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Grand Canyon National Park
Critical Backcountry Updates: Including Trail Closures and Restrictions
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Average temperatures, weather information, and road conditions can be found on the Weather Conditions page.
For more information about hiking at Grand Canyon Canyon National Park please contact the Backcountry Information Center.
Backcountry Status Updates (listed by date posted):
- Nov 23, 2009 - Temporary Closure of North Kaibab Trail Third Bridge to Stock
- Nov 20, 2009 - Operational Changes to Backcountry Permitting Procedures
- Nov 6, 2009 - Hiking Podcast Updated
- Nov 5, 2009 - Early Winter in the Canyon
- Nov 5, 2009 - Trail Conditions
- Nov 5, 2009 - Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads
- Nov 5, 2009 - Hermit Trailhead Access
- Nov 5, 2009 - Drinking Water Outside the Cross-Canyon Corridor
- Oct 27, 2009 - Drinking Water in the Cross-Canyon Corridor
- Oct 19, 2009 - Limited Services Only on North Rim
- Sep 14, 2009 - Nankoweap Trail Rock Slide
- Sep 3, 2009 - 2009 Fall Backpacking Season
- Jun 11, 2009 - South Kaibab Trail Reconstruction
- Apr 20, 2009 - South Kaibab Trailhead Access
(Confused about RSS and how to use it? Visit the page.)
Temporary Closure of North Kaibab Trail Third Bridge to Stock
date posted Nov 23, 2009
Repairs on the Third Bridge are progressing well. The Trail Crew will be re-opening the bridge to pedestrian traffic by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17th. Work will continue on the bridge through mid-December and it will remain closed to stock use until all repairs are completed.
The North Kaibab Trail is closed to all livestock traffic from the Third Bridge northward for the duration of a bridge reconstruction project. The closure began on November 11 and should end on December 16, 2009 (weather permitting).
The Grand Canyon Trail Crew is repairing the Third Bridge that was damaged by rock fall. To perform the repairs a portion of the bridge is being completely dismantled.
Operational Changes to Backcountry Permitting Procedures
date posted Nov 20, 2009
The National Park Service will be making operational changes to the backcountry permitting system and placing a moratorium on the number of commercial use authorizations (CUAs) issued for guided backpacking services in Grand Canyon National Park.
Starting February 1, 2010, only written requests will be considered during the fourth-month-out. Written requests may be submitted by fax, by letter, or by hand delivery. Regardless of how they are submitted, written requests will be considered based on the date on which they are received, and all of the requests received by 5:00 p.m. on the first day of the fourth-month-out will be placed in random order by computer and considered in that new order before the next day’s requests receive consideration.
After February 1, 2010, in-person verbal permit requests will only be considered for start dates one to three months out.
In addition to this operational change to the backcountry permitting system, a moratorium has been placed on the number of CUAs issued for guided backpacking services. This moratorium has been put into effect until park managers can better understand and adapt to growing demand for CUAs.
Additional information regarding the upcoming February 1, 2010 change can be found at www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/permit_change.htm
The press release announcing this change was released on November 20, 2009 and is located in the News Release section of this website.
Early Winter in the Canyon
date posted Nov 5, 2009
Next we’ll touch on a few signs of the season. The onset of winter brings a predictable series of events to the canyon which will affect backcountry travelers in several ways.
We’ve already had a couple of fast moving Pacific cold fronts move through bringing much colder temperatures, wind, and the chance of snow. Eventually sometime in the next few weeks one of these will bring enough moisture to blanket the rim with snow and close the North Rim for the winter. Access to the remote trailheads served by rough dirt roads will become increasingly problematic and if snowfall persists some backcountry roads, like the Pasture Wash Road, could become temporarily impassable.
As the days shorten and the sun sinks lower in the southern sky, chilly winter temperatures will gradually creep lower into the canyon and hikers will find themselves packing more of everything, more layers of clothing, proven rain gear of good quality, warmer sleeping bags, backpacking stoves, and maybe even tents. Adequate supplies of food and water will become critical for maintaining bodily warmth.
