Grand Canyon North Rim reopens May 2026

Grand Canyon National Park reopened the North Rim to visitors at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 15, starting the 2026 summer season after the area’s regular winter closure and months of post-fire repair work, the National Park Service said. All paved roads in the North Rim district reopened, including Highway 67, Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road, giving visitors access to overlooks such as Point Imperial, Cape Royal and Angels Window. The reopening comes with reduced services, no in-park overnight lodging and ongoing trail work, according to the park and Arizona tourism officials. A Red Flag Warning also remained in effect Saturday and Sunday across parts of northern Arizona, with the National Weather Service warning that strong winds and low humidity could support rapid fire spread. ### When did the North Rim reopen, and what is open now? The National Park Service said the North Rim reopened at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 15, for the 2026 summer season. The agency said all paved roadways inside the district reopened, including Highway 67, Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road. Those roads restore vehicle access to several of the rim’s best-known viewpoints, including Roosevelt Point, Walhalla Overlook and Angels Window, according to the park’s March 25 release. (nps.gov) Vehicles longer than 22 feet are barred from Cape Royal and Point Imperial roads because of tight turns, narrow roadway conditions and limited parking, the park said. ### What is still limited for visitors this season? The 2026 season is operating with limited services, Arizona tourism officials said in a May 14 release urging visitors to be self-reliant. The release said there is no power and no potable water at the North Rim, and advised travelers to fill water containers and fuel tanks before arrival. (nps.gov) Overnight lodging inside the park on the North Rim will not be available during the 2026 season, the National Park Service said. The agency said the nearest fuel, food and water are available at the North Rim Country Store and Jacob Lake, while Arizona tourism officials also pointed visitors to Kaibab Lodge and Jacob Lake Inn for nearby lodging. (tourism.az.gov) ### How much of the trail system is back in service? The National Park Service said the entire North Kaibab Trail reopened May 15 for foot traffic only. Stock use is suspended for the season, and private stock and mule trips remain suspended, according to the park and Arizona tourism officials. Trail maintenance and rehabilitation will continue through the 2026 season, the park said. (nps.gov) Hikers should expect temporary closures or delays as crews continue repairs, and the agency said post-fire hazards and weather events could trigger additional closures. Parking at the North Kaibab Trailhead is limited to vehicles under 22 feet, with overflow parking near the site of the former Grand Canyon Lodge. ### Which camping and backcountry options are available? Cottonwood Campground reopened on May 15 as an overnight option for hikers using the North Kaibab Trail, the park said. Backcountry use is permitted in most areas of the North Rim, and the Backcountry Information Center has the latest information on closures and overnight permits, according to the agency. (nps.gov) The North Rim Campground has not yet reopened, the park said. Campsite reservations will be posted on Recreation.gov once an opening date is set and conditions allow, according to the National Park Service. ### What fire-weather conditions are in place this weekend? The National Weather Service office in Flagstaff said early Saturday that a Red Flag Warning remained in effect from 11 a.m. (nps.gov) MST to 8 p.m. MST Saturday and again from 11 a.m. MST to 8 p.m. MST Sunday for parts of northern Arizona. Forecast conditions included southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts of 30 to 40 mph Saturday, and 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 40 to 50 mph Sunday, with relative humidity as low as 8% to 24%, the agency said. The weather service said the warning covered areas including the Little Colorado River Valley, Kaibito Plateau, Painted Desert, Eastern Mogollon Rim and Black Mesa Area. The agency said the conditions could support rapid growth of new or existing fires and urged the public to avoid open flames, sparks and other ignition sources. (forecast.weather.gov) ### Where should visitors check before they go? The National Park Service said visitors should check the park website for the latest updates before traveling to the North Rim. The agency said its North Rim status page and Backcountry Information Center carry the most current information on closures, campground openings and overnight permits. (forecast.weather.gov) May 15 marked the start of the 2026 North Rim season, but the park said trail repairs, campground timing and other operating conditions may continue to change as the summer progresses. (nps.gov)