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========================================================== Park operation updates related to COVID-19 can be found on the Grand Canyon National Park Public Health Update webpage. ========================================================== Average temperatures, weather information and road conditions can be found on the Weather Conditions page. Backcountry Status Updates (listed by date posted):
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Backcountry Status CAUTION - Rain, snow, and ice increase the risk of rockfall on backcountry trails. Possible flash flood and rockfall activity this week and throughout the next month. Increased precipitation and seasonal snow melt-off may lead to enhanced flood risk along creek drainages in the inner canyon. Backpackers and hikers should be especially aware of elevated flow in rivers, creeks, washes, and low water crossings. Particularly, low water crossings may become impassable due to flooding or flood damage. As melt-off continues over the coming weeks and months, expect greater frequency of localized rockfalls in the inner canyon, especially on northern slopes. Currently (as of Mar 8) trails into Grand Canyon are snow-packed and icy. Foot traction and trekking poles are strongly recommended for those planning to hike into the canyon. In the wake of the highest snow accumulations in decades on Grand Canyon inner canyon trails, it is imperative hikers demonstrate the highest level of preparedness for evolving and extreme winter weather conditions. Trail dependent, expect deep snow for roughly the first three miles, with some sections having more or less snow due to drifts. Each hiker needs to evaluate not only their individual level of skill and preparedness, but that of their group as a whole, for extreme winter conditions. For example, can all members of the group wade through deep snow while carrying a backpack on a very steep grade mile after mile in areas of high exposure. Additionally anticipate vast stretches of slippery, unavoidable ice/black ice along the trails. Beginning Friday, March 17, NPS trail crew will be implementing temporary trail closures along the upper 1-1.25 miles of the Bright Angel Trail to remove a rockfall area. It is anticipated to take between one to two days to complete this operation with temporary trail closures taking place between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The duration of the closures will vary between 30-60 minutes as crews need to close the switchback areas to safely operate and clear the rockfall. NPS employees will be positioned at each upper and lower extreme of the fault switchbacks to hold and coordinate traffic. Tip Off composting toilet on South Kaibab Trail closed March 7-24. From March 7-24, 2023, the composting toilet located at the "Tip Off" on the South Kaibab Trail will be closed for needed maintenance. Hikers should plan ahead before entering the canyon and use either the restroom facilities at Cedar Ridge or at Phantom Ranch. Weather and road conditions information available at www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/weather-condition.htm Drinking Water in the Cross-Canyon Corridor Grand Canyon's water supply comes from Roaring Springs, a natural spring located approximately 3,500 feet below the North Rim. Water is delivered via an aging pipeline that suffers multiple breaks a year. When the pipeline breaks, water stops flowing to the North and South Rims and sites along the way. Although large storage tanks provide ample water to rim locations, while the pipeline is being repaired water may or may not be available below the rim in the cross-canyon Corridor. When hiking below the rim a method to treat water must ALWAYS be part of your hiking gear. Information on how to treat water at www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/safe-water.htm The list below shows if water is on or off
Seasonal water stations are usually turned off for the winter sometime between Oct 10th and 30th dependent on location and associated temperatures. Water available (year-round) on the South Rim at the Backcountry Information Center in the lobby. Water available (year-round) on the North Rim outside the Backcountry Information Center. Additional water bottle filling stations can be found on the Go "Green" and Refill Your Water Bottles web page. Plan Ahead and Prepare: A backup method to treat water, should the pipeline break, must always be included as part of your hiking gear. Backcountry hikers should always carry extra water. Report from the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim is closed for the season. As of Thursday, December 1, the North Rim is now closed to all vehicle and bicycle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open on May 15th, 2023 (subject to change). The North Rim campground will be available for winter camping and is accessible via hiking inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing 45 miles from Jacob Lake. To camp at the North Rim during the winter months, visitors need a backcountry permit, which can be obtained in advance through fax, mail request, or in person at the South Rim Backcountry Information Center. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Road closures in Mangum Fire area. Monsoon rains in the Mangum Fire area caused flash flooding, resulting in three forest roads being washed out. Roads affected and associated closures are in effect for:
For more information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices/?aid=59436 or https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd852074.pdf Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads Havasupai tribal boundary at junction with Forest Service Road 328 closed until further notice. Visitors heading out to South Bass should contact the Backcountry Information Center prior to departure. For specific information about Havasupai land, contact Havasupai Tribe, PO Box 10, Supai, Arizona 86435. Email: info@havasupai-nsn.gov Phone: 928-433-8130 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Road closures in Mangum Fire area. Monsoon rains in the Mangum Fire area caused flash flooding, resulting in three forest roads being washed out. Roads affected and associated closures are in effect for:
For more information visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/kaibab/alerts-notices/?aid=59436 or https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd852074.pdf ---------------------------------------------------------------------- After heavy summer rain (July and August) or winter snow (December through March), expect impassable backcountry roads. If clear skies abound after the rain or snow, then it is often just a matter of days until the sun dries everything out. Sometimes, heavy rain or melting snow can lead to flooding, which can cause erosion of the roadbed and can delay access. Other considerations for visitors travelling on remote backcountry roads include high clearance, such as may be needed on Forest Road 328 to South Bass Trailhead (limestone ledges) and on the final approach to Toroweap overlook (sandstone knobs and ledges). Finally, consider elevation of the road that you will be travelling on, especially during the winter months. Roads in the 6,500 to 8,000 foot range may be impassable due to a snowpack, where lower elevations roads (below 6,000 feet) will see deteriorated road conditions due to rain. Always check road conditions with the Backcountry Information Center before heading out to remote trailheads, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, and be adaptable and prepared for the worst. High clearance, four-wheel drive is usually recommended for roads to remote trailheads. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- It is not uncommon for trees to fall and block access to remote trailheads. When you encounter a road blocked by fallen trees, what should you do?
