Grand Canyon National Park North Rim Begins Seasonal Closures

North Rim operations began seasonal shut-down of most visitor services on Friday, Oct. 16. The North Rim will remain open to visitors, closing for winter on Tuesday, Dec. 1 or until snow closes State Highway 67 leading into the park.

The Grand Canyon Lodge gift shop will remain open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 1. Self-service gas and diesel fuel will continue to be available in the park through Dec. 1 or until State Highway 67 closes

Beginning Nov. 1 through Dec. 1, entrance fees are paid at the automated fee machine located behind the visitor center. Entrance fees are $30 per vehicle, $25 for motorcycles and $15 for walk-ups and bicycles, all good for seven days for both North and South Rim.

Nov. 1 through May 15, the North Rim Campground reverts to primitive use with backcountry reservations required. Reservations can be obtained from the Backcountry Information Center and are necessary prior to arrival.

The South Rim Backcountry Information Center remains open year round and can be reached by email at grca_bic@nps.gov or by calling (928) 638-7875.

Beginning Nov. 1 through Dec. 1 or until snow closes State Highway 67, the park will remain open from dawn to dusk for day-use. Weather and road conditions permitting, visitors will have access to Bright Angel Point, Point Imperial and Cape Royal as well as the North Kaibab trailhead.

Inner canyon users with a valid backcountry permit will be allowed to park overnight at the North Kaibab trailhead. A limited number of campsites at the North Rim Campground will be available to hikers with advanced reservations. A backcountry permit is required and will be available through the South Rim Back Country Information Center. No overnight parking or car camping will be allowed.

The North Rim will close for the season at 8 a.m, on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Hikers and cross country skiers will still be able to enter the North Rim of the park through the winter months with valid backcountry permits.

Jacob Lake Inn, restaurant and gas station located 45 miles from the North Rim remains open year-round. Through Dec. 31, the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center at Jacob Lake will be open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Arizona Department of Transportation officials intend to keep State Highway 67 open through Dec. 1 but a major storm with heavy snowfall could close the road earlier. From now on, visitors should be prepared for winter driving and travel conditions and are encouraged to call Arizona Highway Information at (888) 411-7623 in advance of their trip to check on the status of State Highway 67.

Visitors to the area are reminded that State Highway 89A remains open year-round.

The South Rim and inner canyon facilities of Grand Canyon National Park are open year-round. Additional Park information can be obtained by calling (928) 638-7888 or by visiting the park Web site at http://www.nps.gov/grca.