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The 23 mile (37 km) long Desert View Drive features marvelous panoramic views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. There is parking at every viewpoint.
Park Operations Update - Saturday, May 8, 2021
For a complete listing ot what is open, and what is closed in Grand Canyon National Park, scroll down this page.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are modified operations throughout Grand Canyon National Park during spring and summer 2021.
Wearing a face mask/covering is required:
Inside, in any shared space.
Outside if you cannot physically distance by maintaining a minimum of 6 feet/2 meters from those outside your household.
In designated and signed Outdoor Mask Zones, busy locationswhere physical distancing cannot reasonably be maintained. These locations include: all entrance stations,Mather Point, Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza, all bus stops, Hopi Point, and between Bright Angel Trailhead and Verkamps Visitor Center.
Desert View East Entrance is Now Open:The East Entrance to the park at Desert View is open.Credit cards, Recreation.gov, Your Pass Now, and America the Beautiful passes are accepted for entry. Cash is not accepted at this time. More >
Entrances Fees:Entrance Fees are paid at the entrance stations, or by purchasing a pass in advance from nearby third-party vendors, or online, throughRecreation.gov.
If you have purchased a pass in advance and are entering through the South Entrance Station (just north of the gateway community of Tusayan)– stay in the left lane as you approach, and enter through lane 1 (far left).
Visiting for the day in an RV, or pulling a trailer? On the South Rim there are 3 designated parking lots for RVs. Details >
Hermit Road:The 7.5 mile (12 km) scenic Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles between March 1 and November 30, 2021. The Hermit Road (Red Route) shuttle bus is in service during this time. Hermit Road is also open to foot and bicycle traffic.
North Rim is Closed:The North Rim of the Park and State Route 67 are closed for the winter. The 2021 Season is scheduled to begin on May 15, 2021. More >
Car/RV Campgrounds and Rim Trails:
Mather Campground in Grand Canyon Village is open for the 2021 season. (Hook-ups are not available at Mather Campground). Reservations are recommended and may be made up to 6 months in advance. More >
Trailer Village RV Campground is open for the season and has full hook-ups.More >
Desert View Campground is open for the season. (Hook-ups are not available at Desert View Campground). Due to high demand, Desert View Campground now requires advanced reservations. You may book reservations up to 6 months in advance. Desert View Campground does not hold back any campsites for first-come, first-served camping, and does not have a wait list or call back system. More >
Day Hiking: Canyon trails are open for day hiking.
Water Availability: Pipeline breaks are common, and Grand Canyon National Park recommends that hikers and runners be prepared to filter or disinfect creek water along corridor trails. Bright Angel Trail water has been turned on for the season at 1.5 Mile Resthouse, 3 Mile Resthouse, and is also available at the trailhead and Indian Garden. More Backcountry Updates >
Backcountry Permits:Requests for overnight backcountry permits are being considered, and most permits are issued well in advance. More >
The Backcountry Information Center has reopened. Our staff is looking forward to interacting with visitors in person and helping them plan for a safe backcountry experience. Hours of operation will be the same as they were before the pandemic”, 8 am – noon; and 1 – 5 pm. COVID safety protocols are in place, including masks, plexiglass at the desk, ticketed entry, cleaning schedules and physical distancing.
Bright Angel Campground is at half capacity: The sewage treatment plant located at the bottom of the canyon is a critical piece of infrastructure that for years has allowed over 200 people nightly to stay at Bright Angel Campground and the Phantom Ranch Lodge. To ensure state environmental quality standards continue to be met, dramatic reductions in overnight use are necessary until new equipment can be purchased and installed. Hikers should expect longer than normal wait times to obtain a permit at the park.
Tribal Lands: Restrictions exist on both the Navajo and Havasupai reservations. Currently, neither the South Bass Trailhead nor rim camps in the Pasture Wash area can be accessed by vehicle.
Hikers' Express shuttle bus Between March 1 and May 28, 2021, (Spring Season), the Hikers' Express Bus runs directly from the Backcountry Office to the South Kaibab Trailhead. No other stops will be made along the Hikers' Express Route. May times: 5, 6, and 7 am. June, July and August: 4, 5, and 6 am.
Kaibab Rim Shuttle: TheKaibab Rim (Orange Route Eastbound)shuttle bus with service between the Visitor Center and South Kaibab Trailhead is in operation from 4:30 am until 1 hour after sunset.
