Several operational changes are set to take effect at Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) in the coming weeks as part of phased recovery and infrastructure repair efforts, including the reopening of key trails and campgrounds and the continuation of certain closures due to ongoing construction and safety concerns.
The updates follow recovery work from the Dragon Bravo Fire and continued repairs on the Transcanyon Waterline, a critical water system serving the park’s South Rim and inner canyon facilities. These measures aim to ensure both visitor safety and the long-term integrity of park infrastructure.
According to a press release, the River Trail, which runs between the River Resthouse and the South Kaibab Trail junction, will remain closed through December, with the Silver Bridge potentially remaining closed during the same period.
Both closures are required to allow contractors to safely perform extensive unplanned trail work related to the Transcanyon Waterline project.
During the River Trail closure, hikers must use the South Kaibab Trail to reach the north side of the Colorado River, including Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground.
Access to the Bright Angel Trail via the River Trail will not be possible during this time.
Beginning November 1, Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground will reopen to overnight guests.
On the same date, the lower South Kaibab Trail below The Tipoff will also reopen to the public, restoring full access to the Phantom Ranch area and other locations along the Colorado River corridor.
“In coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), park staff have installed stream gauge monitoring along Bright Angel Creek to help evaluate flash flood risks. A warning system for Phantom Ranch is expected to be installed in the near future, providing additional tools to help protect visitors and staff,” the press release indicated.
The lower North Kaibab Trail will also reopen November 1, from Phantom Ranch to the junction of the Ribbon Falls turnoff, approximately 5.5 miles north of Phantom Ranch.
However, the section of the trail above the Ribbon Falls turnoff remains closed until further notice due to significant rockfall and safety concerns following the Dragon Bravo Fire.
The Cottonwood Campground, located along the North Kaibab Trail, will stay closed for the “foreseeable future.” Following completion of River Trail work, crews will begin sliplining activities on the Transcanyon Waterline in the Cottonwood Campground vicinity and nearby trail areas early next year.
That work is scheduled to take place between January 1 and May 14, 2026, as part of the broader waterline replacement project aimed at improving water reliability throughout the park.