Infos zum Grand Canyon NP

Man dies after attempting illegal BASE jump at the Grand Canyon: NPS

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The man's body was found 500 feet below the rim, NPS said.

A man died after attempting an illegal BASE jump in the Grand Canyon in Arizona, officials said Friday.

The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report around 7:30 a.m. local time Thursday of a visitor who had attempted a base jump from Yavapai Point on the south rim of the Grand Canyon, the National Park Service said.

"Park rangers responded and located the body of a deceased male approximately 500 feet below the rim, along with a deployed parachute," NPS said in a statement.

The body of the BASE jumper was recovered Friday morning. The victim was transported by helicopter to the rim and then brought to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office, which is conducting an investigation into the incident along with NPS.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending positive identification, NPS said. No further information was released.

BASE is an acronym for building, antenna, span and earth. The recreational sport involves jumping from a fixed object and using a parachute to descend to the ground.

The "high-risk activity" is prohibited in all areas of Grand Canyon National Park, NPS said.

The incident comes a day after a 20-year-old man accidentally fell 400 feet to his death from a scenic overlook at the Grand Canyon, officials said.

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Grand Canyon’s South Rim Returns to Normal Water Operations-Aug. 202

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Park staff successfully restored the pump at Havasupai Gardens that supplies water to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park and all water restrictions have been removed.

Visitors, residents, and businesses should consistently practice basic water conservation and be mindful of their water usage at all times. Water conservation tips for visitors and residents include turning off the water while brushing teeth or shaving, washing only full loads of dishes or laundry, and reporting leaks and wasteful water use to appropriate staff. Residents are also reminded to use reclaimed water for plants, lawns, and washing vehicles and to not fill large-capacity water tanks in the park.

In the event of a future disruption in water delivery, park managers will implement mandatory water restriction levels based on the volume of water in storage. Some restrictions may include implementing low-water cleaning practices in hotel rooms, closing public laundry and shower facilities and closing the RV dump/fill station at Camper Services.

The National Park Service would like to thank its partners, staff, residents and visitors for conserving water over the last several weeks and for their continued water conservation efforts.

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New break in Grand Canyon National Park's Transcanyon Waterline

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Grand Canyon National Park is stepping up water conservation efforts, with a focus on the South Rim, after the latest break in the Transcanyon Waterline.

The North Rim is also implementing early conservation measures.

Until the waterline is repaired, the park will operate in conservation mode.

Park staff and visitors are encouraged to conserve water by limiting showers, turning off taps and reporting leaks. Campgrounds will have their water spigots turned off and camper services will close.

Officials say hikers in the backcountry should carry their own water or have a way to treat what they find. Individual breaks typically take between 3 to 5 days to repair.

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Search underway for Arizona woman swept away in Grand Canyon flash flood

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The National Park Service is looking for 33-year-old Chenoa Nickerson of Gilbert. She was swept away by flash flood waters at Grand Canyon National Park on Thursday.

A search is underway for an Arizona woman swept away by a flash flood at Grand National Park.

The National Park Service is still looking for 33-year-old Chenoa Nickerson, who fell into a Havasu Creek about half a mile above the Colorado River confluence without a life jacket on Thursday, according to a news release.

The park service was "actively engaged" in search and rescue operations after the flash flood at Havasu Creek, which occurred just before 1:30 p.m. on Thursday. Rescue efforts were deployed "promptly" to assist several hikers who were stranded below and above Beaver Falls after the flood, according to the park service.

Park service spokesperson Joelle Baird said it's the first flash flood at Havasu Creek in 2024.

Nickerson was separated from her husband when the flash flood hit, according to reporting by KPHO-TV. The couple was hiking in the Supai Village area, which is located within Havasu Canyon on the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

The area is wildly popular among tourists who are attracted to the area's waterfalls and heavenly blue pools.

Nickerson’s husband was found by local rafters, family members told the station. They were visiting the area from Gilbert, a Phoenix suburb.

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Grand Canyon National Park hotels to close after water pipe failure

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All hotels within the Grand Canyon National Park will be closed and camping will be restricted in advance of one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year due to problems with the park’s water supply.

The US National Park Service said in a statement that hotels would be closed starting on Thursday night.

Only “dry camping” – meaning campers will have to supply their own water – will be allowed.

The park relies on the ageing Transcanyon Waterline, which has suffered four recent significant breaks, cutting off water to the park.

Park officials said there are a total of around 950 hotel rooms located inside the park but declined to comment further when reached on Thursday.

