Grand Canyon National Park visitors warned about long lines after Trump administration layoffs

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon National Park visitors are being warned about long entry lines after Trump administration layoffs hit Arizona’s most popular tourist attraction.

Axios reported this week that at least 10 Grand Canyon employees were among the hundreds of National Park Service (NPS) workers laid off as part of a major effort to reduce the federal workforce by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency.

Wait times at the Grand Canyon South Entrance were twice as long as usual last weekend after four employees who staff the park’s main access point were laid off, according to the Washington Post.

As part of the downsizing initiative, the Trump administration has fired about 1,000 NPS employees who maintain and clean parks, educate visitors and perform other functions, according to The Associated Press.

Park advocates say the permanent staff cuts will leave hundreds of national parks understaffed and facing tough decisions about operating hours, public safety and resource protection.

How many people visit Grand Canyon National Park?

Grand Canyon National Park is a significant economic force in northern Arizona.

An NPS report showed that nearly 5 million visitors spent over $750 million in communities near the park in 2023, supporting over 10,000 jobs and spurring a total benefit to the local economy of $1 billion.

The staff reductions were made just ahead of the natural wonder’s busy spring season.

With seasonal operational changes starting next weekend, park officials said visitors and residents should be prepared for backups at all entrances and full parking lots.

The heaviest delays, with waits of up to two hours, are expected between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase entrance passes in advance and use Lane 1 at the South Entrance to reduce their waits. Arriving earlier or later in the day is also suggested.

Spring operational changes announced

Starting March 1, the park’s three shuttle routes will resume for the season as follows:

• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
• Village (Blue) Route: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6 a.m. to one hour after sunset.
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6, 7 and 8 a.m.

Additionally, the Mather Campground will fully reopen on March 1, offering 328 sites.

The Desert View Campground is set to open April 12, followed by the North Rim Campground on May 15.

Campground reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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