North Kaibab Trail Access Changes Begin October 15 for Transcanyon Waterline Project Work

Contact: Grand Canyon Office of Communications

Beginning Oct. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., a section of the North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park will close to all public access for critical pipeline rehabilitation work on the Transcanyon Waterline. The closure area will be between Redwall Bridge (2.5 miles north of Manzanita Rest Area) and the northern end of Cottonwood Campground.

This hard closure will remain in place through approximately February 2027. There are no alternative routes or detours available through this section of trail. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both visitors and work crews operating in a narrow corridor with heavy equipment and active construction.

Cottonwood Campground will remain open during this closure period. Backcountry reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Water at Cottonwood Campground will be turned off beginning Oct. 15, and backcountry users should plan to treat creek water.

The remainder of the North Kaibab Trail is expected to remain open and accessible during this time. The trail will be open from the North Kaibab Trailhead south to Redwall Bridge, as well as from Phantom Ranch north to the northern end of Cottonwood Campground.

Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, check current trail conditions and water status, and adjust itineraries accordingly. For more information, visit: nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/key-messages.htm.

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