The park will remain open to day trippers over the US Labor Day weekend, and visitor services such as food outlets, a post office and a medical clinic will still operate.

Limited water will be available via spigots and in bathrooms, and park officials said campers should carry all water supplies with them or be able to treat water from streams or the Colorado River. No campfires will be allowed on the South Rim and inner canyon areas.

“These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources,” the park service said in a statement.

"The goal is to restore full operational status for overnight guests on the South Rim as quickly as possible.”

However, park officials did not give a timeline for restoring the water supply.

Hotels located outside the park in nearby Arizona towns are not affected.

Tourists planning to visit commented about scrambling for alternative places to stay on the national park’s Facebook page.

“I will look for accommodations outside the park. Sorry this is going on, but we won't let it stop us!” one wrote.

Another commented: “I ended up booking outside of the park and plan on canceling my [National Park Service] reservation. I have spent tons of money on this trip which includes other stops along the way.”

High temperatures in the park on Thursday are expected to range from 28C (84F) at the South Rim to 38C (100F) in the Inner Canyon.

The 12 1/2 mile (20km) Transcanyon Waterline was originally built in the 1960s and according to the National Park Service “has exceeded its expected lifespan and experiences frequent failures”.

Park officials said they began to experience water supply issues on 8 July and that currently no water is being pumped to either the South or North Rim – two of the park’s main tourist hubs.

There have been more than 85 major breaks in the pipeline since 2010, and the park service has recently started a $208m (£158m) reconstruction project due to be completed in 2027.

Around six million people visit Grand Canyon National Park each year, and park grounds are home to around 2,500 year-round residents.

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Grand Canyon National Park Eases Water Restrictions

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Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.

Operational changes include:

South Rim:

Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.

Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.

Fire restrictions throughout the South Rim will be lifted. However, the park will remain under Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require campfires to be contained within designated fire rings in maintained campgrounds. In the inner canyon, only gas cook stoves are permitted; campfires and other open fires are not allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permits regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Despite these changes, water restrictions remain in place on the South Rim. Visitors and residents are urged to reduce water consumption by following these practices: flush toilets selectively, take shorter showers, wash clothes and dishes only with full loads and in eco-mode if available, and turn off the sink while brushing teeth, soaping hands, or shaving.

This transition to Stage 2 is a step toward normalizing park operations while ensuring the sustainable management of water resources. We appreciate the cooperation and patience of our visitors and community members as we continue to restore these essential services.

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Construction Project Closes Several Trails And Facilities In Grand Canyon National Park

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Several trails and facilities in Grand Canyon National Park closed on Monday, October 21, to support the Transcanyon Waterline.

Several trails and facilities in Grand Canyon National Park closed on Monday, October 21, to support the Transcanyon Waterline construction project. They are set to remain closed until mid-May 2025.

Closed sections include the Bright Angel Trail north of Havasupai Gardens and the Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River, the Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail Junction north of Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point, and the Bright Angel Campground. All three locations will be closed until at least May 14, 2025. No hikers can pass through these closures in any circumstances.

“While these areas are closed for safety, the upper portion of the Bright Angel Trail (from the South Rim to Havasupai Gardens) and the Tonto Trail remain open. The South Kaibab Trail is also accessible for all hikers.” – Grand Canyon National Park

The Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL), or the Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline, runs for 12 ½ mile, bringing water from the Roaring Springs source on the North Rim to the Havasupai Gardens pump station and eventually to the south rim. It was built in 1960, and has since provided drinkable water and fire suppression for all facilities on the South Rim and hundreds of inner canyon facilities.

“Since 2010, there have been over 85 major breaks in the TCWL that have each disrupted water delivery. The breaks are expensive to repair, occur in locations that pose dangers for responding employees, and negatively impacts the visitor experience. The cost for a single waterline break often exceeds $25,000. Access to the inner canyon, where breaks occur, is by trail and helicopter only.” – Grand Canyon National Park

A new water delivery system will provide water South Rim and inner canyon for another 50 years, ensuring a positive visitor experience while reducing required maintenance.

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Grand Canyon National Park Initiates Water Conservation Measures-Nov. 26, 2024

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Grand Canyon National Park is implementing mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim, effective immediately. These measures are in response to a pipeline break along the North Kaibab Trail, which has impacted the park's water supply.

To help conserve water, all residents, visitors, and park operations are urged to reduce water usage wherever possible, including in homes, hotel rooms, and campgrounds. These efforts are critical to maintaining water availability while still ensuring public health and safety.

