Grand Canyon National Park will transition to modified fall operations at the North Rim beginning October 15th, bringing several seasonal closures and temporary road restrictions as winter approaches.
The National Park Service announced the changes on September 30th, warning visitors to prepare for limited services, changing weather and difficult travel conditions. The North Rim is significantly higher than the South Rim and commonly experiences snow, ice and rain during the late fall.
Two Major Roads Will Temporarily Close
Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road will close from sunset on October 15th through sunrise on November 3rd. The temporary closure will allow crews working with the Federal Highway Administration to complete critical road repair and rehabilitation projects.
The NPS said the closures are necessary to provide a safe working environment while the repairs are underway. Visitors heading to the North Rim during this period should plan their routes carefully and check current conditions before traveling.
North Kaibab Trail Remains Closed
The North Kaibab Trail will remain completely closed following a major flash flood on August 29th. The flooding caused extensive damage to the trail, bridges and other infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon.
Despite the trail closure, other backcountry recreation opportunities will remain available on the North Rim. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center will close for the season at noon on October 15th, but permits will continue to be available through the South Rim Backcountry Information Center and Recreation.gov.
Services Begin Closing for the Season
Several visitor services will also shut down in mid-October. The General Store will close at 4pm on October 15th, while the North Rim Campground will close on the morning of October 16th.
The North Rim gas station already closed on September 19th. No fuel will be available within the park, meaning visitors need to arrive with enough fuel for their trip.
The North Rim entrance gate on State Route 67 is scheduled to close at sunset on November 30th or after the first major snowstorm, whichever comes first.
The NPS is warning visitors to be prepared for winter driving conditions and limited emergency response. Snow, ice and rain can arrive quickly on the North Rim, making self-sufficient travel increasingly important as the season progresses. Visitors should check current Grand Canyon National Park conditions before traveling and carry adequate food, water, fuel and emergency supplies.