December usually sees a significant winter storm or two bringing heavier snowfall and the north-facing trails such as the Bright Angel or the Grandview will assume their armor of hard, slick ice necessitating such devices such as instep crampons and trekking poles. When winter rules the canyon, weather and good quality, proven gear are the name of the game and interaction between the two will largely determine the quality of the backpacking experience. Conditions can, and will, change rapidly during the course of the winter and generalizations about potential conditions are nothing more than generalizations so hikers need make a point to check current conditions prior to departure. The National Weather Service website, weather.gov, offers daily seven-day forecasts for both rims and the canyon floor.
Trail Conditions
date posted Nov 5, 2009
CROSS-CANYON CORRIDOR
All three Corridor trails, that is the Bright Angel Trail and the South and North Kaibab Trails, are open and in reasonable condition, but, as always, caution is certainly indicated. Steep, rocky, unrelenting descents that seem to go on forever mean constant attention to your footing is required. If you want to admire the view, stop walking. Trying to walk and look at the same time is a sure way to a nasty fall. Trekking poles increase security significantly.
Drinking water is available at Indian Garden Campground, Bright Angel Campground and the pumphouse residence above Cottonwood Campground. All other sources have been turned off until spring. The South Kaibab Trail is, as always, bone dry-no water of any kind along the South Kaibab. Even with the availability of piped in drinking water, Corridor hikers still need to carry extra water. We recommend at least three quarts per person during the cooler months. This should be adequate to get you between the water sources and allow a little extra against the unforeseen. Hikers are encouraged to carry some form of water purification as a back up system against the possibility of water pipeline problems or in case natural water from creeks is needed to supplement the supply in your pack.
And, last but not least, we want to be sure and mention the potential critter problem in the campgrounds and urge hikers to be sure to use the provided food storage boxes. There’s nothing there that will hurt you-it’s just small mammals of various sorts-but they are ruthless and relentless in pursuit of your food. Each campsite will have a couple of these boxes and it’s pretty much use the boxes or incur certain damage to your gear and the loss of your food.
NON-CORRIDOR TRAILS
As of this date, all wilderness trails are open and passable. Backcountry roads to remote trailheads on both canyon rims are currently passable for competent backcountry vehicles. These conditions could easily change for the worst so feel free to contact the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest at 928-643-7395 or the Backcountry Information Center for current conditions.
One new development: The Nankoweap Trail has, once again, been damaged by significant rockfall in the Supai traverse west of Marion Point. The affected area is passable but hikers will need to exercise extra caution when crossing a jumble of rocks that has covered the original trail for a short distance.
Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads
date posted Nov 5, 2009
On the South Rim, Forest Road 328 and Pasture Wash Road to the South Bass trailhead is currently dry but requires a high-clearance vehicle.
On the North Rim, all roads to remote trailheads are open. These conditions could easily change for the worst as winter conditions develop. Swamp Ridge Road to the North Bass trailhead will probably be the first to close, followed by Forest Road 610 to the Nankoweap trailhead. Hikers considering traveling dirt roads to remote trailheads should contact the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest at 928-643-7395, the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest on the South Rim at 928-635-4061 or the Backcountry Information Center for current conditions.
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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?
- Report the location and diameter of the tree to Grand Canyon park dispatch (928-638-7805) as soon as possible. The park will assign staff to clear the road.
- If an appropriate (not blocking the road and not damaging vegetation) place to park is available, park your vehicle and continue to the trailhead on foot.
- Do not drive off-road attempting to bypass the obstacle, doing so can cause resource damage.
Hermit Trailhead Access
date posted Nov 5, 2009
From March 1 to November 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.
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.
Drinking Water outside the Cross-Canyon Corridor
date posted Nov 5, 2009
The seasonal intermittent sources such as Lone Tree Canyon or Cottonwood Creek have started to produce water and hikers have recently reported enough water to allow collection emerging from both of these sources. Boulder Creek remains dry or almost dry as of this date, but should start to produce small amounts of water soon. We have received no reports of water in the side canyons between the South Bass and Boucher Trails as so those sources remain suspect at best. Anyone expecting to take water from such sources should make every effort to obtain recent confirmation of availability and become familiar with routes to the river before starting their hike.
