COVID-19 confirmed cases in Arizona: 812,907 — Deaths: 15,814
Following guidance from the White House, Centers for 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.
On Wenesday, February 17, the Navajo Nation extended its stay-at-home lockdown order but lifted weekend lockdowns to allow for more coronavirus vaccination events.
Tribal officials announced that the stay at home order has been extended through March 8, 2021.
As with previous orders, the document requires all residents remain at home with the exception of essential workers reporting to and from work, to address emergency situations, to obtain food, medication and supplies, to tend to livestock, to exercise outdoors within the immediate vicinity of a person's residence, and to gather firewood under a permit.
Because of the lockdown on the Navajo Nation, the East Entrance to the park, and most Desert View visitor facilities are CLOSED.Grand Canyon National Park is open. However, park visitors must use the South Entrance near the town of Tusayan to enter and exit the park.
Roads, Entrance Fees, and Closures:
Desert View Entrance is Closed:The East Entrance to the park at Desert View remains CLOSED.You must use the South Entrance near the town of Tusayan to enter and exit the park.State Route 64, (Desert View Drive), is open a distance of 25 miles (40 km) from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View. There is a turnaround at Desert View.
Entrances Fees:Entrance Fees should be paid at automated fee machines at the entrance stations, or by purchasing a pass in advance from nearby third-party vendors, or online, throughRecreation.gov.
Hermit Road:The 7.5 mile (12 km) scenic Hermit Road is usuallyopen to all vehicle traffic during the months of January and February, however, short term closures due to snow and icy conditions can occur. Please drive carefully and watch out for bicyclists and hikers.
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: during January, and February, Mather Campground registration is on a first-come, first-served basis using the automated fee machine located at the entrance to the campground, (by the campground office kiosk). Campsites will be available for small groups (6 or less only) and will remain at 50% capacity. Restroom locations and availability will change daily due to COVID-19 cleaning protocols. More >
Trailer Village: Trailer Village RV Park is open during the winter and has full hook-ups.
Rim Trails:The Canyon Rim Trail and the GreenwayTrail system on the South Rim, are open to the public outside of the village residential area.
Backcountry Updates:
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. Water at 1.5 Mile Resthouse, 3 Mile Resthouse, and Plateau Point has been shut off for the winter. Water is still 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 >
Last Minute Backcountry Permits:Although the South Rim Backcountry Information Center (BIC) remains closed, requests for last-minute permits are being considered using an email and phone system. While the process can change day to day, current details are posted on the doors to the BIC. Toilets: A portable toilet is available just south of the building. The nearest flush toilets can be found near the Bright Angel Trailhead and inside the Bright Angel Lodge.
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: During the months of January, and February, the Hikers' Express shuttle bus will depart from Bright Angel Lodge at 8 and 9 am, then make stops at the Backcountry Information Center, and Grand Canyon Visitor Center, on the way to the South Kaibab Trailhead.
Kaibab Rim Shuttle: TheKaibab Rim (Orange Route Eastbound)shuttle bus with service between the Visitor Center and South Kaibab Trailhead is in operation from 6 am until 1 hour after sunset.
South Rim Shuttle Bus Service During Winter Months
All shuttle bus services are subject to change and may be suspended on short notice due to public health concerns or inclement weather. Visitors should anticipate alternative means of transportation if traveling to the South Rim during the winter months.
Village Shuttle (Blue Route) Begins service at 6 am each day. Buses arrive at designated stops every 15-30 minutes, with the last bus at 9 pm. Note: the Village (Blue) Route will not be in operation during the spring (March 1 through May 28, 2021)
The Kaibab Shuttle (Orange Route) Begins service at 6 am each day. Buses arrive at designated stops every 15-30 minutes. The Kaibab (Orange) Route will run until one hour after sunset, with service to South Kaibab Trailhead, Yaki and Yavapai Points. Note: the Kaibab Rim Route, Westbound to Yavapai Geology Museum, will not be in operation during spring (March 1 through May 28, 2021)
The Hikers' Express Bus Runs at 8 and 9 am during January and February. The buses run their normal route, beginning at Bright Angel Lodge, then stopping at the Backcountry Information Center and Grand Canyon Visitor Center, on their way to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Note: during Spring 2021 (March 1 through May 28) The Hikers' Express Bus will only run - directly from the Backcountry Information Center - to the South Kaibab Trailhead.
Shuttle Bus Routes Not in Service During Winter:
Tusayan Shuttle (Purple Route) CLOSED. Scheduled to resume Summer 2021.
Hermit Road Shuttle (Red Route) CLOSED. Scheduled to resume March 1, 2021.
Grab & Go Café, Coffee Bar, Bicycle Rental and Tours (Visitor Center Plaza)
Bike Rentals: 10 am - 4 pm weather permitting.
Cafe: September 8th - February 28, 2021, 8 am - 5 pm.
Services at Market Plaza
Chase Bankopen from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Monday through Friday.(Market Plaza) (ATM machine 24 hours)
Grand Canyon Clinic (North Country Healthcare, 1 Clinic Road) The Clinic is open Monday-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.
South Rim Visitor Centers and Contact Stations
South Rim Visitor Center and Theater - CLOSED
Grand Canyon Conservancy'sPark Store9 am - 6 pm
(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) - CLOSED
Yavapai Geology Museum-9 am to 5 pm
Note: The store may operate on a reduced schedule during inclement winter weather.
Verkamps Visitor Center - 9 am to 5 pm
Note: The store may operate on a reduced schedule during inclement winter weather.
Kolb Studio -9 am to 5 pm
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
Most Desert View Facilities Remain Closed
Updated January 1, 2021
Visitors driving on US Route 89 in northern Arizona 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.
IMPORTANT > The East Entrance to the park at Desert View remains closed because of COVID-19 lockdowns on the neighboring Navajo Nation. The East Entrance gate is locked.
You must use the South Entrance near the town of Tusayan to enter and exit the park. The driving distance from Grand Canyon Village to Desert View along Desert View Drive (SR 64) necessitates a 50 mile (80 km) round-trip, since you must enter and exit the park through the South Entrance.
The following Desert View areas and services are open for visitors: • Viewpoints in the Desert View vicinity
• Desert View parking lot and RV parking
• Porta-toilets located near the Desert View parking lot
With public health in mind, the following facilities and areas remain closed at this time:
The East Entrance to the park on SR 64 CLOSED
Desert View Watchtower, including visitor contact station and bookstore CLOSED
Desert View Visitor Center CLOSED
Desert View Campground CLOSED
Desert View Chevron Gas Station CLOSED
Desert View Trading Post & Ice Cream CLOSED
Desert View Market and 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) and things to know when considering a visit. More >
Update: Phased Reopening of Colorado River Rafting Trips
Beginning June 14, 2020, Grand Canyon National Park initiated a phased reopening of Colorado River commercial and noncommercial trips.
Private, noncommercial river trips with current permits will be authorized to launch, and no new permits will be issued through at least the end of June. Noncommercial river trips including administrative trips should contact the Grand Canyon River Permit Office via email at: grca_riv@nps.gov for details.
Commercial river trips resumed with implemented mitigation measures including modified passenger capacities for some launches, so customers should contact the commercial river companies for any potential impact to their trip.
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.
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.
