NEWS: Grand Canyon National Park Resumes Phased Reopening, Will Be Open This Summer

Grand Canyon National Park Will Be Open This Summer

After a busy Memorial Day weekend, Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park was closed to visitors on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. Today, the National Park Service (NPS) announced that the Grand Canyon phased reopening process will resume on Friday, May 29.

In its press release, the NPS states it’s working across the board with local, state and federal health authorities to monitor the pandemic and implement phased reopening plans on a park-by-park basis.

With regards to Grand Canyon National Park, the park’s popular South Entrance at the South Rim will be open every day between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. from May 29 through June 4. People who enter the park before 2 p.m. can remain in the park for day use access until sunset.

Then, from June 5 onwards, the South Entrance will be open 24/7, while the North Rim will be open for day use only. Lodging and campgrounds will also begin a phased reopening again throughout June.

After June 14, both commercial and noncommercial Colorado River trips will be possible again, too, although with some new conditions in place.

Note, however, that several popular locations within the park will remain closed for the time being. That includes the Desert View Watchtower area, the South Rim East Entrance and the park’s residential areas.

Grand Canyon Phased Reopening Timeline

Specifically, the Grand Canyon reopening timeline, as included in the park’s public health update, looks like this:

From May 29 Through June 4, 2020

• Portions of the South Rim will be open for limited entry and recreational access.
• The South Entrance Station will be open from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. for visitors to enter the park. The entrance will close at 2 p.m.
• Visitors who have entered the park before 2 p.m. can remain for day use access until sunset.
• Entrances fees should be paid at automated fee machines or by purchasing a pass in advance from nearby third-party vendors, or online, through Recreation.gov.

As far as facilities and services go, this will be the situation in the week from May 29 through June 4:

• Day hiking on inner canyon trails, and existing backcountry permits for hikers camping overnight will be honored. No new overnight camping permits for the inner canyon will be issued.
• Limited food and beverage services at Market Plaza, Bright Angel Bicycle, El Tovar patio, and near hotels.
  • Canyon Village Market: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.
  • Bright Angel Bicycle: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm.
  • El Tovar patio: 11:00 am – 7:30 pm.
  • Food truck located near Bright Angel Lodge: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
• Gift and souvenir shops
  • Bright Angel Lodge: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Hopi House (first floor): 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Canyon Village Market: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm.
• Bicycle and wheelchair rentals at Bright Angel Bicycles available.
• Portions of the Rim Trail and Greenway Trail system (located outside of the residential area)
• State Route 64, scenic Desert View Drive, will be open a distance of 22 miles, from Village Loop Road through Navajo Point. Vehicles must turnaround at Navajo Point because the Desert View Area will remain closed.
• The Tuweep area will be open for day use only.

Starting June 5, 2020

• South Rim’s south entrance will be open 24/7,
• Mather Campground will open for existing reservations only, and some overnight lodging will reopen.
• The North Rim will be open for day use, but the campground is closed for construction until July 1.

Starting June 14, 2020

• Private, noncommercial river trips with current permits will be authorized to launch, but no new permits will be issued through at least the end of June.
• Commercial river trips will resume with implemented mitigation measures including modified passenger capacities for some launches, so customers should contact the commercial river companies for any potential impact to their trip.

I recommend that you check the national park’s website for more detailed information about the Grand Canyon phased reopening plans.

Additionally, you’ll also find info about CDC guidelines, travel requirements in the Navajo Nation (which has one of the highest infection rates in the United States) and other useful tips to visit Grand Canyon National Park this summer.

Check This List to See Which National Parks Are Open Right Now