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Grand Canyon National Park
Critical Backcountry Updates: Including Trail Closures and Restrictions
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Road Conditions for Remote Trailheads
date posted May 6, 2009
In general we can say backcountry roads at elevations at or below 7000 feet are, for the most part, dry and passable.
Below update is from May 6, 2009.
NORTH: North Bass trailhead and Point Sublime will not open to vehicle traffic until the roads have been cleared and are dry, sometime between May 15 and June 15. Contact the park for an update.
Below updates are from Apr 20, 2009.
SOUTH: Forest Road 328 to the South Bass trailhead is currently dry but still requires a high clearance vehicle and possibly 4-wheel drive. The Pasture Wash road was graded about 10 days ago and is dry and in excellent condition.
NORTH: Forest Road 22 and 425 to the Monument Point and Indian Hollow trailheads for the Thunder River/Deer Creek area still have snow drifts in the shade and muddy sections so any access to that area for the next few weeks will be require a competent 4-wheel drive vehicle. Contact the North Kaibab Ranger District at 928 643 7395 for current conditions. Forest Road 8910 to the Trail 57 trailhead and the Nankoweap area is dry. The Swamp Ridge Road to the North Bass trailhead is always the last to open and will probably be accessible sometime around the end of May. All of northern Arizona has the potential for additional snow or rain until sometime in May so current road conditions could change for the worst-again, contact the Backcountry Informtion Center for the current situation.
TUWEEP: The roads have been drying out fast. BLM Road 109 is hardly wet with more moisture towards the Tuweep end. No mud nor dust.
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It is not uncommon for trees to fall and block access to remote trailheads. When you encounter a road blocked by fallen trees, what should you do?
- Report the location and diameter of the tree to Grand Canyon park dispatch (928-638-7805) as soon as possible. The park will assign staff to clear the road.
- If an appropriate (not blocking the road and not damaging vegetation) place to park is available, park your vehicle and continue to the trailhead on foot.
- Do not drive off-road attempting to bypass the obstacle, doing so can cause resource damage.
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2009 Summer Backpacking Season
date posted May 6, 2009
Your permit request should arrive at the Backcountry Information Center at least 21 days prior to the start of your hike to ensure enough time to process your request. Any remaining sites will be given out in person at the Backcountry Information Center. The advance reservation totals below do not include last minute walk-in permits.
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Bright Angel Campground (CBG) |
Indian Garden Campground (CIG) |
Cottonwood Campground (CCG) |
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| May 2009 |
100% |
100% |
100% full* |
| Jun 2009 |
97% full |
97% full |
100% full |
| Jul 2009 |
50% full |
50% full |
50% full |
| Aug 2009 |
50% full |
50% full |
50% full |
* North Kaibab trailhead not accessible by vehicle until May 15, 2009.
During June, July, and August: Extremely hot, average 105˚F in shade. Strong thunderstorms. Lightening danger. Flash flood danger. Not recommended to hike between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hike at your own risk.
September Corridor Update: All large group sites (7 to 11 people) for the Corridor have been reserved. Maximum group size in the Corridor for September is 6 people. Contact the Backcountry Information Center for more information on planning a hike with a large group.
Outside the Corridor: North Bass trailhead and Point Sublime will not open to vehicle traffic until the roads have been cleared and are dry, sometime between May 15 and June 15. Contact the park for an update.
Options for hikers who are unable to obtain a permit in advance:
Last-Minute Permits: Several campsites in Bright Angel, Indian Garden, and Cottonwood Campgrounds are made available each morning for the next day. For best chance of success arrive at Grand Canyon National Park two or more days before you wish to backpack. Go to the Backcountry Information Center and get a waitlist number. Return to the Backcountry Information Center by 8 a.m. the next morning. Campsites are awarded to the lowest numbers present. Those who do not obtain a permit the first morning will receive a lower waitlist number for the following morning. (more info)
Day Hike: No permit needed to day hike. Weather and trail conditions are variable and change dramatically from one year to the next. Plan Ahead and Prepare. (more info)
North Rim (Kaibab Plateau/ Highway 67/ North Kaibab Trailhead): The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is closed and will not be accessible by vehicle until it reopens on May 15, 2009. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center will open for the season on May 15, 2009. Non-corridor backcountry permits may also be obtained from these remote stations: Pipe Spring National Monument in Fredonia, AZ, and the Bureau of Land Management District Office in St. George, UT (permits are issued no more than six days in advance from these remote stations).
