North Rim reopened May 15 at Grand Canyon: what applies in 2026?

Exact conditions

Status

Not required; the stated access rule still applies

Applies to

all visitors

Place or corridor

North Rim, reached via Highway 67 from Jacob Lake; includes Cape Royal Road, Point Imperial Road and the North Kaibab Trail

Effective dates

May 15, 2026 through October 15, 2026

Release model

unpublished

Release detail: No permit or reservation is needed to visit the North Rim — the constraint is what is physically open, not what is bookable.

Fee detail: The standard park entrance fee applies; there is no separate North Rim fee.

Exceptions and limits

• "OPEN as of May 15, 2026" — opening was at 6 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026.
• "All paved roadways within the park have reopened, including Highway 67, Cape Royal, and Point Imperial Roads".
• The entire North Kaibab Trail reopened May 15 for foot traffic only; stock use is suspended for the season.
• Five trails remain CLOSED: Bright Angel Point, Widforss, Transept, Ken Patrick (west) and Uncle Jim.
• "Water and RV hookups are not available. Campers should bring all potable water with them" — no potable water anywhere on the North Rim during the 2026 season, including at the North Kaibab Trailhead and Supai Tunnel.
• "The nearest fuel, food, and water is available at the North Rim Country Store and at Jacob Lake" — outside the park.
• The season is "focused primarily on day use and limited backcountry opportunities".
• The October 15, 2026 end date is taken from the campground reservation end date and the North Kaibab waterline-repair closure date; the park has NOT published an explicit North Rim season-closing date for 2026 — treat it as provisional.
• Burn-scar hazard: increased risk of flash flooding, debris flows, rock falls, erosion and falling trees on the upper North Kaibab between Supai Tunnel and the trailhead.