CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

South Rim Hotels Suspend Overnight Stays After Major Transcanyon Waterline Breaks

The Grand Canyon National Park has suspended overnight hotel stays on the South Rim after multiple breaks in the 12.5-mile Transcanyon Waterline stopped water pumping to the area. Affected properties include El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Yavapai Lodge and the Trailer Village RV Park; travelers are advised to seek lodging in nearby Tusayan. Officials have banned outdoor wood burning and limited camping to dry camping while public restroom faucets remain operational. A $208 million rehabilitation of the waterline began in 2023 and is expected to finish in 2027.

03:24 AM, 12/04/2025Society
South Rim Hotels Suspend Overnight Stays After Major Transcanyon Waterline Breaks

The Grand Canyon National Park has temporarily suspended overnight hotel stays on the South Rim after a series of significant breaks in the 12.5-mile Transcanyon Waterline stopped water pumping to the area. The park grounds remain open to daytime visitors, but officials halted overnight lodging beginning Saturday and have not given a firm date for when normal services will resume.

What caused the disruption

Park officials say multiple breaks in the aging Transcanyon Waterline, which conveys potable water from the inner canyon to the South Rim, created the immediate shutdown. The pipeline was built in the 1960s, has exceeded its expected lifespan and has experienced frequent failures. A multiyear rehabilitation project began in 2023 with a $208 million budget and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Immediate impacts

  • Overnight lodging at major South Rim properties is suspended, including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Yavapai Lodge and the Trailer Village RV Park.
  • The park remains open for daytime visitation, but no water is currently being pumped to the South Rim.
  • Outdoor wood burning is banned — this includes campfires and charcoal grills — and only dry camping is allowed. Faucets in public restrooms will remain operational.

Guidance for visitors and residents

  • Travelers seeking overnight accommodations are advised to book in the nearby town of Tusayan.
  • Residents and guests should conserve water: limit showers, flush toilets only when necessary, and report any leaks immediately.
  • Backcountry hikers must carry sufficient water or reliable water-treatment methods; do not rely on park water sources.
"These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of water resources. The goal is to restore full operational status for overnight guests on the South Rim as quickly as possible," the National Park Service said.

If you have an existing reservation, contact your lodging provider or the park for updates and options. Visitors should check the park's official site and travel advisories before traveling to the South Rim.

Similar Articles

Trending