APS Foundation Commits $1M for North Kaibab Trailhead Rehabilitation
The APS Foundation has committed a transformational $1 million gift to help rehabilitate and redesign the North Kaibab Trailhead, supporting a safer, more accessible visitor experience and North Rim recovery.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, announced today that the APS Foundation has committed a transformational $1 million gift toward the rehabilitation and redesign of the North Kaibab Trailhead on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
The APS Foundation commitment serves as the lead gift in Grand Canyon Conservancy’s capital campaign supporting major restoration, rehabilitation, and visitor infrastructure projects at Grand Canyon’s North Rim following the Dragon Bravo Fire in 2025. This effort is part of a broader comprehensive campaign for Grand Canyon National Park.
The North Kaibab Trail is the only maintained corridor trail from the North Rim into the canyon and serves hikers, backpackers, stock users, and rim-to-rim runners from around the world. Increasing visitation, particularly during spring and fall shoulder seasons, has placed significant strain on the current trailhead infrastructure, resulting in severe parking congestion, traffic hazards, and impacts to surrounding natural resources.
“The North Kaibab Trail offers one of the most extraordinary hiking experiences anywhere in the world, but the current trailhead no longer meets the needs of today’s visitors,” said Elizabeth Silkes, CEO of Grand Canyon Conservancy. “We are deeply grateful to the APS Foundation for this visionary investment in the future of Grand Canyon. Their leadership gift will help create a safer, more accessible, and more welcoming experience for millions of visitors while protecting the canyon’s fragile resources for generations to come.”
The project is expected to significantly improve the visitor experience by creating upgraded restrooms, shade structures, information kiosks, accessible pathways, improved wayfinding, expanded and reorganized parking, enhanced pedestrian circulation, and upgraded utilities and interpretive infrastructure. These improvements will reduce congestion and confusion, particularly during times of high visitation when parking utilization has exceeded 400 percent of designated capacity.
“We are incredibly grateful to the APS Foundation for this generous investment in the future of Grand Canyon’s North Rim,” said Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park. “The North Kaibab Trailhead is the gateway to one of the park’s most iconic experiences, and these improvements will make a tremendous difference for visitors while helping us better protect the surrounding landscape. As we continue recovering from the impacts of the Dragon Bravo Fire, partnerships like this one are essential to rebuilding critical infrastructure and ensuring that future generations can safely experience and enjoy Grand Canyon.”
"As APS marks 140 years of serving Arizona and America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the APS Foundation has an opportunity to invest in the places and infrastructure that connect generations," said Ted Geisler, APS President and CEO and Chair of the APS Foundation. "The North Kaibab Trailhead project is about safety, resilience, and stewardship – helping the North Rim recover, improving the visitor experience, and ensuring this national treasure remains accessible and enjoyable for millions of visitors long into the future."
Grand Canyon Conservancy will continue fundraising efforts in partnership with Grand Canyon National Park to support a long-term vision for North Rim recovery, restoration, and resilient redevelopment following the Dragon Bravo Fire, including critical infrastructure, visitor experience, trail, and resource protection projects.
For more information or to support North Rim Recovery, visit Grand Canyon Conservancy.
About Grand Canyon Conservancy
Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org.
About APS Foundation
Founded in 1981, the APS Foundation has invested more than $70 million in Arizona communities, supporting STEM education, workforce development, heat relief and other needs that contribute to long-term economic vitality. APS Foundation support is funded by APS shareholders and is not included in customer rates.