South Rim Visitor Centers and Contact Stations
South Rim Visitor Center and Theater - CLOSED
Grand Canyon Conservancy'sPark Store9 am to 6 pm daily
(across the plaza from the Visitor Center) Note: The store may operate on a reduced schedule during inclement winter weather.
Park Headquarters Information Desk - CLOSED
Backcountry Information Center (BIC): 8 am – noon; and 1 pm – 5 pm.
Yavapai Geology Museum:9 am to 5 pm daily
Note: The store may operate on a reduced schedule during inclement winter weather.
Verkamps Visitor Center: 9 am to 5 pm daily
Note: The store may operate on a reduced schedule during inclement winter weather.
Kolb Studio:9 am to 5 pm daily
Note: The store may operate on a reduced schedule during inclement winter weather.
Desert View Watchtower and Tusayan Museum - CLOSED
All Interpretive Park Ranger programs are CANCELLED
Shuttle Bus Routes in Operation
The bus routes that are in operation will transport you from more congested village areas out to scenic viewpoints and trails.
The Hikers' Express Shuttle runs at 6, 7 and 8 am during the month of April — then, 5, 6, and 7 am during May. Note: during this time the Hikers' Express shuttle runs directly from the Backcountry Office to the South Kaibab Trailhead. No other stops are made along the Hikers' Express Route.
The Eastbound Kaibab Rim (Orange Route) begins service at 4:30 am each day. Buses arrive at designated stops every 15-30 minutes. The Eastbound Kaibab (Orange Route) shuttle will run until one hour after sunset, with service to South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki Point, and Pipe Creek Overlook. Note: the Kaibab Rim Route, Westbound to Yavapai Geology Museum, is not in operation during spring (March 1 through May 28, 2021)
The Hermit Road (Red Route) begins service at 4:30 am each day. Buses arrive at designated stops every 15-30 minutes. The Hermit Road Route will run until one hour after sunset.
Shuttle Bus Routes Not in Operation
These routes are not in operation at this time because they are not able to meet Covid-19 safety requirements.
The Village (Blue Route)CLOSED Until Further Notice
The Village Route is not in operation, that means there is no shuttle bus service between Grand Canyon Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Village. If you walk along the Rim Trail between the Visitor Center and the Village, you will need to walk back to your starting point.
Westbound Kaibab Rim (Orange Route)CLOSED Until Further Notice
The westbound portion of the Orange Route between the Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology Museum is not in operation. If you walk along the Rim Trail between the Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology Museum, you will need to walk back to your starting point.
Tusayan (Purple Route) CLOSED Until Further Notice
The Tusayan Route with service between Grand Canyon Visitor Center and the gateway community of Tusayan is not in operation.
El Tovar Hotel Lodging - Restaurant (B 7-10:30 am) (L 11:00 am - 3 pm) (D 4:30-9 pm) Advanced reservations are required for lunch and dinner at the El Tovar Dining Room. Online reservations can be made here >
The Fred Harvey Food Truck will be located at the El Tovar / Hopi House area from 11 am – 5 pm. Seven days per week, weather permitting.
Bright Angel Lodge: Lodging Bright Angel Fountain & Coffee House:7 am to 10 am daily Bright Angel Lounge: 11 am to 9 pm daily Bright Angel: Arizona Steak House: CLOSED
Bright Angel: Fred Harvey Burger: CLOSED
Thunderbird LodgeLodging only
Kachina Lodge Lodging only
Maswik Lodge Front Desk: 7 am to 11 pm daily Maswik Lodge Gift Shop: 8 am - 9 pm daily (Coffee) Maswik Lodge Cafeteria: 7 am - 8 pm daily Maswik Lodge Pizza Pub: CLOSED
Grab & Go Café, Coffee Bar, Bicycle Rental and Tours (Visitor Center Plaza)
Bike Rentals: 10 am to 4 pm daily (weather permitting).
Cafe: 8 am to 5 pm daily.
Services at Market Plaza
Chase Bankopen from 9 am to 5 pm. Monday through Friday.(Market Plaza) (ATM machine 24 hours)
Grand Canyon Post Officewindow service open 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. (Market Plaza)
Grand Canyon Clinic (North Country Healthcare, 1 Clinic Road) The Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Please call ahead at 928-638-2551 to schedule an appointment (no walk-ins available). If you have a scheduled appointment please wear a face mask anytime you enter the clinic. If you do not have a face mask, one can be provided to you.
