Grand Canyon’s South Rim Hotels Shut Down Due to Waterline Issues

Grand Canyon National Park has indefinitely closed its overnight accommodations and imposed fire restrictions in certain areas following a major water pipeline break.

The hotel closures and burn ban, initiated on August 29, affect the 70-million-year-old canyon and the popular, easily accessible South Rim. They are expected to persist through at least the Labor Day holiday weekend, one of the peak times for visitors to this renowned outdoor destination.

While the expansive 1,900-square-mile park will remain open for daytime activities, all overnight lodging on the South Rim is unavailable for guests. This includes Bright Angel Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Maswik Lodge, Phantom Ranch (located at the canyon’s base), and the Trailer Village RV Park.

Although visitors can still engage in “dry camping,” the National Park Service has shut off all water spigots at campgrounds (restroom faucets will remain operational). This means hikers and backcountry campers must bring their own water or filtration systems. Additionally, all fires, including campfires and charcoal grills, are prohibited. The park’s food services, post office, and clinic will still be operational.

“These actions are essential for maintaining the safety and sustainability of our water resources,” stated the National Park Service in a press release regarding the closures. “We aim to restore full operations for overnight guests on the South Rim as swiftly as possible.”

The less-frequented North Rim, which attracts about one-tenth of the park's annual visitors due to its remote location, will continue to operate normally. It features the secluded Grand Canyon Lodge and two campgrounds.

Hotels in Tusayan, the nearest town located just over seven miles from the park entrance, remain unaffected. Those impacted can consider staying in Tusayan or other nearby areas such as Page, Flagstaff, or Sedona in Arizona near the South Rim, or in Fredonia, Arizona, or St. George, Utah, near the North Rim.

The 12.5-mile Transcanyon Waterline, which provides drinking water to facilities on the South Rim and in the inner canyon, was built in the 1960s. Park officials indicate that the pipeline has surpassed its expected lifespan and has experienced over 85 significant breaks since 2010, disrupting water delivery. This failure occurs during a $208 million rehabilitation initiative funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, which the National Park Service anticipates will be finished by 2027.

To aid in conservation efforts during this period, the park requests that residents and visitors limit showers to five minutes, turn off faucets while shaving or brushing teeth, flush toilets selectively, wash laundry in full loads, and report any leaks to the proper authorities. Updates on closures within the park can be found on the National Park Service’s Grand Canyon webpage.