Home / Disasters and Accidents / Grand Canyon Water Woes: South Rim Lodging Halted
Grand Canyon Water Woes: South Rim Lodging Halted
3 Dec
Summary
- Overnight stays on Grand Canyon's South Rim are suspended due to water line breaks.
- Water supply challenges have affected the park since mid-November.
- A $208 million waterline rehabilitation project is underway until 2027.
Overnight lodging on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has been suspended starting Saturday due to critical failures in the Transcanyon Waterline. This vital water supply system has experienced multiple breaks since mid-November, leaving the South Rim without pumped water. Visitors can still access the park, but accommodations are affected.
Concurrently, the park has implemented a ban on all outdoor wood burning, including campfires and barbecues, with only dry camping permitted. While bathroom faucets remain operational, all visitors are urged to conserve water. Hotels such as El Tovar and Bright Angel Lodge, along with Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village RV park, are impacted. Travelers seeking overnight stays are advised to book accommodations in the nearby town of Tusayan.
The 1960s-era waterline, which has surpassed its expected lifespan, is undergoing a multi-year, $208 million rehabilitation expected to finish in 2027. This essential project aims to secure water supply for the park's millions of annual visitors and residents. Local residents are encouraged to practice water conservation measures, and backcountry hikers must ensure they carry adequate water.
