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Trail Access Update

Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground to Reopen November 1, 2025

Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground will reopen to visitors on Nov 1, 2025, restoring access to key inner canyon destinations following earlier closures caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire, trail stabilization efforts, and ongoing infrastructure work. 

Phantom Ranch with Tents

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (Oct. 29, 2025)– Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground will reopen to visitors on Nov 1, 2025, restoring access to key inner canyon destinations following earlier closures caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire, trail stabilization efforts, and ongoing infrastructure work. 

In addition to overnight access, the Phantom Ranch area and the lower section of the South Kaibab Trail (from Tipoff to Phantom Ranch) will also reopen to day-use visitors on the same date.

Trail Access Update

As of Nov. 1, the following conditions apply.

Reopening:

  • Phantom Ranch Canteen
  • Phantom Ranch Cabins
  • Bright Angel Campground
  • Lower South Kaibab Trail (Tipoff to Phantom Ranch)

Remaining Closed:

  • River Trail, from River Resthouse to the South Kaibab Trail junction, including the Silver Bridge, remains closed through Dec. 31, 2025, due to construction activities related to the Trans-Canyon Waterline Replacement Project
  • North Kaibab Trail north of the Clear Creek Trail junction, due to multiple post-fire hazards and ongoing construction. These hazards include unstable terrain, rockfall risk, debris accumulations, flash flood risk, and trail damage and infrastructure instability.

Important: Water Availability Will Be Limited Starting Nov. 4

Beginning Nov. 4, a temporary interruption in water pumping operations will occur as part of the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project. This interruption is through approximately Nov. 18 and will prevent new water from being transported into Phantom Ranch.

Drinking water will remain available at key locations in the inner canyon, including:

  • Phantom Ranch (center spigot near the Canteen)
  • Havasupai Gardens

Water will not be available at:

  • Bright Angel Campground, the Delta Restroom, and Boat Beach
  • 1.5-Mile and 3-Mile Resthouses *(winterized for the season; will be turned back on in Spring 2026)

Water availability may vary by location, so visitors should always plan accordingly.

Backcountry users are strongly encouraged to:

Infrastructure Work Continues

This temporary interruption in water pumping is part of a scheduled phase of the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project, which involves replacing and testing a key pipeline segment. This phase is expected to conclude around November 18, 2025, after which water transport operations will resume.

The larger Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project is a multi-year infrastructure effort to modernize the park’s aging water delivery system and is anticipated to continue through 2027.

Although access to Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground is resuming, visitors should expect ongoing operational impacts during this construction period.

Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

  • Check updated conditions at nps.gov/grca.
  • Prepare for limited services and dry conditions in the inner canyon.
  • Follow all posted trail signage and safety guidelines.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles and recreate responsibly.

National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior

Originally Published: 10-30-2025