GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. — The National Park Service has announced several updates to inner canyon access and operations as crews continue long-term repairs tied to the Transcanyon Waterline project and recovery from the Dragon Bravo Fire.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2025, both Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground will reopen to overnight guests, along with the lower South Kaibab Trail below The Tipoff, restoring access to popular destinations along the Colorado River corridor.
However, other closures remain in effect. The River Trail — which connects the River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction — will stay closed through December 2025, along with the Silver Bridge, as crews complete extensive trail and infrastructure repairs. Hikers will need to use the South Kaibab Trail to reach the north side of the Colorado River, including Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. Because water is not available along the South Kaibab Trail, visitors are urged to carry sufficient water and plan accordingly.
Park officials also announced an extended closure of the North Kaibab Trail above the Clear Creek Trail junction, citing hazardous rockfall conditions and safety concerns following this year’s wildfire. The Cottonwood Campground, located along that trail, will remain closed indefinitely as crews prepare for additional waterline construction in early 2026.
To improve visitor safety, the park has installed new stream gauge monitoring equipment along Bright Angel Creek in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and plans to deploy a flash flood warning system for Phantom Ranch in the near future.
Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions and alerts before planning a trip by visiting the Grand Canyon National Park website.
Park officials thanked the public for their patience as crews work to safely complete critical infrastructure repairs and trail restoration.