Mandatory water conservation measures include:

Use low water cleaning techniques and reduce toilet flushing to the minimum necessary.

Turn water off while you shave or brush your teeth.

Take shorter or less frequent showers.

No washing cars, boats, bikes, or any outside vehicle.

Utilize dry precleaning methods to scrape off food items before thoroughly washing dishes.

Fill the sink with water while washing dishes to avoid running water.

Report drips, leaks, or other water loss to appropriate offices.

Conservation measures require that all concessions operations:

Alter menus to use less water for food prep and dish washing.

Adopt low water use for hotel management while still ensuring cleanliness and hygiene for guests.

Serve drinking water at restaurants by request only.

Hikers in the backcountry should plan to carry sufficient water or be prepared with methods to treat water. Water is currently unavailable at the Manzanita Rest Area.

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Grand Canyon National Park announces updates to construction closure schedule and planned re-opening updates for 2025

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Grand Canyon National Park will reopen the Bright Angel Trail and Campground for public use beginning May 15, 2025.

Multiple inner canyon areas were closed last fall for Transcanyon Waterline project construction activities. The Phantom Ranch Canteen and Lodge reopened on schedule, April 1.

The River Trail, between River Resthouse and the South Kaibab Trail junction, Silver Bridge and Plateau Point Trail, between the Tonto Trail West junction to Plateau Point, originally scheduled to reopen in May, will remain closed until Oct. 1, 2025. The Bright Angel Campground group sites will remain closed until Oct 1, 2025.

Additional construction needs to be completed during the May 15-September 30 closure period, including maintenance and reinforcement work to Silver Bridge and installing new connecting water pipe and conduit. New waterline and electrical lines along the Plateau Point and River Trails will also be excavated and installed.

Trail users will need to use Black Bridge through September 30 to cross the Colorado River. From May 15, Bright Angel Trail will be open from the South Rim trailhead to Pipe Creek Beach for use up and down the trail; there will be no access to Phantom Ranch via the River Trail. The River Resthouse will be open. Hikers may traverse between the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail via the Tonto Trail.

Commercial river trip exchanges will occur at Pipe Creek Beach and private river trip exchanges will occur at Boat Beach through May 14. Commercial and private river trip users may use either beach for exchanges beginning May 15.

Rim-to-rim hikers may use a South to North Kaibab Trail route, but due to the terrain and water availability, hikers are strongly advised to bring additional water to prevent heat-related illnesses. Hikers should plan to hike before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when temperatures are cooler, bringing extra water and snacks, and take frequent rest breaks in the shade.

Hikers and backpackers attempting rigorous distances, such as rim to rim, through the inner canyon are strongly encouraged to be self-reliant and to understand their own physical limitations to prevent emergency situations for themselves and responders. Be aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, and employee safety requirements.

Waterline work is progressing in the Bright Angel Campground and between Havasupai Gardens and Tonto Trail West, and the areas will reopen on May 15. While Phantom Ranch Canteen and Lodge were closed, workers installed new distribution, power and communication lines, fire hydrants and water filling stations in the area.

Construction will continue throughout the year on the South Rim and Phantom Ranch water treatment plants. More information about the Transcanyon Waterline and the status of the project is available here.

The construction areas and schedule are subject to change, and visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website for the current operational status. Additional closures are expected this fall through spring of 2026 and information will be published as soon as the schedule is confirmed.

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North Rim of Grand Canyon opens May 15 for 2025 season

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The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open on Thursday, May 15 at 6 a.m. to mark the official start of the 2025 season. Grand Canyon Lodge and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will also commence their 2025 seasonal operations on this date.

Visitor services, including the campground, Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore and the Backcountry Information Center will open at 8 a.m. Rangers will be available daily from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. to provide information, trip planning assistance, and Park Ranger Programs at the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk through October 15. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations, including lodging, groceries, retail, food and beverage services, shower and laundry and the gas station, will also open May 15. The lodge dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with reservations required for dinner service. The last day of the 2025 season for most commercial services will be October 15, 2025.

The Bright Angel Point Trail on the North Rim leading to Bright Angel Point will be closed for construction for the entirety of the 2025 season. The trail will be closed to all pedestrian traffic as National Park Service (NPS) personnel replace asphalt, move large rocks, and operate equipment in these areas. This closure is necessary for the protection of staff and visiting public during an extensive repair effort to the Bright Angel Point Trail.

The North Rim will be open for day use until November 30, 2025, or until the first major snowstorm if prior to that date.

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