Drinking Water in the Cross-Canyon Corridor
date posted Oct 27, 2009
Purified drinking water is available at Bright Angel Campground and Indian Garden Campground. As always, the South Kaibab Trail is dry - no water of any kind.
The list below reflects seasonal changes and will be updated when water is turned on or off.
- North Kaibab Trailhead: water turned OFF
- Supai Tunnel: water turned OFF
- Roaring Springs Day Use Area: water turned OFF
- Cottonwood Campground: water turned OFF
- Bright Angel Campground: on year round (except when being repaired)
- Indian Garden: on year round (except when being repaired)
- Bright Angel Trail, Three-Mile Resthouse: water turned OFF
- Bright Angel Trail, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse: water turned OFF
- Bright Angel Trailhead: water turned OFF
- South Kaibab Trailhead: water turned OFF
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.
Plan Ahead and Prepare: A backup method to treat water, should the pipeline break, must always be included as part of your first aid kit. Backcountry hikers should always carry extra water.
Limited Services Only on North Rim
date posted Oct 19, 2009
Begining October 16 the North Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. until November 30 or until snow closes Highway 67, whichever comes first. Once the North Rim office closes it does not reopen until mid-May.
At noon on October 16, 2009 Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim and Grand Canyon Trail Rides closed for the season. The National Park Service will continue its operations including the North Rim Visitor Center and Bookstore, as well as the North Rim Backcountry Information Center through November 30, unless snow closes Highway 67 leading into the park prior to that date.
Starting October 16, campsites with limited services, such as portable toilets, will be available for a $12 fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Forever Resorts will also keep their gift shop and gas station open during the shoulder season.
Starting Dec. 1 (or earlier if snow closes the highway), the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will not be accessible by vehicle until it reopens, tentatively mid-May 2010. Hikers and cross-country skiers will be permitted to use the park’s group campsites throughout the winter months if they have obtained a permit through the South Rim Backcountry Information Center or the Visitor Center at Pipe Springs National Monument.
Nankoweap Trail Rock Slide
date posted Sep 14, 2009
There has been a recent rock slide on the Nankoweap Trail. The slide appears relatively stable, however there could be some navigational challenges for the novice hiker. The rock slide occurred approximately 1.5 miles east of the the trail junction with Trail #57 and 1.5 miles west of Marion Point (or halfway between Trail #57 Junction and Marion Point).
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Rock Slide Nankoweap Trail (5 Photos)
Sep 14, 2009 - There has been a recent rockslide on the Nankoweap trail. Location is approximately 1.5 miles east of the the trail jct. with Trail #57 and 1.5 miles west of Marion Pt. (or halfway between Trail#57 jct. and Marion Pt.)
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2009 Fall Backpacking Season
date posted Sep 3, 2009
During the winter season, Grand Canyon's backcountry is relatively quiet and permits are readily available. Between December 1 and March 10 hikers with flexible itineraries can often obtain a backcountry permit. The only expected spikes in backcountry visitation tend to occur between Christmas and New Years and during the President's Day holiday. Be prepared for winter hiking. Trailheads at Grand Canyon are almost 2,000 ft higher than Denver, CO. Your hike will begin at near 7,000 ft. Plan accordingly and prepare for winter conditions.
Your permit request should arrive at the Backcountry Information Center at least 21 days prior to the start of your hike to ensure enough time to process your request. Any remaining sites will be given out in person at the Backcountry Information Center. The advance reservation totals below do not include last minute walk-in permits.
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Bright Angel Campground (CBG) |
Indian Garden Campground (CIG) |
Cottonwood Campground (CCG) |
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| Sep 2009 |
100% full |
100% full |
100% full |
| Oct 2009 |
100% full |
100% full |
94% full |
| Nov 2009 |
74% full |
80% full |
40% full* |
Dec 2009
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14% full
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10% full
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17% full*
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Corridor Updates: CCG - prior to 15th 100% full, a few sites available after the 27th.
