Grand Canyon to open limited services for Memorial Day weekend
May 20, 2020, 4:30 PM | Updated: 7:19 pm
(Getty Images/Sean Gallup)
PHOENIX — The National Park Service announced Wednesday that portions of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim will be open in a modified capacity during Memorial Day weekend.
Between Friday and Monday, park-goers may enter the South Entrance Station from 4 a.m. until 10 a.m. for limited recreational activities and can remain until sunset.
Park visitors can participate in the following services over the weekend:
- Hiking along inner canyon trails
- Hiking along portions of the Rim Trail and Greenway Trail system
- Limited dining options at at Market Plaza, Bright Angel Bicycle, El Tovar patio and nearby hotels
- Bicycle and wheelchair rentals
- Grand Canyon Clinic (by appointment only)
State Route 64 will also be accessible from Village Loop Road through Navajo Point.
South Rim shuttle buses will not be available for public use, along with South Rim lodging and restaurants, visitor centers, museums, the Desert View Watchtower area, the park’s east entrance, the Colorado River, North Rim, Tuweep area, camper services and access to Center Road.
No additional overnight camping permits for the inner canyon will be issued for Memorial Day weekend, though previously issued permits will be honored.
Entrance fees must be paid at on-site automated machines or in advance online.
Grand Canyon National Park initially closed due to the coronavirus on April 1 and began reopening select viewpoints at the South Rim earlier this month.