The North Rim of the Grand Canyon: Important Seasonal Updates

North Rim Closure

The Grand Canyon’s North Rim will close to overnight visitors this month as the park prepares to usher in winter. The North Rim will transition into day-use operations on October 16 with no overnight accommodations or camping available, according to the National Park Service. Travelers planning to visit are warned to bring enough food and water to last the day.

Preparations for Winter

A self-serve gas station will remain available as long as State Route 67 is open; however, the NPS indicated that the entrance gate on that road will close at sunset on November 30 or after the first major snowstorm, whichever comes first. After October 31, visitors will only be able to access water at the North Rim Backcountry Information Center.

The NPS noted that the North Rim scenic roads to Point Imperial and Cape Royal will temporarily close from October 16 to October 18 for essential road maintenance.

“All visitors traveling to the North Rim between now and November 30 should be prepared for winter driving conditions on State Route 67 and throughout the park,” the NPS emphasized. “Snow, ice, and rain are common during this time of the year.”

Access to North Rim in Winter

The North Rim, which is significantly less visited than the popular South Rim, typically closes for winter and reopens in May. From the North Rim, travelers can visit stunning lookout points like Bright Angel Point and the Redwall Bridge, which provide breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon.

In the winter, the North Rim allows for backcountry camping with a backcountry permit, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities.

South Rim Status

Contrarily, the South Rim remains open year-round, making it a more accessible option for travelers looking to experience the stunning landscape of the Grand Canyon regardless of the season.

Future Construction Projects

Looking ahead, accessing the Grand Canyon may become more challenging as the NPS prepares for the construction of the Transcanyon Waterline. Consequently, several trails and campgrounds will be closed to the public on a rolling basis until 2025.

Despite the North Rim closures, winter remains a wonderful time to visit the Grand Canyon. Travelers can experience lower prices and fewer crowds, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of this national treasure.