Grand Canyon National Park Closes Hotels For ‘Foresseable Future’ – Is Your Trip Impacted?

Earlier this month, the National Park Service shared that all hotels at Grand Canyon National Park will be temporarily closed due to water supply issues.

The closures went into effect on December 6, impacting all overnight stays at the park. El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, and Maswik Lodge, along with all Xanterra Parks and Resorts’ other properties, had to close their doors to guests. Delaware North’s two properties, Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village RV Park, also closed.

The NPS noted that it’s unclear when Grand Canyon National Park’s hotels will reopen. The authority stated that the closures would be “enacted for the foreseeable future.” That said, the park itself remains open to the public, and visitors can go “dry camping” if they’d like. The source explained that “Spigot access at Mather Campground on the South Rim will be turned off, though faucets in bathrooms will remain operational.”

“Water spigot access will be available nearby at the Camper Services Dump Station,” the NPS added.

Visitors can still book accommodations outside the park, such as in the nearby town of Tusayan. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Grand Canyon National Park welcomed over 4.91 million people in 2024 and was the third most visited of the United States’ 63 national parks.

What Else Is There To Know About Accommodations At Grand Canyon National Park?

If going dry camping at the site, there’s a “no fires” policy in place for those on the South Rim and in the inner canyon. For campers, that means no barbecuing or campfires, even just to stay warm.

According to SFGATE, hotel operator Xanterra emailed its guests noting that its Grand Canyon National Park hotels would be closed from December 6 through December 8. In that email, Grand Canyon National Park Lodges General Manager Andy Stiles reportedly stated that guests’ stays during those dates would be “automatically canceled.” Moreover, hotels would issue refunds “within 7 to 10 business days.”

The NPS explained that “significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline” have factored in temporarily closing the Grand Canyon National Park’s hotels. The Arizona landmark has reportedly struggled with its water supply since mid-November. The NPS began a restoration project on the Transcanyon Waterline in 2023, but officials don’t anticipate the job being completed until 2027.

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