Construction 2022

South Rim Overnight Lodging Closing December 6 — But Tusayan Hotels & the Grand Canyon IMAX Remain Open

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A Winter Update for Grand Canyon Visitors

Beginning December 6, Grand Canyon National Park will temporarily suspend all overnight hotel accommodations inside the park due to ongoing issues with the aging Transcanyon Waterline. Multiple breaks in the line have limited the South Rim’s water supply, prompting additional conservation measures and a pause on lodging at facilities such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Yavapai Lodge, and Trailer Village.

The South Rim will still remain open for day use, and essential services—including food & beverage, the clinic, and the post office—will continue to operate. Campers will see changes as well, with dry camping only and spigot access limited throughout Mather Campground.

Good News: Tusayan Hotels Are Not Affected

If your plans include an overnight stay this winter, the town of Tusayan—just one mile from the South Rim entrance—remains fully open. All hotels in Tusayan continue normal operations with no water-related restrictions, making it the most convenient place to stay until park lodging is restored.

A Perfect Time for a Quiet, Off-Season Visit

Winter brings a peaceful atmosphere to the South Rim. With fewer crowds, crisp air, and stunning low-angle sunlight, December and January often deliver some of the year’s most dramatic canyon views. This temporary lodging change doesn’t diminish the experience—it simply shifts your home base to nearby Tusayan, where you’ll find warmth, comfort, and easy access to the park.

Start Your Trip at the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater

With cooler temperatures and shorter daylight, winter is the ideal season to begin your adventure at the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater. Settle into a warm, comfortable seat and experience Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time on a six-story screen—an incredible introduction to the canyon’s geology, history, and cultural significance.

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It’s one of the best ways to understand the landscape before you explore it, especially during the quieter months.

Why Start at the IMAX This Time of Year?

  • Warm, comfortable indoor experience before heading into the cold

  • Learn the canyon’s story in 37 minutes—ideal for shorter winter days

  • Restaurants, shopping, and tickets all in one place

  • Easy parking steps from the theater

  • Save 20% when you buy tickets online

Plan Your Winter Visit With Confidence

Despite the temporary pause on overnight stays inside the park, your Grand Canyon winter getaway is still entirely accessible:

  • South Rim: OPEN (Day Use)

  • Park Services: OPEN (Food, post office, clinic)

  • Tusayan Hotels: OPEN

  • Grand Canyon IMAX Theater: OPEN DAILY

The National Park Service is actively repairing the waterline and working toward full operational status as soon as possible. In the meantime, Tusayan remains your reliable and comfortable base camp.

Experience the Canyon at Its Most Peaceful

If you’re planning a December or winter trip, you’ll be rewarded with quieter viewpoints, easy parking, and a truly serene national park experience. Start with the IMAX, stay warm in Tusayan, and explore the South Rim at your own pace.