News Release

Backcountry Users Advised of Changes to Water Availability on North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails

Hikers on the North Kaibab Trail just below Cottonwood Campground. NPS/M.Quinn

News Release Date: May 14, 2019

Contact: Public Affairs Office, 928-638-7779

National Park Service maintenance staff are working diligently to bring inner canyon seasonal utilities on line now that the risk of freezing conditions has passed. As part of this annual effort, they must repair winter damage to the water pipeline and test water quality prior to opening facilities to the public.

Due to water turbidity and maintenance issues, some of the water filling stations and flush toilets normally available along the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails at this time of the year will not be open until water conditions change and/or water line repairs are made. The following is a list of the status of inner canyon facilities, as of Tuesday, May 14, 2019:

North Kaibab Trail

Water Available:

• Manzanita Day Use Area

Water Unavailable:

• Supai Tunnel
• Roaring Springs Day Use Area
• Cottonwood Campground

Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground

Water available: 

• Phantom Ranch
• Campground restroom - Bucket flushing required. Compost toilets are available.
• River restroom - Closed

Bright Angel Trail

Water Available:

• Indian Garden
• Three-Mile Resthouse

Water Unavailable:  

• Mile and a Half Resthouse 

Facilities on the North and South Rims are currently not affected.

This information on the status of inner canyon facilities will be updated as conditions change. 

Corridor Trail water availability is posted on this webpage. 
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm#CP_JUMP_1941213

It is also a good idea, when you arrive in the park, to check with the Backcounty Information Center, or one of the visitor centers for current status and any changes that may be taking place that day.