Outside the Corridor: Horn Creek (BL4) is 100% full in September.
Options for hikers who are unable to obtain a permit in advance:
Last-Minute Permits: Several campsites in Bright Angel, Indian Garden, and Cottonwood Campgrounds are made available each morning for the next day. For best chance of success arrive at Grand Canyon National Park two or more days before you wish to backpack. Go to the Backcountry Information Center and get a waitlist number. Return to the Backcountry Information Center by 8 a.m. the next morning. Campsites are awarded to the lowest numbers present. Those who do not obtain a permit the first morning will receive a lower waitlist number for the following morning. (more info)
Day Hike: No permit needed to day hike. Weather and trail conditions are variable and change dramatically from one year to the next. Plan Ahead and Prepare. (more info)
North Rim (Kaibab Plateau/ Highway 67/ North Kaibab Trailhead): Grand Canyon National Park facilities on the North Rim will begin closing down for the season at noon on Oct. 16, 2009. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center will remain open through Nov. 30 or until snow closes Hwy 67, whichever comes first. The public transit shuttle that runs between the North and South Rims begins reduced services after Oct. 16. Campsites with limited services will be available starting Oct. 17 for a $12 fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Entrance and campground fees will continue to be collected as long as park operations are maintained. Starting Dec. 1 (or earlier if snow closes the highway), the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will not be accessible by vehicle until it reopens, tentatively mid-May 2010. Hikers and cross-country skiers will be permitted to use the park’s group campsites throughout the winter months if they have obtained a permit through the South Rim Backcountry Information Center or the Visitor Center at Pipe Springs National Monument.
South Kaibab Trail Reconstruction
date posted Jun 11, 2009
On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, the National Park Service began a project to reconstruct the South Kaibab Trail. The reconstruction project will take approximately two to four years. The National Park Service made a decision to temporarily divert commercial and private stock traffic to the Bright Angel Trail during construction activities for the safety of stock users and hikers alike, as well as to save costs by reducing the time it will take to reconstruct the trail. The South Kaibab Trail will remain open to hikers during trail reconstruction; however, occasional short delays may occur - hikers will be advised to follow instructions provided by trail crew members, or through signing and other advisories.
The reconstruction project will significantly improve the condition of the trail for both hikers and stock users alike. The reconstruction effort will include resurfacing of the trail; rebuilding steps; stabilization and preventative maintenance to existing retaining walls; replacing retaining walls that have been lost to floods, slides, or erosion; repairing and aligning existing water features; and more.
South Kaibab Trailhead Access
date posted Apr 20, 2009
Hikers must access the South Kaibab Trailhead by shuttle bus. There are two options.
- A special early morning "hiker's express" shuttle leaves the Bright Angel Lodge and then picks up passengers at the Backcountry Information Center before going directly to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Parking is available at the Backcountry Information Center.
- The Kaibab Trail Route shuttle leaves Canyon View Information Plaza and the first stop is South Kaibab Trailhead.
Visit the Shuttle Buses page for schedules and more info.
How to contact the Backcountry Information Center:
The South Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily for walk-in visitors from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily mid-May to mid-October for walk-in visitors from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time). Beginning mid-October, the North Rim office is open daily from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. until November 30 or until snow closes Highway 67, whichever comes first. Once the North Rim office closes it does not reopen until mid-May.
Backcountry Information Center staff answer information telephone inquiries at 928-638-7875 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. 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
you can send a fax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year - HOWEVER the first day of every month we receive many faxes and the number may be busy
- Mailing address is:
- Grand Canyon National Park
Backcountry Information Center
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon AZ, 86023
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.
Having difficulties opening the Backcountry Permit Request Form? You must have Adobe Reader version 7 or newer (as of Jan 2009 the current version of Adobe Reader is 9). Get the newest version of the free Adobe Reader.
Backcountry Trip Planner (700kb 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: 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)
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