New Podcast Episode Highlights North Kaibab Trail Recovery and the Work Ahead
A new podcast episode of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show was released this week featuring Trails Supervisor Adam Gibson, offering an in-depth look at the condition of the North Kaibab Trail following the Dragon Bravo Fire and outlining what recovery efforts may look like through 2026 and beyond.
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.
Park Moves to Stage 1 Water Restrictions
Good news! Grand Canyon National Park has moved to Stage 1 water restrictions after improved reservoir tank levels. While this shift allows for normal operations, conserving water is still important. All employees, residents, and visitors are asked to continue using water wisely.
The Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) water system violated drinking water standards over the past year. Even though these were not emergencies, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct these situations.
GRCA is required to monitor our drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether our drinking water meets health standards. During August 2024 and the 2nd quarter of 2025 GRCA did not complete all monitoring or testing for Total Coliform, Chlorine, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of our drinking water during that time.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement additional water restrictions on the South Rim starting Saturday, December 6, due to a series of significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. Since mid-November, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim.
While the park remains open to visitors, the following measures will be enacted for the foreseeable future:
Together Through the Shutdown
A message from Superintendent Ed Keable
As Grand Canyon National Park resumes normal operations following the lapse of appropriations, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Grand Canyon community—residents, partners, and local organizations—who stood together during an exceptionally difficult time.
This government shutdown placed real strain on families, employees, and businesses here at the Grand Canyon. Yet even in the most challenging moments, the strength of our community was unmistakable.
Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) played an extraordinary role throughout the shutdown, offering steady support when it was most needed. Their generosity provided community dinners, essential funding to sustain key park projects, and donations that directly supported local services relied on by many during this period. GCC’s commitment to this community is deeply appreciated, and we thank them for continuing to show up for Grand Canyon residents.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 3 Water Restrictions and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Oct. 31, 2025, in response to limited water availability and construction activities associated with the ongoing Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project.
A temporary interruption in water pumping is scheduled for Nov. 4 through approximately Nov. 18 to allow crews to replace and test a critical pipeline segment. This work is part of a multi-year effort to modernize the park’s aging water delivery system, expected to be completed in 2027.
Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Aug. 28
The Dragon Bravo Fire remains at 145,504 acres and 64% containment, with 654 personnel assigned. Crews continue to make progress removing hazard trees along Hwy. 67 and other roads, with an average of 15 truckloads hauled out each day. Suppression repair, mop-up, and patrols are ongoing, and no additional fire growth is expected.
With the fire stabilized, attention is turning to post-fire impacts. The DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is now on-site in the park, while the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team is working on the Kaibab National Forest.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.
Operational changes include:
Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
Despite these changes, water restrictions remain in place on the South Rim. Visitors and residents are urged to reduce water consumption by following these practices: flush toilets selectively, take shorter showers, wash clothes and dishes only with full loads and in eco-mode if available, and turn off the sink while brushing teeth, soaping hands, or shaving.
GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a broken section of pipeline north of Phantom Ranch.
Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.
Water conservation measures include:
North Rim and Bright Angel Trail Reopen Today; Key Closures Continue
As of today, Thursday, May 15, we’re officially kicking off the summer season with the North Rim and Bright Angel Trail open to the public once again. This marks a big step forward following months of heavy construction, planning, and collaboration—thank you to everyone who played a role in getting us here.
At the North Rim, visitor services are now fully operational. The campground, Grand Canyon Lodge, Backcountry Information Center, and the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore are open, and Rangers will be staffing the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 15. Commercial services will run through mid-October, and the North Rim will remain open for day use until November 30 (or until snowfall closes the roads). The Bright Angel Point Trail will be closed for the season for safety improvements and trail repairs.
We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2025 Firewise Residential
Cleanup Weekend will occur now through May 25.
Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an
area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will be moving and
hauling debris the week of May 26.
As we enter wildfire season, this message provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents and staff to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready. It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.
GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Grand Canyon National Park will implement a fee increase for frontcountry standard campsites at Desert View, North Rim, and Mather Campgrounds starting May 1, 2025. Rates for standard campsites will increase to $30 per night. Group sites will remain $55 per night.
Park Rangers receive new equipment for Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety, Speed enforcement, and DUI enforcement. GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) has been awarded National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) grants through the Arizona Governor’s Office…
