Due to water restrictions on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, overnight accommodations are no longer available
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The Republic
Officials said overnight accommodations on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon were closed as the national park restricted its operations following damage to a water supply line that runs through the canyon.
Damage to the pipeline led to the implementation of Stage 4 water restrictions. According to Grand Canyon National Park spokeswoman Joelle Baird, this will limit hotel and camping options on the South Rim for the foreseeable future.
“Starting tomorrow, camping will no longer be allowed on the South Rim, but residents and all partners here in the park will remain,” Baird said.
Although there were no evacuations or access restrictions, Baird said the water restrictions were put in place to ensure the safety of the park while maintaining water levels in the reserves.
As of August 29, overnight accommodations will no longer be available at El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Phantom Ranch, Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village. Accommodations outside the town of Tusayan would not be affected by park operations, according to Baird.
Park officials will also allow dry camping only at the South Rim overnight sites, but running water will be limited to bathroom faucets and a faucet in the check-in area at Mather Campground.
To prevent water resources from being used to fight wildfires, wood and charcoal fires are not permitted on the South Rim and in the inner canyons.
Despite the restrictions, there will be no restrictions on food and beverage service at the South Rim, while services such as the Grand Canyon Clinic and post office will remain open.
The Grand Canyon Lodge and other North Rim services remain operational.
Baird said the Transcanyon Waterline has provided clean drinking water to the South Rim and inner canyon for more than 60 years, but since 2010 there have been more than 85 water breaks that have disrupted regular water supplies.
Baird said the NPS is engaged in a multi-year, $208 million water main rehabilitation project scheduled for completion in 2027.
“This critical investment in infrastructure will ensure the park can meet the water needs of six million visitors a year and approximately 2,500 residents who live in the park year-round,” Baird said.
