There have been significant breaks in the waterline on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park.
Are you planning a national park trip this holiday season? Be aware that Grand Canyon National Park has closed all hotels on the South Rim due to damage to the Transcanyon Waterline, its primary water supply. Beginning December 6, all overnight accommodations will be halted, and only dry camping will be allowed, the National Park Service announced.
Closed hotels include Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, El Tovar, and Trailer Village. Hotels outside the park remain open.
The North Rim is closed for the winter, so all hotels inside the park are currently inaccessible.
Park officials have not confirmed when the hotels will be operational again, but hope to finish repairs as early as next week. Xanterra, which operates El Tovar, Maswik Lodge, and Bright Angel Lodge, notified guests about the closure and apologized for the inconvenience. “Deposit refunds will be issued within 7 to 10 business days. If your lodging reservation includes nights beyond December 8, we will adjust your arrival date to December 9 for the remainder of your stay,” it said in an email as per SF Gate.
Continue Reading Article After Our Video
Recommended Fodor’s Video
The Grand Canyon National Park faced another setback this year when a wildfire decimated the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim. The North Rim brings in 10% of the park’s annual visitors and is more isolated.
Related: The 10 Most At-Risk National Parks in the United States
The Transcanyon Waterline is a 12.5-mile pipeline that supplies water from the canyon, according to the NPS. Built in the 1960s, the pipeline has exceeded its lifespan and experiences frequent breaks. Since November, it has been a recurring issue. Currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim due to significant damage.
The park has been undergoing construction since 2023, with completion expected by 2027. This $208 million upgrade will help the park sustain five million visitors per year and 2,500 residents.
Hikers and day-trippers can still access the South Rim, and essential services such as the post office and clinic will remain open. However, hikers are advised to carry enough water or bring water treatment methods.
Conservation measures are in place for South Rim residents. They are asked to reduce water usage by turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving, limiting shower time, flushing toilets less frequently, and reporting leaks.
Last month, it was announced that 11 of the most popular national parks will charge international tourists an extra $100 for entry, including the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, to fund maintenance and modernization. Annual passes for non-residents will also cost more next year. U.S. residents will continue to pay $80 for annual passes and enjoy fee-free days.
The change comes as international tourism to the U.S. declines. Canada, a major market, has seen fewer visitors to the U.S. for 10 months straight, attributed to political tensions and economic and immigration policies. Overall, international tourists are spending 3.2% less in the U.S.
Related: Las Vegas’ Sinking Tourism Numbers Are a Bad Sign for the U.S. Economy
