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Grand Canyon National Park
Critical Backcountry Updates: Including Trail Closures and Restrictions
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Average temperatures, weather information, and road conditions can be found on the Weather Conditions page.
For more information about hiking at Grand Canyon Canyon National Park please contact the Backcountry Information Center.
Backcountry Status Updates (listed by date posted):
- Jan 17, 2012 - Trails Update
- Nov 30, 2011 - Report from the North Rim
- Nov 30, 2011 - Winter 2011 - Spring 2012 Backpacking Season
- Nov 30, 2011 - North Rim Yurt
- Nov 10, 2011 - Public Health Alert - Rabies
- Nov 10, 2011 - Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads
- Nov 10, 2011 - Drinking Water in the Cross-Canyon Corridor
- Oct 7, 2011 - Tuweep Update
- Aug 10, 2011 - Be Aware of Lightning Danger
- Jul 11, 2011 - Backcountry Management Plan
- May 31, 2011 - Drinking Water Outside the Cross-Canyon Corridor
- Dec 2, 2010 - South Kaibab Trailhead Access
- Dec 2, 2010 - Hermit Trailhead Access
- Apr 6, 2010 - Hiking Podcast Updated
(Confused about RSS and how to use it? Visit the page.)
Trails Update
date posted Jan 17, 2012
Over-shoe traction devices are strongly recommended.
Grandview, New Hance, and Tanner trails are icy and slick at the top. South Kaibab and Hermit trails are mostly clear of ice. Bright Angel Trail is icy and slick, also muddy in places.
Report from the North Rim
date posted Nov 30, 2011
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is closed for the winter season. The gates to the park are closed to motorized vehicles. The North Rim will open for the summer season in mid-May 2012 (usually May 15th).
Hikers and cross country skiers, with backcountry permits, are welcome to enter the North Rim of the park throughout the winter months. Permits can be obtained at the park's South Rim Backcountry Information Center or at the Visitor Center at Pipe Spring National Monument, located in Fredonia, Arizona. The park's group campsite and a yurt can be reserved throughout the winter months. Remember, you must obtain your backountry permit prior to arrival.
Locations near the 8,000 foot level such as Pt. Sublime, high elevation access to Nankoweap, and the North Bass Trailhead will not be accessible until road beds have dried and downed trees have been removed, this usually occurs during the last week of May or the first week of June, but can be as late as mid-June.
Winter 2011 - Spring 2012 Backpacking Season
date posted Nov 30, 2011
Your backcountry permit request should arrive at the Backcountry Information Center at least 21 days prior to the start of your hike to allow us enough time to process your request. Remaining sites are given out in person at the Backcountry Information Center. Permits for North Rim winter hikes between Nov 27th and mid-May can be obtained at Pipe Springs National Monument or the BLM Interagency Visitor Center in St. George.
December: At Bright Angel Campground the only nights not available are the 28th, 30th, and 31st, all other dates remain available, but make sure that you submit your request at least 21 days prior to a proposed start date. Last minute permits available at the park. Winter lows at Bright Angel Campground are around 30° F. Foot traction devices recommended if sufficient precipitation creates icy conditions. North Rim backcountry dirt roads at or above 8,000 feet are only accessible in the driest of years, and are likely not passable once a snowpack develops.
January and February: Very quiet in the backcountry. Permits are available. The top couple miles of trail are usually snowpacked and icy. Foot traction devices are strongly recommended. Access to South Bass Trailhead may not be possible when snowpack exists, often late December through mid-March. During periods of snow melt, access should only be attempted when the road bed is frozen. This occurs for a few hours before dawn when temperatures drop into the low 20's.
March: At Bright Angel Campground the last three weeks are full, some availability between the 1st and 10th.
April: Submit your written permit request starting December 1.
May: Submit your written permit request starting January 1.
Options for hikers who are unable to obtain a permit in advance:
Get a permit at the park. Review information on our website (www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm) or contact us for more information at (928) 638-7875 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by email at grca_bic@nps.gov
Day Hike: No permit needed to day hike. Weather and trail conditions are variable and change dramatically from one year to the next. Plan Ahead and Prepare.. (more info)
North Rim (Kaibab Plateau/ Highway 67/ North Kaibab Trailhead): The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park closed for the season on Sunday, November 27th. The park's group campsite and a yurt can be reserved throughout the winter months. You must obtain your permit prior to arrival. The North Rim will open for the summer season in mid-May 2012 (usually May 15th). Locations near the 8,000 foot level such as Pt. Sublime, high elevation access to Nankoweap, and the North Bass Trailhead will not be accessible until road beds have dried and downed trees have been removed, this usually occurs during the last week of May or the first week of June, but can be as late as mid-June.
