Grand Canyon’s Phantom Ranch reopens after waterline repairs, but South Rim lodges still closed

PHOENIX — Grand Canyon National Park announced that Phantom Ranch reopened on Thursday after water was restored to the lodging facility.

The national park said that crews repaired the Transcanyon Waterline’s damaged section and started pumping water on Monday.

It was noted that the water has started to slowly refill the South Rim’s water tanks. If that progress continues, then the park expects to reopen the South Rim lodges, which temporarily closed on Dec. 6, sometime in the near future.

Despite Phantom Ranch — which is located at the bottom of the Grand Canyon — reopening, the existing fire and water restrictions will remain in effect.

What are the current fire and water restrictions for Grand Canyon’s South Rim?

Hotels operated by Xanterra and Delaware North inside the South Rim park are not offering overnight lodging. This includes El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village. Overnight lodging is still available at hotels located outside the park in the town of Tusayan.

Although the lodging is closed, the food and beverage operations offered by Xanterra and Delaware North are open on modified hours. The dining establishments that are open include:

• El Tovar’s dining room from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• El Tovar’s lounge from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Maswik Lodge’s food court does not say when it opens, but closes at 7 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Rec Center from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Canyon Village market from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Yavapai Tavern from noon to 7 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge’s coffee shop from 7 a.m. to noon.

In addition, only dry camping will be allowed meaning that spigot access at Mather Campground on the South Rim will be turned off. Although, officials noted that the faucets in the bathroom will remain operational and spigot access will be available for visitors at the check-in kiosk of Mather Campground.

Fires will not be allowed on the South Rim or inner canyon areas. This includes wood-burning and charcoal fires such as campfires, warming fires and charcoal barbeques.

With the restrictions in place, guests can still visit the park during the day. All other South Rim food and drink services, the Grand Canyon Clinic and the post office will also remain open.

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