2013 Construction Zones and Projects

The National Park Service (NPS) has one active construction project taking place on the South Rim during the winter and spring of 2013. This page contains a brief overview of the project with up-to-date information on where work is currently occurring and associated detours and delays that might effect your visit.
(Updated May 15, 2013)

 

South Rim: Historic District
Bright Angel Trailhead Restoration

 

Click on the image of the map above to download a PDF version that will print on letter-size paper.

 

Heavy equipment at work near the Bright Angel Trailhead.

NPS PHOTO

Bright Angel Trailhead Area Rehabilitation

Fencing and detour signs are posted, directing all Bright Angel Trail access to the southwest trailhead, near the corral. The closure of the northeast trailhead near Kolb Studio will be removed on Saturday, May 18th, 2013. While the detour is in place, access will be maintained to Kolb Studio from the Rim Trail to the east.

The Bright Angel Trailhead Rehabilitation Dedication & Ribbon Cutting is Saturday, May 18, at 4:00 p.m. This is a public event, all are invited to attend. This will be an exciting event, one that many staff, GCA, contractors, and others have worked hard to bring to fruition. The project turned out beautifully, I think you'll all be pleased with the positive changes that have taken place. Please join us if you can in this historic event.

For additional information on this project, please contact Vicky Stinson, Project Manager at 928-638-7364 or by email here.

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South Rim: Market Plaza
Science & Resource Management Facility

 

Resource Management facility nearing completion

Project Completion:

Near Market Plaza and just southeast of the Park Headquarters building, construction of the new Science and Resource Management Facility has been completed.

The new facility is approximately 8,500 square feet, consists of two floors, is universally accessible, and includes employee offices, general work space, meeting space, restrooms, a small public-use library, and a separate storage warehouse.

A new parking area has also been constructed that accommodates government, employee and visitor vehicles, The new facility is also adjacent to a network of trails and nearby shuttle bus stops that will allow for employees to walk, bike or ride the park shuttle bus to and from work.
View photos of the facility here.

 

South Rim: Visitor Center and Plaza Area

 

NPS Photos by Kristen M Caldon

Project Completion:

The Bicycle Rental Facility opened for the 2012 season.
On the Visitor Center Plaza and adjacent to parking lot 4, is in the same location as the temporary structure used by the pilot bicycle rental operation (in operation during the 2010 and 2011 summer seasons.)

Bicycle rental services are available between April 1 and October 31. (other times when weather permits) Guided bicycle tours are offered during the peak season. The coffee bar and cafe is open all year.
Learn more at http://bikegrandcanyon.com/

Remodeling of the Visitor Center Interior and the installation of new exhibits has been completed. Sometimes individual exhibits may be closed for fine-tuning.

Mather Point and the Rim Trail are open. You may walk to the canyon rim by following the signed pedestrian paths leading from the Visitor Center Area to the Rim Trail.

Read more about the Visitor Center/ Mather Point Improvement projects that have been taking place for three years.

 

 

South Rim: Roads Preservation Project

No road preservation work is taking place at this time.