Grand Canyon Backcountry Updates

Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads - date posted Apr. 17, 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:27:29 GMT

South: South: Access to remote south side trails such as the South Bass has eased considerably as unimproved road have dried out, but that could change if significant precipitation occurs so a last minute check at the Backcountry Information Center is recommended if conditions turn wet.

North: The north side remains problematical. According to the Kaibab National Forest, hikers in competent vehicles are making it out to the Indian Hollow and Monument Point trailheads without undue drama. However access to the Nankoweap trailhead via Forest Road 610 and to the North Bass trailhead via the Swamp Ridge Road is not expected to be possible until sometime in late May (at the earliest) due to the many down trees blocking the road. Check with the North Kaibab Ranger District (928-643-7395) or the Backcountry Information Center prior to attempting to reach remote north-side trailheads.

North Rim Open for the Season - date posted May 15, 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:26:50 GMT

Highway 67 to Grand Canyon's North Rim opened for the season on May 15. All services provided by the National Park Service including the Visitor Center, Grand Canyon Association bookstore, backcountry permit reservations, and campground are available.

Drinking Water in the Cross-Canyon Corridor - date posted May 15, 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:26:12 GMT

Purified drinking water is available at Bright Angel Campground and Indian Garden Campground. As always, the South Kaibab Trail is dry - no water of any kind.

The list below reflects seasonal changes and will be updated when water is turned on or off. Excluding any mechanical or pipeline issues, water should remain on until mid-fall 2008.

North Kaibab Trailhead: water turned on
Supai Tunnel: water turned off due to mechanical problem, repair underway
Roaring Springs Day Use Area: water turned on
Cottonwood Campground: water turned on
Bright Angel Campground: on year round (except when being repaired)
Indian Garden: on year round (except when being repaired)
Bright Angel Trail, 3-mile Resthouse: water turned on
Bright Angel Trail, 1.5-mile Resthouse: water turned on
Bright Angel Trailhead: water turned on
South Kaibab Trailhead: water turned on

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.

Nankoweap Trail - date posted May 15, 2008

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:24:49 GMT

Major erosion in the Supai section of the Nankoweap Trail has created potentially dangerous conditions. The affected area is between Marion Point and Tilted Mesa. This section has always been narrow and hazardous, but it’s worse now. A short passage featuring roaring exposure involves nothing more than small foot holds and requires hikers to use their hands. The Nankoweap remains open, but the need for care and caution is obvious.

The photos posted online were taken April 2008 and show conditions of the Nankoweap Trail in the Supai Formation. Historically this section of the trail has been ledgy and exposed. Recent weathering has caused continued slight deterioration. Access to the Nankoweap trailhead by Forest Road 610 will not be possible until sometime in late May. Check with the North Kaibab Ranger District (928-643-7395) or the Backcountry Information Center prior to attempting to reach remote north-side trailheads.

2008 Spring/Summer Permits - date posted May 9, 2008

Fri, 09 May 2008 19:45:49 GMT

Visit www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm for information regarding the availability of permits for May-Aug 2008.

Hiking Podcast Updated - date posted Apr. 18 2008

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:08:37 GMT

The Backcountry Information Center has updated the Hiking Podcast with two April 2008 updates: one for the Corridor Trails and one for the non-corridor trails. Visit the Grand Canyon Podcast Directory (www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/podcasts.htm) for more information or to subscribe. Additionally the updates can be heard on the Backcountry Audiocast page (www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/bc_audiocasts.htm). Transcripts of the updates are posted on the Backcountry Audiocast page.

Hermit Trailhead (and Boucher Trailhead) Construction Closure Information - date posted Apr. 17, 2008

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:48:23 GMT

Major construction involving the Hermit Road and Rim Trail west of Grand Canyon Village will impact access to the Hermit trailhead beginning April 1, 2008 and lasting through project completion, tentatively scheduled for fall 2008. All backcountry permit holders hiking into the canyon via the Hermit Trail are required to use an alternate trail to complete their hike. Hikers will not be allowed to hike out via the Hermit Trail. Access to Hermit trailhead will be limited to free early morning shuttle buses (drop-off only). Visit www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm for more information and shuttle bus schedules.

South Kaibab Trailhead Access - date posted Apr. 17, 2008

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:44:46 GMT

Hikers must access the South Kaibab Trailhead by shuttle bus. A special "hiker express" shuttle leaves the Bright Angel Lodge and then picks up passengers at the Backcountry Information Center before going on to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Visit the Shuttle Buses page (www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/shuttle-buses.htm) for schedules and more info.

North Kaibab Trail Closed to Private Stock - date posted Apr. 17, 2008

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:43:29 GMT

The North Kaibab Trail is open to hiker traffic but closed to all private stock use. This closure does not affect commercial rides. Private stock use is still allowed on Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails (overnight use requires a permit). Unfortunately, in February 2008 a freeze-thaw related rock fall occurred damaging the 3rd bridge north of Phantom Ranch. The National Park Service trail crew was able to remove the debris and to stabilize the bridge. However the North Kaibab Trail will remain closed to all private cross-canyon stock use until the bridge can be more fully repaired. There is currently no expected completion date for these repairs.