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South Rim Hotels Reopen December 17 at Grand Canyon National Park

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South Rim Lodging Reopens December 17 Following Waterline Repairs

Grand Canyon National Park has announced that South Rim hotels will reopen beginning December 17, just in time for the holiday travel season. The reopening follows the successful completion of recent repairs to the park’s Transcanyon Waterline, a critical piece of infrastructure that supplies water to the South Rim and inner canyon.

While some water conservation measures will remain in place, park officials confirmed that conditions have improved enough to begin restoring overnight lodging and easing select restrictions.

Progress on the Transcanyon Waterline

Park water utility crews completed complex repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline last week and have resumed pumping water without detecting any new breaks. As water storage tanks continue to refill, the park will operate under enhanced water conservation measures until sufficient capacity is restored to return to standard practices.

The Transcanyon Waterline, which stretches more than 12 miles through rugged terrain, experienced multiple breaks in recent months. These issues prompted the temporary suspension of overnight accommodations on December 6.

What’s Reopening on the South Rim

Overnight Lodging

Starting December 17, overnight accommodations will resume at South Rim lodges, including:

Reservations are now available through official lodging operators.

Camping Updates

Camping remains available with limitations:

  • Dry camping is permitted

  • Water spigots at Mather Campground and Desert View Campground remain turned off

  • Potable water is available at the dump station near the Mather Campground kiosk

Fire Restrictions Still in Effect

Fire restrictions remain in place across the South Rim and inner canyon areas. This includes a continued prohibition on:

  • Wood fires

  • Charcoal grills

  • Campfires

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These measures support ongoing water conservation efforts.

Continued Water Conservation Requested

Visitors and residents are asked to continue practicing responsible water use during this recovery period, including:

  • Keeping showers to five minutes or less

  • Turning off faucets when not in use

  • Flushing toilets only when necessary

  • Running laundry with full loads only

  • Reporting visible leaks to park staff

Inner Canyon Water Availability

Following recent repairs, potable water service has been restored at Phantom Ranch. However, hikers should continue to plan carefully and carry or treat water as conditions can change. Visitors heading into the inner canyon should always check the park’s current backcountry water status before departure.

Long-Term Infrastructure Improvements Underway

Originally constructed in the late 1960s, the Transcanyon Waterline has exceeded its expected lifespan and requires frequent maintenance. To address ongoing challenges, the National Park Service began a multi-year, $208 million rehabilitation project in 2023.

This long-term investment includes replacing major segments of the waterline and upgrading related systems to ensure reliable water delivery for:

  • Millions of annual park visitors

  • Approximately 2,500 year-round residents

  • Essential park facilities and services

Planning Your Visit

With South Rim lodging reopening and holiday travel approaching, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed about current park conditions. Combining outdoor exploration with nearby attractions outside the park can also provide added flexibility during periods of operational recovery.

For trip planning resources, local attractions, and updates, visit https://explorethecanyon.com.