GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Arizona – Several trails and facilities in Grand Canyon National Park closed on Monday, October 21, to support the Transcanyon Waterline construction project. They are set to remain closed until mid-May 2025.
Closed sections include the Bright Angel Trail north of Havasupai Gardens and the Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River, the Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail Junction north of Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point, and the Bright Angel Campground. All three locations will be closed until at least May 14, 2025. No hikers can pass through these closures in any circumstances.
“While these areas are closed for safety, the upper portion of the Bright Angel Trail (from the South Rim to Havasupai Gardens) and the Tonto Trail remain open. The South Kaibab Trail is also accessible for all hikers.” – Grand Canyon National Park
The Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL), or the Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline, runs for 12 ½ mile, bringing water from the Roaring Springs source on the North Rim to the Havasupai Gardens pump station and eventually to the south rim. It was built in 1960, and has since provided drinkable water and fire suppression for all facilities on the South Rim and hundreds of inner canyon facilities.
“Since 2010, there have been over 85 major breaks in the TCWL that have each disrupted water delivery. The breaks are expensive to repair, occur in locations that pose dangers for responding employees, and negatively impacts the visitor experience. The cost for a single waterline break often exceeds $25,000. Access to the inner canyon, where breaks occur, is by trail and helicopter only.” – Grand Canyon National Park
A new water delivery system will provide water South Rim and inner canyon for another 50 years, ensuring a positive visitor experience while reducing required maintenance.