Tuweep Update Visitors to the Tuweep area of Grand Canyon National Park, including all park areas within Toroweap Valley and on the Kanab Plateau, must have a valid park entrance pass and either a day-use ticket or a backcountry permit. The day-use ticket is a $2 ticket fee per vehicle for day-use visitors. Visitors with a backcountry permit for overnight camping in the Tuweep area do not need to make a day-use reservation for their permit date(s). A BACKCOUNTRY PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL CAMPERS WHO WISH TO STAY AT TUWEEP CAMPGROUND. Permit requests can be made on the first of the month four months prior to the proposed start date through the park's backcountry reservation system. The cost for a Tuweep backcountry permit is a non-refundable charge of $10 per permit plus $12 per group per night. Visitors with a backcountry permit for overnight camping in the Tuweep area do not need to make a day-use reservation for their permit date(s). Driving Muddy Roads Prohibited. Plan visit for dry Tuweep conditions! Operating a motor vehicle on muddy roads, or in a manner that damages roads or park resources, is prohibited. Tuweep is at High Clearance REQUIRED, its usual condition. There is a HIGH likelihood for multiple flat tires from sharp rocks. Travel SLOW to mitigate tire damage. Carry multiple spare tires and/or a vehicle air compressor and tire plugs. When available, a tow truck runs $1,000-$2,000+. When possible, during summer monsoon season travel during the morning hours since storms cycle through in the afternoon and evening. Be prepared to spend the night in your vehicle in the event you become stuck. Carry sleeping bags, food, and extra water. Travelers should carry:
For Tuweeep info visit www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/tuweep.htm Reservations to enter the Tuweep area available at Recreation.gov at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10089462. Park entrance pass info at www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/fees.htm Trails Update Check in with the Backcountry Information Center for the latest trail conditions prior to starting your hike. For information about vehicle access to remote trailheads, contact the Backcountry Information Center. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Note: Although we haven't had any reports of trips turning back due to new obstacles on Grandview Trail or Boucher Trail, we wanted to pass this information along so it does not take you by surprise. Grandview Trail: The Grandview Trail has several major trail washouts from the heavy summer rains of 2021. They occur in the traverse section above Horseshoe Mesa. Page Spring trail is also eroded with loose footing and exposure to steep drop-offs. Use caution. Cottonwood Creek has major blowouts in the bed of the creek, wiping out most of the campsites. Boucher Trail: Boucher trail has a new rockslide/washout in the Supai (above White’s Butte). A football field size worth of debris obscures multiple switchbacks making route finding necessary. Use caution. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Ribbon Falls Bridge has been removed due to damage. Until the bridge is replaced, visitors will be asked to stay on the North Kaibab Trail and travel safely in this area. The bridge was closed for over two years due to its deteriorated state. Recently, part of the bridge collapsed into Bright Angel Creek. The park intends to replace the bridge as quickly as possible and is actively seeking funding opportunities so that Ribbon Falls can be safely accessed. The Cave of the Domes is closed to protect roosting bats and other sensitive cave resources. Bats are particularly sensitive to human disturbance and will abandon roost sites. As a reminder all caves in Grand Canyon National Park are closed to protect sensitive resources. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiking the Corridor? Be sure to visit the Trail Courtesy Practices That Leave No Trace webpage. Organized Group Rim-to-Rim and Extended Day Hike/Run: Any organized, non-commercial group of 12-30 participants, or not-for-profit group conducting rim-to-rim, rim-to-rim-to-rim, rim-to-river-to-rim, and/or extended day hikes in the inner canyon must obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP). The inner canyon is defined as the area below the Tonto Platform from the South Rim and below Manzanita Resthouse from the North Rim. Groups may not break into smaller groups on different permits to accommodate group size. Commercial operations are not authorized under this SUP. For more information visit www.nps.gov/grca/parkmgmt/sup.htm South Kaibab Trailhead Access NOTE: There is ***NO PARKING ALLOWED*** at the South Kaibab Trailhead. Hikers must park their vehicles elsewhere. DO NOT PARK at the South Kaibab trailhead. If you drive beyond the "Do Not Enter" signs, and park at the trailhead, you WILL get a ticket. You can either walk to the South Kaibab Trailhead or take a park shuttle bus. Two park bus routes stop at the trailhead. The Hikers' Express bus starts at the Bright Angel Lodge, then travels to the Backcountry Office, the Visitor Center, and the South Kaibab trailhead. The