Grand Canyon's South Rim Lodgings Shut Down Due to Water Pipeline Issues

Planning to enjoy the winter scenery at the Grand Canyon's South Rim? Unfortunately, you'll need to delay your plans.

Starting Saturday, accommodation at the South Rim's historic hotels and lodges will be unavailable as park officials deal with several breaks in its sole water pipeline. Without a working water supply, conservation measures are crucial.

This closure marks just the second instance of an accommodation halt caused by water supply troubles, despite frequent breakdowns of the decades-old pipeline. A similar event occurred in August 2024, during peak tourist season.

This is another setback for the park's tourism, coming after serious issues on the North Rim a few months prior.

Under current restrictions, lodging facilities like El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, and Maswik Lodge are closed, and campgrounds lack water. Residents and park employees in the Grand Canyon Village, numbering about 2,500, are required to use water sparingly.

The duration of this closure? Park officials are optimistic about a swift resolution.

Joëlle Baird, a park spokesperson, mentioned in an email, "If the repairs progress as scheduled, we hope to restore water service and reopen lodgings possibly by next week."

Although the area saw new snowfall this Wednesday, staff are engaged in welding repairs, and plans are in place to refresh the system over the next several days.

Day trippers are still welcome, and accommodation can be found outside the park.

Despite being a quieter time, over 41,000 visitors lodged overnight in the park last December. Overall, nearly 5 million visitors came to the Grand Canyon in 2024, with a majority visiting the South Rim.

Stretching 12.5 miles, this pipeline is essential for delivering water to everyone in the park. Built in the 1960s, it has long been a maintenance concern, with part of the park's entry fees allocated for upkeep.

In 2023, a $208 million renovation project commenced to overhaul the pipeline and its delivery system, with the National Park Service highlighting its importance for future needs of residents and visitors. The upgrade is slated for completion by 2027.