Grand Canyon National Park has announced it will lift several trail closures ahead of schedule, reopening key routes to hikers and visitors starting at 7 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, five days earlier than originally planned. The closures were put in place to accommodate work related to the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project, a major infrastructure effort aimed at upgrading the park’s aging water delivery system.
The trails set to reopen include the River Trail from the River Resthouse east to the South Kaibab Trail junction, the Silver Bridge, and the Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail junction to Plateau Point. These routes are among the most popular in the canyon, offering hikers dramatic views of the Colorado River and access to iconic inner-canyon destinations.
The early reopening is welcome news for summer visitors who had adjusted their plans around the closures. The Transcanyon Waterline, which stretches roughly 12 miles from the North Rim to the South Rim, supplies water to park facilities and campgrounds, making its replacement a critical long-term investment in the park’s infrastructure and visitor services.
Park officials have not indicated whether any additional closures related to the waterline project remain in effect elsewhere in the canyon. Visitors are encouraged to check with the park before heading out on backcountry trails to confirm current conditions and access.
Read the full story at https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-to-lift-summer-trail-closures-for-transcanyon-waterline-replacement-project.htm