North Rim Yurt
date posted Nov 30, 2011
The North Rim yurt is available for reservation.
The North Rim yurt, placed near the North Kaibab Trailhead, can be reserved from the Monday following Thanksgiving through April 15. The yurt accommodates six people and is outfitted with a table, chairs, and wood-burning stove. A portable toilet is nearby. Required permits are available through the Backcountry Information Center. For more information see www.nps/gov/grca/planyourvisit/winter-recreation.htm
Public Health Alert - Rabies
date posted Nov 11, 2011
A fox exhibiting abnormal behavior was recently euthanized near Phantom Ranch along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. Earlier this month, another fox collected near Phantom Ranch tested positive for rabies. Rabies is considered a natural wildlife disease and will likely run its course. To reduce your risk of injury or illness from an animal encounter (fox, bat, elk, mountain lion, squirrel) please follow these simple guidelines:
- educate yourself and your children about proper behavior around animals, especially concerning to animals common to the area you will be visiting
- don't touch, pick-up, or approach wild animals
- stay together as a group
- keep food appropriately stored at all times
- never feed wildlife
- wild animals approaching humans is not normal - be aware of your surroundings and keep your distance
- consider sleeping inside a tent
For more information read the Public Health Rabies Site Bulletin.
Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads
date posted Nov10, 2011
All backcountry trailheads served by dirt roads that are at the 7,000-8,000 foot level are currently melting out from last week's snow. Close to a foot of snow fell on the South Rim and 1 to 2 feet on the North Rim. Access may or may not be possible depending on type of vehicle, time of day (temperature), and elevation of trailhead. At the 7,000 foot level hikers have been able to reach trailheads before 9am, when low temperature stay below 25°F at night which allows for any saturated earth to freeze.
Hikers considering traveling dirt roads to remote trailheads should contact the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest at 928-643-7395 for the North Rim, the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest at 928-635-4061 for the South Rim or the Backcountry Information Center for current conditions.
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It is not uncommon for trees to fall and block access to remote trailheads. When you encounter a road blocked by fallen trees, what should you do?
- Report the location and diameter of the tree to Grand Canyon park dispatch (928-638-7805) as soon as possible. The park will assign staff to clear the road.
- If an appropriate (not blocking the road and not damaging vegetation) place to park is available, park your vehicle and continue to the trailhead on foot.
- Do not drive off-road attempting to bypass the obstacle, doing so can cause resource damage.
Drinking Water in the Cross-Canyon Corridor
date posted Nov 10, 2011
Purified drinking water is available year-round at Bright Angel and Indian Garden Campgrounds and at Bright Angel and South Kaibab trailheads.
The list below reflects seasonal changes and will be updated when water is turned on or off.
- North Kaibab Trailhead: water turned OFF
- Supai Tunnel: water turned OFF
- Roaring Springs Day Use Area: water turned OFF
- Cottonwood Campground: water turned OFF
- Bright Angel Campground: ON year-round (except when being repaired)
- Indian Garden: ON year-round (except when being repaired)
- Bright Angel Trail, Three-Mile Resthouse: water turned OFF
- Bright Angel Trail, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse: water turned OFF
- Bright Angel Trailhead: ON year-round
- South Kaibab Trailhead: ON year-round
Seasonal water stations are usually turned off for the winter sometime between Oct 10th and 30th dependent on location and associated temperatures.
Water available (year-round) on the South Rim at the Backcountry Information Center in the lobby. Water available (year-round) on the North Rim outside the Backcountry Information Center. Additional water bottle filling stations can be found on the Go "Green" and Refill Your Water Bottles web page.
Plan Ahead and Prepare: A backup method to treat water, should the pipeline break, must always be included as part of your first aid kit. Backcountry hikers should always carry extra water.
Tuweep Update
date posted Oct 7, 2011
The road out to Tuweep is muddy but decent.
Travelers should carry:
- Extra water, food, and gasoline;
- Good tires, including at least one usable spare;
- Parts, tools, and knowledge to handle vehicle and tire repairs including tire plugs and a portable air compressor.
Be Aware of Lightning Danger
date posted Aug 10, 2011On Thursday, August 4th thunderstorms blanketed the region resulting in two hours of moderate rainfall and lightning. One person died and five people were injured when lightning struck very near their group. To read the press release from this incident: www.nps.gov/grca/parknews/2011-08-04_lightning.htm This incident is a tragic reminder of the fact that summer storms in the southwest are often accompanied by potentially deadly lightning. Visitors walking and hiking in the park are reminded that if they can hear thunder, they should consider ending outdoor activities. If the sound of thunder follows a lightning flash within 30 seconds, seek shelter inside a building or vehicle. If this is not possible, move well away from high points such as ridges and the edge of the canyon. Do not seek shelter beneath tall trees. For more on how to be "lightning smart" read the Lightning Danger Site Bulletin.