bus runs daily. The Kaibab Rim Route (Orange Route) eastbound operates daily. Hikers can park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and access the South Kaibab Trailhead via the Kaibab Rim Route (Orange Route). Visit the Shuttle Buses page for schedules and more info. Hermit Trailhead Access From Mar 1 to Nov 30, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. A numerical code is required to open the gate giving access to Hermit Road. Hikers with a valid backcountry permit who are beginning or ending their hike via the Hermit Trail will be permitted to park at the Hermit trailhead. The Backcountry Information Center will provide the gate access code when the backcountry permit is issued. The Hermit Road shuttle between South Rim Village and Hermit Rest and the Hermit trailhead is operational Mar 1 to Nov 30. The Hermit Road Shuttle is free. Visit the Shuttle Buses page for schedules and more info. Weather dependent, Hermit Road is open to all private vehicles Dec 1 to Feb 28. Be aware that in wintertime inclement weather can cause Hermit Road to close with little notice as storms move through the area. Always check with the Backcountry Information Center regarding the wintertime status of Hermit Road or call 928-638-7496 for updated road conditions. Drinking Water outside the Cross-Canyon Corridor Hikers should make every effort to obtain recent confirmation of water availability and become familiar with routes to the river before starting any hike. Contact the Backcountry Information Center for recent water reports. Water available (year-round) on the South Rim at the Backcountry Information Center and at Hermits Rest (near the other public amenities). Water available (year-round) on the North Rim outside the Backcountry Information Center. Additional water bottle filling stations can be found on the Go "Green" and Refill Your Water Bottles web page. Be Aware of Lightning Danger Summer storms in the southwest are often accompanied by potentially deadly lightning. Visitors walking and hiking in the park are reminded that if they can hear thunder, they should consider ending outdoor activities. If the sound of thunder follows a lightning flash within 30 seconds, seek shelter inside a building or vehicle. If this is not possible, move well away from high points such as ridges and the edge of the canyon. Do not seek shelter beneath tall trees. More information can be found on the Lightning Danger web page (www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/lightning-danger.htm). Summer Heat Warning The National Park Service urges SPECIAL CAUTION for all hikers during the summer months. Individual days can reach a high of 115°F (46°C) or higher. These temperatures are beyond unpleasant or uncomfortable-they are, in fact, dangerous and if you fail to factor the heat into your plans the results could be tragic. It's hot down there! Manage the heat for a safe hike.
Grand Canyon National Park Recreational Forecast at https://www.weather.gov/fgz/GrandCanyonRecreationalForecast 
How to contact the Backcountry Information Center:The South Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily from 8 am to noon and 1-5 pm Mountain Standard Time. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily mid-May to October 31 from 8 am to noon and 1-5 pm Mountain Standard Time. Backcountry Information Center staff answer information telephone inquiries at 928-638-7875 between 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. This telephone number is for information only. Email the Backcountry Information Center FAX number for permits is 928-638-2125
Backcountry Permit Request Form (PDF file) NOTE: This is a printable form only. You must print the form, fill it out, and then fax/mail it directly to the Backcountry Information Center. PDF Form Issues? If you are using a web browser to view and use our PDF forms, you may experience issues where the PDF does not function correctly. Some web browsers do not automatically open PDFs using the Acrobat Reader application. Using a different PDF viewer in a web browser can cause the form to malfunction.To fix issues with our PDF forms you have two options. 1. You can select the Acrobat Reader plug-in for your browser's default application for viewing PDFs. Or 2. You can right click and save the PDF document to your desktop and then open it with the Adobe Reader application. Get the newest version of the free Adobe Reader. Trip Planner (2mb PDF file): The information in this newspaper can assist you in obtaining a backcountry use permit. Video: Hiking Grand Canyon, Prepare for Backpacking. This video is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your hike into the canyon's harsh, yet fragile, environment. Video: Leave No Trace. All Grand Canyon backcountry users are asked to follow Leave No Trace principles. The goal is to have minimum human impact on the canyon as a result of your trip. Hike Smart: Be sure and listen to the Hike Smart Podcasts! (transcripts available) The Grand Canyon Conservancy sells maps and guides on hiking in Grand Canyon National Park. 
Additional backcountry info can be found on the following webpages. |
Last updated: March 15, 2023