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Drinking Water in the Cross-Canyon Corridor
date posted May 5, 2009
Purified drinking water is available at Bright Angel Campground and Indian Garden Campground. As always, the South Kaibab Trail is dry - no water of any kind.
The list below reflects seasonal changes and will be updated when water is turned on or off.
- North Kaibab Trailhead: water turned OFF
- Supai Tunnel: water turned OFF
- Roaring Springs Day Use Area: water turned on
- Cottonwood Campground: water turned on
- Bright Angel Campground: on year round (except when being repaired)
- Indian Garden: on year round (except when being repaired)
- Bright Angel Trail, Three-Mile Resthouse: water turned OFF (in the process of being pressurized and repaired)
- Bright Angel Trail, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse: water turned OFF (in the process of being pressurized and repaired)
- Bright Angel Trailhead: water turned OFF
- South Kaibab Trailhead: water turned OFF
Water available on the South Rim at the Backcountry Information Center in the lobby. Water available on the North Rim outside the Backcountry Information Center.
Plan Ahead and Prepare: A backup method to treat water, should the pipeline break, must always be included as part of your first aid kit. Backcountry hikers should always carry extra water.
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Trail Conditions
date posted Apr 20, 2009
CROSS-CANYON CORRIDOR
The South Kaibab Trail and the Bright Angel Trail have emerged from the icy coating of winter and are currently dry and passable with normal footgear. The North Kaibab Trail is still icy and snow packed in spots in the upper half mile or so. All three Corridor trails are in reasonable condition, but, as always, caution is certainly indicated. Steep descents, rocky surfaces, and big step downs at the water bars mean constant attention to your footing is required.
If you want to admire the view, stop walking. If you try to walk and look at the same time a nasty spill is probably in your immediate future, there are about one million things you could trip over. For locations where drinking water is currently available, see the Drinking Water in the Cross-Canyon Corridor section on this page.
Hikers camping at Indian Garden, Bright Angel, or Cottonwood campgrounds should be sure to use the provided food storage boxes. Each campsite will have a couple of these boxes and it’s essential that campers use them. Nylon poses no barrier at all to the local animal population so it’s use the boxes or incur damage to your gear and the loss of your food.
NON-CORRIDOR TRAILS
As of this date all wilderness trails originating from the South Rim are open and passable. The Tanner, New Hance, and Grandview Trails may still retain a vestige of last winter’s ice in shady areas, but it’s melting fast and it is possible, with care, to walk around any remaining slick places. The Hermit, Boucher, and South Bass Trails are dry and ice free. We’ve received no reports regarding the condition of the Nankoweap, North Bass, or Thunder River Trails.
A disclaimer is in order here: It is still possible that spring storms will produce snow in sufficient quantities to change conditions for the worst so again hikers should check current conditions at the Backcountry Information Center if there’s any doubt.
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The Arrival of Spring at the Canyon
date posted Apr 20, 2009
Fast moving cold fronts are bringing unsettled conditions to the rim with windy days and the continued possibility of snow on the rim but on a clear sunny day the canyon floor seems hot. Spring is a time of transition at Grand Canyon so backcountry travelers must be prepared to deal with a wide variety of conditions. You could potentially encounter almost anything, from wind and cold to dry and hot. On stormy days hypothermia continues to be a major issue this time of year and hikers must take active steps to combat its effects. This may include waterproof foul-weather gear and insulation that will keep you warm even when wet, a warm hat, a sleeping bag adequate for expected nighttime temperatures and possibly a tent. On the other hand, sunny days may create hot afternoons low in the canyon which may force hikers to carefully consider water and food requirements to avoid heat related injuries. Springtime at Grand Canyon can offer many different experiences, some quite pleasant, some not so pleasant. A recent weather forecast is critical information during this dynamic season of the year.
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Summer Heat On Its Way
date posted Apr 20, 2009
We’re only a couple of weeks away from May so it’s definitely not too early to start talking about the summer heat that dominates the world of the inner canyon 7 months of the year. Daytime highs below the rim could exceed 100F anytime and by early May the lower canyon will, once again, be in the grip of dangerously hot summer conditions. During the summer it’s hot like Death Valley is hot -daytime highs could exceed 115F.
