Key Hiking Messages - Critical Updates and Closures

Trail Status, and Current Closures

CURRENTLY OPEN :

  • Bright Angel Trail from the Bright Angel Trailhead to the River Resthouse
  • Plateau Point Trail to Plateau Point
  • South Kaibab Trail from the South Kaibab Trailhead to the Tip-Off
  • Tonto Trail between the Tip-Off to Havasupai Gardens

CLOSED — Due to hazardous conditions caused by flash flooding:

  • South Kaibab Trail below Tip-Off Point.
  • The River Trail east of the River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction.
  • Black Bridge and Silver Bridge spanning the Colorado River.
  • The entirety of Phantom Ranch, including Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen, and Phantom Ranch cabins.
  • The entirety of the North Kaibab Trail. From the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch, including Cottonwood Campgroud. This closure is a result of significant flash flooding to the Bright Angel Canyon on 8/29.
  • Boat Beach is closed to all activities except emergencies and brief scouting of the new rapid formed at the mouth of Bright Angel Creek.
These closures are required to protect visitors from numerous hazards, and to allow for damage assessments and repair and stabilization work.
There is no estimated reopening of these closure areas at this time.
 
 

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.

With all inner-canyon water turned off, hikers should carry sufficient water for their trip or be prepared to collect and properly treat water from natural sources. All hikers should carry a reliable water treatment method. (9/6/2026)

  • North Rim: All water is OFF. Water (single bottles and gallon-sized) can be purchased at the General Store 9 am–4 pm, daily.
  • North Kaibab Trailhead: water OFF
  • Supai Tunnel: water OFF (inaccessible due to closure of North Kaibab Trail)
  • Manzanita Day Use Area: water OFF (inaccessible due to closure of North Kaibab Trail)
  • Cottonwood Campground and Day Use Area: water OFF (inaccessible due to closure of North Kaibab Trail)
  • Phantom Ranch Canteen: water OFF (inaccessible due to closure of Phantom Ranch)
  • Bright Angel Campground: water OFF (inaccessible due to closure of Phantom Ranch)
  • Phantom Delta Restroom: water OFF (inaccessible due to closure of Phantom Ranch)
  • Phantom Boat Beach: water OFF (inaccessible due to closure of Phantom Ranch)
  • Havasupai Gardens (formerly known as Indian Garden): water OFF (to conserve water)
  • Bright Angel Trail, Three-Mile Resthouse: water OFF (to conserve water)
  • Bright Angel Trail, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse: water OFF (to conserve water)
  • Bright Angel Trailhead: water OFF (to conserve water)
  • South Kaibab Trailhead: water ON
 

Weather Conditions and Forecasts

In the inner canyon, 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.

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

Today's Heat Risk for the Colorado River is: Moderate
Heat of this type is tolerated by many; however, there is a moderate risk for members of heat-sensitive groups to experience negative heat-related health effect, including heat illness.

 

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Current Trail Hazards

River Trips Passing by Phantom Ranch

  • Flash flooding can occur along the lower North Kaibab Trail and in the Phantom Ranch area with little to no warning, even when storms are not visible overhead.
  • Check out the current Dragon Bravo Fire Scar Flash Flood Risk from the National Weather Service.

Horses/stock on Inner Canyon Corridor Trails—Check with the Backcountry Information Center prior to entering the inner canyon with stock. 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

In Summer, Avoid The Heat of The Day

Do not hike between 10 am and 4 pm.

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.

 

Hiking Down Trail? Be Prepared:

 
Graphics of a backpack, sun hat, water bottle, water treatment, spray bottle, hiking shoes, sunscreen, phone, flashlight, first aid kit, whistle, salty snacks, trail map, emergency blanket, trekking poles, and jacket.

Last updated: September 14, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Phone:

928-638-7888

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