Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors
  3. News

Grand Canyon closures expected to last into 2025 – what to know before you go hiking or camping

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? Hold that thought

By
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon (Arizona)
Andrew Davey / The Manual

Are you planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? You’d better hold that thought. The National Park Service has just announced a series of closures for various trails and campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park that could impact your trip. Fortunately, they aren’t permanent, and they are mostly construction-related closures. In this article, we will explore the details of these closures, their expected durations, and the importance of adhering to the guidelines set forth by the National Park Service.

Grand Canyon North Rim closures

The Transcanyon Waterline construction-related closures will affect several popular areas within the Grand Canyon. The closures are as follows:

  1. Silver Bridge: September 15 to December 31, 2025.
Recommended Videos

Grand Canyon South Rim closures

  1. Rim Trail in front of Bright Angel Lodge: November 16, 2023 to April 4, 2024.
  2. Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail junction to Plateau Point: October  12, 2023 to March 14, 2025.
  3. Havasupai Gardens Campground: December 1, 2023 to April 14, 2024.
  4. Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens to Silver Bridge: December 2, 2024 to March 14, 2025.
  5. Bright Angel Campground: December 19, 2024 to May 9, 2025.
  6. Bright Angel Trail approximately 1/2 mile from the Trailhead to Silver Bridge: December 1, 2023 to April 14, 2024.

It’s essential to note that these dates are subject to change, and visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website for the most current operational status. Additionally, intermittent trail delays of up to 30 minutes may occur in the vicinity of construction work as needed throughout the project.

While these closures may disrupt some of the park’s regular activities, the National Park Service is making efforts to minimize the impact on visitors. During the December 1, 2023 to April 14, 2024 closure period of the Bright Angel Trail, visitors will still have access to an upper portion of the trail from the trailhead to nearly half a mile down the trail. The South Kaibab Trail will also remain open for private river exchanges and all other hikers during Bright Angel Trail closures. However, it’s important to note that mule rides will be suspended during this same period.

The National Park Service emphasizes the importance of adhering to trail closures. Under no circumstances will hikers or other trail users be allowed to pass through closure areas. The safety of visitors and construction workers is of utmost concern, and any attempts to go over or around a closure can jeopardize this safety. Visitors are urged to pay close attention to directions from park rangers, volunteers, construction flaggers, and signs placed along the trails. Staying on designated trails and following guidance from authorities ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Camping reservation dates for Havasupai Gardens and Bright Angel Campgrounds will be unavailable during the expected closure periods. Visitors seeking camping and hiking information can contact the Backcountry Information Center for assistance.

The temporary closures of trails and campgrounds within Grand Canyon National Park are a necessary part of the Transcanyon Waterline construction project. While these closures may inconvenience some visitors, they are crucial for ensuring the safety of all and the successful completion of this essential infrastructure upgrade. Visitors are encouraged to stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and respect all trail and campground closures during this period. Ultimately, these temporary disruptions will contribute to the long-term preservation and enjoyment of the Grand Canyon for generations to come.

Sarah Joseph
Sarah Joseph
Contributor
With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, Sarah is always thrilled to share nature with others through… Read Full Bio
Topics
Outdoors
Arc’teryx x BEAMS: The blend of Alpine tech and Tokyo style
Arc'teryx x Beams

The new Arc’teryx x BEAMS collection celebrates the brands’ 25-year collaboration and the blending of technical function with street-savvy style. The line highlights a re-creation of the 1998 Arc’teryx Theta hardshell, a Gamma softshell jacket, and Jogen bouldering pants. All come in the signature Kōyō color palette, modeled after Japan’s autumn leaves. 

I wore the Gamma Jacket and Jogen pants during the fall changeover in Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley, testing for warmth, wind resistance, and style. Here’s my take.

Read more
Outdoors
More than a name: Meet Eddie Bauer, the true-life explorer behind your outdoor brand
Clothing, Hat, Face

From the time I was a little man, I excitedly tugged at the shirt tails of my father and grandfather every time they left the house to do anything relatively outdoorsy. They would leave the house hauling gun cases, fishing poles, camping gear, hiking packs. The men of my life loved everything adventurous, and they would do it every chance they could. When I was big enough, I would be allowed to come with them. I got my own boots. I procured my own active wear that could resist the weather. I opened my own parka for Christmas. Not only was I now in the same boat with them, in the same tent with them, and in the same deer stand with them. I also wore the same brand as them. Eddie Bauer was their go-to, and it had become my go-to.

But what was it about that brand? What was it about the man behind the brand that became the man’s best friend in the wilderness? Well, here is what you need to know about the guy who ditched the work world to open an outdoor brand simply so he could go outdoors all the time. And made it possible for my grandfather, my father, and then me.

Read more
Outdoors
Plug In, Ride Out: KTM’s Freeride E Gets Sharper for 2027
2027 KTM Freeride E

Austrian motorcycle company KTM’s dirt bikes have a reputation for ripping horsepower and world-title-winning performance. Across the world’s motocross tracks and enduro courses, the brand’s orange bikes win titles and provide the thrill of riding off-road. But for the most part, those bikes use 2-stroke and 4-stroke combustion engines. 

Now, looking toward the future, the organization’s latest electric off-roader, the 2027 Freeride E, optimizes power, handling, and range, with a variety of improvements over prior versions. Here’s the rundown on the bike’s improved specs.

Read more