Most Desert View Facilities Are Open
Updated May 7, 2021
Visitors can enter and exit the park through the East Entrance at Desert View.
The following Desert View areas and services are open for visitors: • Viewpoints in the Desert View vicinity
• Desert View parking lot and RV parking
• Restrooms located between the Desert View parking lot and the canyon rim. • Trading Post - Coffee and Ice Cream 9 am - 5 pm
• Desert View Market 9 am - 5 pm
• Pay-at-the-Pump Service Station
• Desert View Watchtower Retail Store (Kiva Room)Fridays through Mondays 9 am.- 5 pm. CDC guidelines and physical distancing measures are in place. Face coverings are required to shop in the store.Only the ground level retail location is open to the public. The tower itself remains closed until further notice.
• Desert View Campground is open for the season. (NO HOOK-UPS). Due to high demand, Desert View Campground now requires advanced reservations. You may book reservations up to 6 months in advance online at recreation.gov, or by phone (877-444-6777). Same Day Reservations may also be made online or by phone. Desert View Campground does not hold back any campsites for first-come, first-served camping, and it does not have a wait list or call back system. More >
With public health in mind, some facilities remain closed:
Desert View Watchtower, the tower itself is CLOSED
Desert View Camping Supplies at the Gas Station CLOSED
Desert View Deli CLOSED
Tusayan Ruin and Museum CLOSED
The North Rim is Closed for the Winter
Follow the link to learn about the North Rim's 2021 Season (May 15, through October 15, 2021) Things to know when considering a visit. More >
Update: Phased Reopening of Colorado River Rafting Trips
Grand Canyon National Park’s COVID-19 Mitigation Phase for River Use moved from “Medium” to “Light” restriction level on April 1, 2021. The “Light” restriction level allows 100% river use while continuing key COVID-19 Safety Mitigation requirements. (details at https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/upload/COVID-19_River_Update.pdf)
Refund and Rescheduling Information:
Mather campground reservations can be refunded on Recreation.gov.
Backcountry Permits information about rescheduling backcountry campground reservations can be obtained by e-mailing grca_bic@nps.gov.
COVID-19 confirmed cases in Arizona: 866,623 — Deaths: 17,367
Following guidance from the White House, Centers f6or Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Grand Canyon National Park is closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to maintain and increase access.
Covid-19 Precautions
Protecting Visitors, Employees, and Partners During a Pandemic:
Individuals over the age of two years must wear face masks, except when actively eating or drinking in the following locations:
All common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, rented or leased by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to: park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants.
The following outdoor areas, when others are present, where the superintendent has determined that physical distancing (staying at least six feet apart) cannot reasonably be maintained:
Mather Point
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza
All bus stops
Hopi Point
Greenway Trail from Verkamps to Bright Angel Trailhead
All entrance stations
Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.
When driving through the Navajo Nation, all roads other than state and federal highways will be closed to non-residential traffic. Mask wearing is required at all locations on the Nation. For more information on Navajo Nation guidance, please visit the Navajo Department of Health Website.
Navajo Nation is moving from code orange to yellow; changes include restaurants with indoor dining can operate at 25% capacity; restaurants with outdoor seating can accommodate 50% capacity. Navajo Nation casinos are allowed to open at 50% of maximum occupancy but only for Navajo Nation residents, citizens and employees only (no visitors and tourists).
Navajo Nation Parks will reopen in a phased process; no dates have yet been set for full opening.
The Nation is currently in a Shelter in Place order, including daily curfew hours from 11:00 P.M. MDT to 5:00 A.M. MDT.
Public Health Preparation and Response
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Grand Canyon National Park, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners and volunteers.
While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.
As a reminder, visitors driving on U.S. Route 89 between Flagstaff or northern Arizona and Cameron will be travelling through the Navajo Nation, which requires face masks to be worn at public facilities and businesses to slow the spread of COVID-19. The South Rim’s east entrance is accessed by driving on U.S. Route 89, and the entrance remains closed. Public health and operational updates for the Navajo Nation can be found on their website. Also, the neighboring Havasupai reservation remains closed for tourism, and details for operational updates can be found on their website.
The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
