Grand Canyon National Park Announces 2025 Construction Closure Updates

GRAND CANYON, AZ.—Beginning May 15, 2025, Grand Canyon National Park will reopen the Bright Angel Trail and Campground to the public.

Last fall, several inner canyon areas were closed due to the Transcanyon Waterline project. The Phantom Ranch Canteen and Lodge reopened on schedule on April 1.

However, the River Trail from River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction, as well as the Plateau Point Trail, will remain closed until October 1, 2025. Additionally, group sites at Bright Angel Campground will also stay closed until that date.

During the closure from May 15 to September 30, essential construction will include maintenance on Silver Bridge and the installation of new water and electrical lines along the Plateau Point and River Trails.

Trail users must use the Black Bridge to cross the Colorado River until September 30. The Bright Angel Trail will be open from the South Rim to Pipe Creek Beach, but access to Phantom Ranch via the River Trail will be unavailable. The River Resthouse will remain open, and hikers can connect between the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails via the Tonto Trail.

While visiting, don’t miss the chance to experience the IMAX film Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time, which offers a breathtaking view of the canyon’s history and geology.

Commercial river trip exchanges will take place at Pipe Creek Beach until May 14, after which users can choose either beach for exchanges.

Rim-to-rim hikers should consider the South to North Kaibab Trail route and bring extra water to avoid heat-related illnesses. Hiking is recommended before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. for cooler temperatures.

Hikers tackling rigorous routes are encouraged to be self-reliant and aware of their physical limits, as assistance may be delayed due to staffing constraints.

Waterline work is ongoing in Bright Angel Campground and between Havasupai Gardens and Tonto Trail West, with those areas set to reopen on May 15. While the Phantom Ranch Canteen and Lodge were closed, new utility lines and water stations were installed.

Construction on the South Rim and Phantom Ranch water treatment plants will continue throughout the year. For the latest updates on the Transcanyon Waterline project and construction schedules, please visit the park’s website. Additional closures are anticipated from fall 2025 through spring 2026, with updates to be published as they become available.

A PDF map of the closure area is viewable here.