Backcountry Management Plan
date posted Jul 11, 2011
Grand Canyon National Park has started work on a Backcountry Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. The park's existing Backcountry Management Plan was completed in 1988 and needs to be updated to comply with current National Park Service laws and policies and the park's 1995 General Management Plan.
Development of a revised plan provides an opportunity to look at alternative management strategies for protecting park resources and values while providing for a variety of visitor experiences within the backcountry. Once completed, the revised Backcountry Management Plan will guide management decisions regarding the park's backcountry and wilderness resources into the future.
Learn more about this planning effort at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/grca (click on Backcountry Management Plan).
Drinking Water outside the Cross-Canyon Corridor
date posted May 31, 2011
Hikers should make every effort to obtain recent confirmation of water availability and become familiar with routes to the river before starting any hike. Contact the Backcountry Information Center for recent water reports.
Water available (year-round) on the South Rim at the Backcountry Information Center in the lobby and at Hermits Rest (near the other public amenities). Water available (year-round) on the North Rim outside the Backcountry Information Center.
Additional water bottle filling stations can be found on the Go "Green" and Refill Your Water Bottles web page.
South Kaibab Trailhead Access
date posted Dec 2, 2010
Hikers must access the South Kaibab Trailhead by shuttle bus. There are two options.
- An early morning Hikers’ Express goes to the South Kaibab Trailhead from Bright Angel Lodge shuttle bus stop, the Backcountry Information Center, and Grand Canyon Visitor Center daily, year-round. Parking is available at the Backcountry Information Center.
- The Kaibab/Rim Route shuttle provides transportation between the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, the Yavapai Geology Museum, the South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point, and rim viewpoints.
Visit the Shuttle Buses page for schedules and more info.
Hermit Trailhead Access
date posted Dec 1, 2010
From Mar 1 to Nov 30, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. A numerical code is required to open the gate giving access to Hermit Road. Hikers with a valid backcountry permit who are beginning or ending their hike via the Hermit Trail will be permitted to park at the Hermit trailhead. The Backcountry Information Center will provide the gate access code when the backcountry permit is issued.
The Hermits Rest shuttle between South Rim Village and Hermit Rest and the Hermit trailhead is operational Mar. 1 to Nov. 30. The bus runs every 30 minutes between 4:30am and 9:30am, every 15 minutes between 9:30am and sunset, and every 30 minutes between sunset and one hour after sunset. The Hermit Rest Shuttle is free.
Weather dependent, Hermit Road is open to all private vehicles Dec 1 to Feb 28. Be aware that in wintertime inclement weather can cause Hermit Road to close with little notice as storms move through the area. Always check with the Backcountry Information Center regarding the wintertime status of Hermit Road.
How to contact the Backcountry Information Center:
The South Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily for walk-in visitors from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily mid-May to mid-October for walk-in visitors from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time). Beginning October 15, the North Rim office is open daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. until November 27 or until snow closes Highway 67, whichever comes first. Once the North Rim office closes it does not reopen until mid-May.
Backcountry Information Center staff answer information telephone inquiries at 928-638-7875 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. This telephone number is for information only.
Email the Backcountry Information Center
FAX number for permits is 928-638-2125
you can send a fax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year - HOWEVER the first day of every month we receive many faxes and the number may be busy
- Mailing address is:
- Grand Canyon National Park
Backcountry Information Center
1824 S. Thomson St., Suite 201
Flagstaff AZ, 86001
Backcountry Permit Request Form (PDF file) NOTE: This is a printable form only. You must print the form, fill it out, and then fax/mail it directly to the Backcountry Information Center.
Having difficulties opening the Backcountry Permit Request Form? You must have Adobe Reader version 7 or newer (as of Jan 2011 the current version of Adobe Reader is 10). Get the newest version of the free Adobe Reader.
Trip Planner (2mb PDF file): The information in this newspaper can assist you in obtaining a backcountry use permit.
Video: Hiking Grand Canyon, Prepare for Backpacking. This video is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your hike into the canyon's harsh, yet fragile, environment.
Video: All Grand Canyon backcountry users are asked to follow Leave No Trace principles. The goal is to have minimum human impact on the canyon as a result of your trip.
Hike Smart: Be sure and listen to the Hike Smart Podcasts! (transcripts available)
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