GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will reopen hotels on the park’s South Rim beginning Wednesday, Dec. 17 and will begin easing some water restrictions.
Park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline last week and resumed pumping water without identifying any new breaks. The park will continue to operate under enhanced water restrictions until the water storage tanks have adequate capacity to return to routine water conservation practices.
Grand Canyon National Park temporarily suspended overnight hotel accommodations on Dec. 6. Since late October, the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon for use in the park, has had three significant breaks. This transition to lessened water restrictions is a step toward normalizing park operations while ensuring the sustainable management of water resources.
Key Updates for South Rim:
Overnight accommodations: Beginning Dec. 17, overnight accommodations will resume at park lodges. This includes facilities operated by Xanterra, such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village. Reservations are now open, and visitors can book stays at these locations.
Camping: Dry camping will still be permitted, and water spigots at Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will remain turned off. However, visitors can access water at the dump station adjacent to the Mather Campground Kiosk.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions will continue for the South Rim, prohibiting all outdoor wood burning, charcoal fires, and campfires in South Rim and inner canyon areas to support water conservation efforts.
Ongoing Conservation Measures: Visitors and residents are encouraged to continue practicing water conservation:
• Limit showers to five minutes or less
• Turn off faucets while shaving or brushing teeth
• Flush toilets selectively
• Wash laundry with full loads
• Report leaks to park authorities
Following waterline repairs, potable water at Phantom Ranch is now available. Hikers should still prepare to bring or treat water if necessary. For current water status in the inner canyon, visit the Critical Backcountry Updates page.
Originally built in the late 1960s, the Transcanyon Waterline provides potable water for facilities on the South Rim and inner canyon. The waterline has exceeded its expected lifespan and experiences frequent failures, which require expensive and continuous maintenance work to repair leaks.
In 2023, the National Park Service started construction on a multi-year, $208 million rehabilitation of the Transcanyon Waterline and upgrades to the associated water delivery system. This crucial investment in infrastructure will ensure the park is able to meet water supply needs for millions of annual visitors and approximately 2,500 year-round residents.
