Key Hiking Messages - Critical Updates and Closures

 

Backcountry Trail Closures and Construction

INNER CANYON TRAIL CLOSURES
Read the news release for additional details.

  • CLOSED — PLATEAU POINT TRAIL from the Tonto Trail junction to Plateau Point. Scheduled to reopen October 1, 2025. Those hiking the Tonto Trail are able to pass through.
  • CLOSED — RIVER TRAIL. Scheduled to reopen October 1, 2025.
  • CLOSED — SILVER BRIDGE. Scheduled to reopen October 1, 2025.
Trail users will need to use Black Bridge through September 30 to cross the Colorado River. Beginning May 15, Bright Angel Trail will be open from the South Rim to Pipe Creek Beach and River Resthouse. There will be no access to Bright Angel Trail from Bright Angel Campground/Phantom Ranch along the Colorado River. Hikers may traverse between the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail via the Tonto Trail.


There are two options to reach the South Rim from the Bright Angel Campground: (1) Hike all the way up the South Kaibab Trail to the rim (7 miles), or (2) hike up South Kaibab to The Tipoff (2.5 miles), follow the Tonto Trail to Havasupai Gardens (4.6 miles), then up the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim (4.5 miles). This route adds 4.5 miles of hiking with no reliable water source.

These detour routes are also not recommended in the extreme heat of the summer. Hiking up the South Kaibab Trail during the summer months is extremely strenuous and potentially dangerous due to intense heat, minimal shade, and no water sources. Similarly, the Tonto Trail between The Tipoff and Havasupai Gardens offers no water and very limited shade. Daytime summer temperatures in the inner canyon can exceed 110°F (43°C), significantly increasing the risk of heat-related illness.

Hikers should be prepared with adequate water, sun protection, and a realistic assessment of their physical abilities. Attempting these routes during the heat of the day (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) is strongly discouraged.

Hikers and backpackers attempting rigorous distances, such as rim to rim, through the inner canyon are strongly encouraged to be self-reliant to prevent emergency situations for themselves and responders. Be aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, and employee safety requirements.

 
 
Graphic, a half circle divided into 5 sections with text that reads: heat risk today. The fifth section is expanded, text reads: very high.

Heat Risk

Today's heat risk is VERY HIGH

Taking Care of Yourself
 

Weather Conditions and Forecasts

Several microclimates are found within the canyon. During warmer months, the temperature increases 5.5°F with each 1,000 feet loss in elevation. Summer, highs at Phantom Ranch can average around 30° F. (17° C.) warmer than on the canyon rims. In the display below, the current temperature ranges between Phantom Ranch and Grand Canyon Village are shown.

 

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Water Availability: Trailheads and Inner Canyon

These water statuses for the park's Corridor Trails are current, but can change suddenly due to breaks in the waterline. Day and overnight hikers should always carry water treatment options. Information on how to treat water at www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/safe-water.htm.

  • North Rim Admin Building water station ON
  • North Kaibab Trailhead: water ON
  • Supai Tunnel: water OFF
  • Roaring Springs Day Use Area is CLOSED and has no water
  • Manzanita Day Use Area: water ON
  • Cottonwood Campground and Day Use Area: water ON
  • Phantom Ranch Canteen: water ON Phantom Ranch is open
  • Bright Angel Campground: water ON Campground Open
  • Phantom Delta Restroom: water ON
  • Phantom Boat Beach: water ON
  • Plateau Point: water OFF Plateau Point Trail and Point are CLOSED for waterline replacement.
  • Havasupai Gardens (formerly known as Indian Garden): water ON
  • Bright Angel Trail, Three-Mile Resthouse: water ON (4-13-2025)
  • Bright Angel Trail, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse: water ON (4-13-2025)
  • Bright Angel Trailhead: water ON
  • South Kaibab Trailhead: water ON
  • Hermits Rest - Hermit Trailhead: water bottle filling station OFF for the season
 

Current Trail Hazards

  • Horses/stock on Inner Canyon Corridor Trails. Be sure to check with the Backcountry Information Center prior to entering the inner canyon with stock. Recent rockslides and trail washouts, have at times, made trails impassible to stock.
 
Four icons of people. The first shows two people on a balance scale, one with an apple and the other with water. The other icons show someone eating, resting, and pouring water on their head.

Taking Care of Yourself

Balance Food and Water

Do not force fluids. Drink water when thirsty, and stop when you are quenched. Over-hydration may lead to a life-threatening salt-balance disorder called hyponatremia.

Restore Your Energy

Eat double your normal intake of carbohydrates and salty foods. Calories play an important role in regulating body temperature, and hiking suppresses your appetite.

Caring for Your Body

Take plenty of breaks and enjoy the view while resting. Resting allows time for proper digestion. If you are hot, cool off by getting wet in creeks and water stations. If you are cold, put on layers and eat food.

If you start to feel nauseated, dizzy, or exhausted, stop and rest. Slowly begin to drink and eat until you feel better. This can take an hour or longer.

 
Graphic showing several figures. The first figure is holding their head looking dizzy. An arrow points to the right, showing a seated figure with a plus sign and a figure drinking water. Above the plus sign is a box that reads, "1 hour plus."
 
Four black and white icons. First, rocks tumbling down a hill. Second, a person running from waves. Third, a branch falling off a tree. Fourth, a person shivering.

Environmental Hazards

Rock Fall

Rock falls are common during or after rain, or during freeze/thaw events. Falls can occur without warning. If you hear or observe rock fall, move quickly away from the area. Do not stop if loose rocks are on the trail.

Flash Floods

Flash floods can occur without warning. Know the weather upstream. If you hear a roaring noise move to higher ground immediately. Face upstream when in or near a creek and have a fast exit plan.

Storms, Wind, and Ice

High winds, storms, and ice can knock down branches. Listen for cracking sounds and move away from the tree. Be aware of trees in campsites. Sudden limb drops can occur even on windless days.

Cold Temperatures

If you are cold, put on layers and eat food. Hypothermia can set in at relatively high temperatures. Make sure to wear weather appropriate clothing at all times of year.

 

In Summer, Avoid the Heat of the Day

Avoid hiking between the hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

 
Graphic showing a hiker under a moon. An arrow points to the right, to clocks at 10 am and 4 pm. Between these times is a hiker icon with a red x across it and a high thermometer. After the second clock is an arrow pointing to a hiker icon under a moon.
 

Last updated: June 10, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

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