When confronted with such hostility hikers must take active steps to prevent heat stroke and other heat related injuries. The most important of these steps is to take full advantage of the hours between first light and mid-morning. Set up an itinerary that will allow you to arrive at your destination by 10am and avoid hiking altogether between 10am and 4pm. Avoid synthetic clothing. Wear cotton and take advantage of any water you encounter to wet yourself, your hat and your clothing as well as a towel or bandana to place around your neck. A spray bottle to mist your face is invaluable. Everyone knows you need to consume water to stay hydrated, but food intake supplemented by salty snacks is every bit as important to the maintenance of proper electrolyte balance. Other hot weather essentials include proper pacing of the walk, protective clothing and sunscreen and a brimmed hat.
During hot weather we encourage hikers to contact the Backcountry Information Center to check on current trail and weather conditions. prior to starting down canyon trails.
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Hermit Trailhead Access
date posted Apr 20, 2009
From March 1 to November 30, Hermit Road is closed to private vehicles. A numerical code is required to open the gate giving access to Hermit Road. Hikers with a valid backcountry permit who are beginning or ending their hike via the Hermit Trail will be permitted to park at the Hermit trailhead. The Backcountry Information Center will provide the gate access code when the backcountry permit is issued.
Weather dependent, Hermit Road is open to all private vehicles Dec 1 to Feb 28. Be aware that in wintertime inclement weather can cause Hermit Road to close with little notice as storms move through the area. Always check with the Backcountry Information Center regarding the wintertime status of Hermit Road.
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Drinking Water outside the Cross-Canyon Corridor
date posted Apr 20, 2009
Spring normally offers the greatest possibility of finding water at the ephemeral springs in the backcountry and right now most seasonal springs are active. Water is currently flowing in Boucher Creek, Hermit Creek, Monument Creek, Pipe Creek Lone Tree Canyon, Grapevine Creek, Cottonwood Creek, and Hance Creek. Recent reports indicate the possibility of water between the Boucher Trail and the South Bass Trail in Slate Creek, Turquoise Canyon, Ruby Canyon and Serpentine Canyon. Many of these sources will dry up as spring starts to turn toward summer so hikers expecting to take water from these remote sources should confirm availability through the Backcountry Information Center before starting.
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North Rim to Open May 15, 2009
date posted Apr 20, 2009
Arizona State Route 67, leading to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open for the 2009 season on May 15, 2009.
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will not be accessible by vehicle until it reopens on May 15, 2009.
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South Kaibab Trailhead Access
date posted Apr 20, 2009
Hikers must access the South Kaibab Trailhead by shuttle bus. There are two options.
- A special early morning "hiker's express" shuttle leaves the Bright Angel Lodge and then picks up passengers at the Backcountry Information Center before going directly to the South Kaibab Trailhead. Parking is available at the Backcountry Information Center.
- The Kaibab Trail Route shuttle leaves Canyon View Information Plaza and the first stop is South Kaibab Trailhead.
Visit the Shuttle Buses page for schedules and more info.
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How to contact the Backcountry Information Center:
The South Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily for walk-in visitors from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center is open daily mid-May to mid-October for walk-in visitors from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time). Beginning mid-October, the North Rim office is open daily from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. until November 30 or until snow closes Highway 67, whichever comes first. Once the North Rim office closes it does not reopen until mid-May.
Backcountry Information Center staff answer information telephone inquiries at 928-638-7875 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. This telephone number is for information only.
Email the Backcountry Information Center
FAX number for permits is 928-638-2125
you can send a fax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year - HOWEVER the first day of every month we receive many faxes and the number may be busy
- Mailing address is:
- Grand Canyon National Park
Backcountry Information Center
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon AZ, 86023
Backcountry Permit Request Form (PDF file) NOTE: This is a printable form only. You must print the form, fill it out, and then fax/mail it directly to the Backcountry Information Center.
Having difficulties opening the Backcountry Permit Request Form? You must have Adobe Reader version 7 or newer (as of Jan 2009 the current version of Adobe Reader is 9). Get the newest version of the free Adobe Reader.
Backcountry Trip Planner (700kb PDF file): The information in this newspaper can assist you in obtaining a backcountry use permit.
Video: Hiking Grand Canyon, Prepare for Backpacking. This video is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your hike into the canyon's harsh, yet fragile, environment.
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