Grand Canyon Park Closes Overnight Accommodations Temporarily on Dec. 6
Grand Canyon National Park will experience temporary overnight accommodation closures due to water supply issues starting December 6, 2023. This decision arises from significant breaks in the Transcanyon Waterline, which is crucial for the park’s water supply.
Details on the Water Supply Situation
The 12.5-mile Transcanyon Waterline, constructed in the 1960s, has been facing challenges since mid-November. Currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim. Park officials emphasize that the park will remain open despite these setbacks.
Impact on Overnight Accommodations
From December 6, all overnight accommodations within the park will cease. This includes:
- El Tovar Hotel
- Bright Angel Lodge
- Maswik Lodge
- Yavapai Lodge
- Trailer Village
Interestingly, hotel accommodations in nearby Tusayan will not be affected by these changes.
Camping and Water Access Restrictions
Only dry camping will be permitted, with several restrictions on water access:
- Spigot access at Mather Campground will be disabled.
- Bathroom faucets will remain operational.
- Water spigot access will be available at the check-in kiosk.
In addition, fires will not be allowed on the South Rim or in inner canyon areas, prohibiting all outdoor wood-burning and charcoal activities.
Food Services and Conservation Efforts
Despite the accommodations’ closure, food and beverage services, as well as the Grand Canyon Clinic and post office, will continue to operate. Residents are encouraged to conserve water by:
- Limiting showers to five minutes or less
- Turning off faucets while brushing teeth and shaving
- Selectively flushing toilets
- Washing laundry with full loads
- Reporting leaks promptly
Future Developments
The Transcanyon Waterline has outlived its expected lifespan, prompting the National Park Service to initiate a multi-year, $208 million rehabilitation project. Construction began in 2023 and is expected to conclude by 2027. This project aims to upgrade the water delivery system and address ongoing maintenance issues.
