GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Several upcoming changes to inner canyon operations will go into effect in the coming weeks at Grand Canyon National Park, including trail and campground reopenings and ongoing closures related to major infrastructure repairs and safety concerns. These updates are part of phased recovery efforts following the Dragon Bravo Fire and continued work on the Transcanyon Waterline.
River Trail Closure Extended
The River Trail, which stretches between the River Resthouse and the South Kaibab Trail junction, will remain closed through December 2025 with a specific reopening date TBD. The Silver Bridge may remain closed during this same period. Both closures are necessary to allow contractors to safely complete extensive unplanned trail work supporting the Transcanyon Waterline.
While the River Trail remains closed, hikers must use the South Kaibab Trail to access the north side of the Colorado River, including Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground. Accessing the Bright Angel Trail via the River Trail will not be possible during this time. Water is not available along the South Kaibab Trail, so hikers should plan ahead and carry sufficient water for their trip.
Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground Reopening
Beginning November 1, 2025, Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground will reopen to overnight guests. On the same date, the lower South Kaibab Trail below The Tipoff will reopen to the public, restoring access to Phantom Ranch and other areas along the Colorado River corridor.
In coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), park staff have installed stream gauge monitoring along Bright Angel Creek to help evaluate flash flood risks. A warning system for Phantom Ranch is expected to be installed within the near future, providing additional tools to help protect visitors and staff.
North Kaibab Trail Access
Also on November 1, 2025, the lower North Kaibab Trail will reopen from Phantom Ranch to the junction of the Ribbon Falls turnoff, approximately 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) north of Phantom Ranch. The North Kaibab Trail above the Ribbon Falls turnoff remains closed until further notice due to significant rockfall and safety concerns due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. Park crews continue to assess conditions and will provide updates on trail status as work progresses.
The Cottonwood Campground, located along the North Kaibab Trail, will remain closed for the foreseeable future. After River Trail work is completed, crews will begin Transcanyon Waterline sliplining in the Cottonwood Campground vicinity and surrounding trail areas early next year, with work currently scheduled between January 1 and May 14, 2026. Sliplining is a trenchless rehabilitation method for existing pipelines like water and sewer lines, where a new, smaller diameter pipe is pulled or pushed into the failing host pipe.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and check current conditions, trail status, and park alerts before visiting by going to Key Hiking Messages - Critical Updates and Closures - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service). Grand Canyon National Park appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as crews work to safely complete critical infrastructure repairs and recovery efforts.
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