Skip to main content

Grand Canyon National Park will soon reduce its hours — what you need to know

Grand Canyon National Park to reduce operating hours at the North Rim

a man standing on a stone pillar in Grand Canyon National Park
Nathan McBride / Unsplash

Now that the colder months have rolled in, Grand Canyon National Park will be closing the North Rim for all overnight activities. This closure will begin on October 16, 2024, and will include reduced hours and services. The National Park Service (NPS) announced that the Grand Canyon lodge will close, and that there will be no overnight accommodations in the area. This will include camping at any of the North Rim campgrounds.

Grand Canyon
DomCarver / Pixabay

After October 31st, water will only be available at the North Rim Administration Building. The North Rim Visitor Center will close on October 15 at 5 p.m., and the gift shops will close at 11 a.m. on October 16th. The North Rim Backcountry Information Center will close for the season on October 31, 2024.

Recommended Videos

Food services, lodging, and fuel will be available at surrounding towns such Jacob Lake, which is about 45 miles from the North Rim. You might also have luck in Fredonia, AZ or Kanab, UT.

If you are planning on exploring the Grand Canyon’s North Rim on or after October 16, officials advise that you bring enough food, water, and resources for your stay. Be prepared for winter driving conditions including snow, ice, and rain.  Your plan should be self-sufficient, because the only services that will be available are the card-only self-serve gas stations, which will only be open for as long as State Route 67 remains open.

The NPS also announced a temporary closure of the North Rim Scenic Road to Cape Royal from October 13th through October 18th for “prescribed fire activities.” Fortunately, the road to Point Imperial will still remain open to visitors.

Following the first major snowstorm or November 30th, the entrance gate at State Route 67 will close for the winter.

Sarah Joseph
Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…
Why winter is secretly the best time to visit Yosemite National Park
Don't miss these adventures at Yosemite in winter
Yosemite National Park in winter

With 4 million visitors this past year, Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited in the country. Crowds spike in the summer and reservations for lodging are tough to snag, but you'll avoid many of those problems if you choose to visit the park during the winter season. Whether it's gliding down the mountain at the Badger Pass Ski area or enjoying the Yosemite Firefall that will light up Horsetail Falls in February, this national park has so much winter fun to offer you and your crew. Here's everything you need to know (and more) about Yosemite in winter.
What you should know before you visit Yosemite in winter

Just because you come during the winter doesn't mean you're exempt from the $35 standard entrance fee, which grants access to the park for a full seven consecutive days. Reservations aren't typically required for park entry during this time due to the manageable crowds, but it's still essential to plan for certain activities (such as the Badger Pass Ski Area) and any overnight accommodations.

Read more
Do you really need an international SIM card? What to know before your trip
man standing outside looking at phone

When traveling internationally, staying connected often requires a bit of planning. One solution a lot of travelers consider is an international SIM card. But do you really need one? Let’s dive into the pros, cons, and alternatives to help you decide.
What is an international SIM card?

Before we break down whether you need one, let’s clarify what an international SIM card actually is.

Read more
Climbing Mount Fuji in 2025? Here’s what you need to know about the new mandatory fees
Climbing Mount Fuji is about to get a lot more expensive.
Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s most popular attractions, is facing growing pressures from overtourism. As 2024 has seen record-breaking visitor numbers, the iconic mountain is struggling to balance tourism with preservation. In response, Shizuoka Prefecture is considering implementing mandatory entrance fees by summer 2025, ranging from $19.35 to $32.26. 

These fees aim to help manage the environmental impact of mass tourism while ensuring Mount Fuji remains a sustainable destination for future climbers. 
Understanding the new fees

Read more