4

Grand Canyon National Park will reopen a portion of the North Kaibab Trail on Wednesday, March 4. The segment from the Clear Creek Trail Junction to the Ribbon Falls junction—accessed via Phantom Ranch—will reopen to public use following its closure on July 13, 2025, for post-fire assessment, safety planning, and trail repairs. The trail north of the Ribbon Falls junction will remain closed until further notice pending additional evaluations and maintenance.

Although post-fire assessments found no significant increased risk to permanent facilities or overnight areas at Phantom Ranch, the park has implemented added safety measures to address elevated flash flood and debris flow potential in the Bright Angel Creek watershed. These actions include enhanced flood monitoring equipment, a comprehensive evacuation and alert plan, and new signage to inform visitors about flash flood risks and response procedures.

Flash flooding remains an inherent risk in the canyon. Visitors are encouraged to monitor weather conditions and review current trail information before traveling in the inner canyon.

Resident Reminder: Stay Informed During Winter Storms

Grand Canyon residents are encouraged to stay informed about road conditions and winter weather impacts by calling the NPS Roads Line at 928-638-7496 for the latest updates on closures and reopening status.

During recent winter storms, Park Dispatch received a high volume of calls from local residents seeking road information. These calls can delay dispatchers’ ability to assist emergency responders handling motor vehicle accidents and slide-offs. Residents are asked to use discretion when calling Dispatch at 928-638-7805 and reserve that number for emergencies or urgent safety needs.

Residents can also receive timely alerts—including road closures, reopenings, and other emergency notifications—by signing up for the park’s free alert system through Everbridge. Registration is quick, free of charge, and helps ensure you receive critical updates directly.

To enroll, visit the park’s Everbridge sign-up page.

Starting Sunday, March 1, the Native Artisans Vendor Market will be returning for its fifth consecutive year. In coordination with the Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Economic Development program, Grand Canyon National Park continues its support for Indigenous artisans. The market provides a platform for these artisans to showcase and sell their authentic, handcrafted arts and crafts, including jewelry, ornaments, pottery, sculptures, and more.

This market aligns with the park’s goals of promoting First Voice Tribal interpretation, creating economic opportunities for Tribes, and co-managing park facilities with Tribal partners. It has become a successful initiative supporting local Tribal economic development within the Grand Canyon region. In addition to selling their work, participating artisans share their knowledge about local Native American heritage and their communities.

Market Hours:

• Grand Canyon Visitor Center: Seven Days a Week, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (March 1 – October 31)
• Tusayan Museum Site: Thursdays through Mondays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (April 2 – October 31)

More information on tribal vending and demonstration opportunities can be found on thepark website here.

Special Piano Performance featuring Conner Chee — March 3

We invite you to an evening of music and cultural expression featuring Diné (Navajo) composer and pianist Conner Chee. The performance will take place March 3 at 7 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Chee’s work transforms Navajo history, resilience, and spirit into powerful classical compositions. Blending Diné cultural heritage with contemporary classical tradition, his performance offers audiences a moving journey through sound and story.

More information on this program can be found in the attached flyer here.

Staff Spotlight & Special Program — March 5

We invite you to a special evening presentation featuring Jeremiah RisingBuffalo Maybee, Tribal Program Manager at Grand Canyon National Park. The program will be held Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

A member of the Northern Arapaho and Seneca Nations, RisingBuffalo leads government-to-government Tribal consultation for the park and works to elevate Indigenous perspectives across park initiatives. His presentation will share insights from his professional journey, highlight the importance of meaningful consultation, and explore how Indigenous knowledge and partnerships strengthen stewardship of Grand Canyon resources.

More information on this program can be found in the attached flyer here.

Cultural Demonstrators next week at the Desert View Watchtower

Darren Seweyestewa (Hopi Silversmith) & Evanette Sockyma (Hopi Basket Weaver)

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday — March 3 – 5, 2026

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Desert View Watchtower

Darren Seweyestewa (pictured) is a Hopi Silversmith from the village of Hotevilla. He is a member of the coyote and badger clan. He has been making jewelry since the 1990s. Darren enjoys making jewelry because it allows him to be flexible with his time and spend more of it with his family. He was self-taught and usually uses traditional symbols such as water, clouds, feathers, and animal designs in his sterling silver jewelry.

Evanette Sockyma resides in Kykotsmovi Village on Third Mesa in Arizona. Eva was introduced to the art of creating handmade yucca sifter baskets by her mother. Eva draws her inspiration for her baskets from her Hopi culture. Eva creates both traditional baskets made with natural dyes and tamarack, as well as more contemporary baskets made with commercial dyes and steel rings. Each variety has their place, with the traditional baskets used in everyday work life and contemporary baskets sold for display.

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

Did you know there are two local nonprofit organizations within the Grand Canyon community that qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit? The Kaibab Learning Center (KLC) and the Grand Canyon Food Pantry are recognized as Qualifying Charitable Organizations (QCOs), allowing eligible Arizona taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes for donations made to these organizations.

Through the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, Arizona residents can direct their tax dollars to causes that directly support the community—providing childcare and early learning services through the KLC and food assistance for local residents and families through the Food Pantry. The credit can be claimed even if taxpayers do not itemize deductions.

In addition to QCOs, the Arizona Public School Tax Credit is also available. Donations made under this program support Grand Canyon School and are separate from QCO contributions, allowing taxpayers to support both charitable organizations and public education through different tax credit programs.

To learn more, visit the Arizona Department of Revenue webpage on Credits for Contributions to QCOs or Public School Tax Credit page.

*New changes to operations are indicated in red.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: 12-10 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-8 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Arizona Steakhouse – Lunch: Closed, Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: 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 p.m., Lounge 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
• Beginning March 6 – Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (food until 9:30 p.m.)
• Food truck begins March 6: 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: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures Cafe: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., beginning March 1 bike rentals will resume 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with bike tours beginning Friday, March 6
• 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
• Beginning March 1: Visitor Center Plaza, Kolb Studio, Verkamps, and Yavapai, 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.
• 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.
• 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 Clear Creek Trail Junction
• North Kaibab Trail will reopen from the Clear Creek Trail Junction to Ribbon Falls on Wed., March 4

Desert View

• Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with stairs closing at 4 p.m., beginning March 1: 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)

North Rim

• Reopening anticipated for May 15, 2026

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

• Sunset from the South Rim on Feb. 25 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• An NPS Ranger snowman (NPS Photo)
• Photos from the 2025 NACA Season at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Tusayan Museum site (NPS Photo/V. Diaz)
• Darren Seweyestewa showing visitors how he cuts designs into silver. (NPS Photo)
• Fire Chief, Kevin Ross, shows elementary students a vehicle extrication tool during an emergency services demonstration on Feb. 25 at the Grand Canyon School (Photo courtesy of Tristan Roberts)

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