Grand Canyon to temporarily close overnight lodging due to breaks in waterline

PHOENIX — Grand Canyon National Park will temporarily close overnight lodging within the grounds of the South Rim due to multiple breaks in the park’s waterline.

Park officials announced Tuesday that additional water restrictions were being implemented due to the 12.5 mile-long Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon to the park, experiencing a number of significant breaks.

They noted that the park has been experiencing problems with its water supply since mid-November and that currently the South Rim is receiving no water.

How will the Grand Canyon’s South Rim be affected by the water restrictions?

On Saturday, hotels operated by Xanterra and Delaware North will stop overnight accommodations, including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village.

However, hotels located outside the park in the town of Tusayan will not be affected and will continue to offer overnight lodging.

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.

“These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources,” park officials said in the announcement. “The goal is to restore full operational status for overnight guests on the South Rim as quickly as possible.”

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

The Transcanyon Waterline was originally built in the 1960s and park officials said that it has exceeded its expected lifespan.

In 2023, the National Park Service started construction on a $208 million rehabilitation project that will add upgrades to the waterline and its delivery system. It is expected to be completed in 2027.

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