Is the road to the North Rim closed?

SOUTH RIM

Jump to: North Rim Seasonal Road Closures


Hermit Road

During 2008, Grand Canyon National Park repaved and improved the seven-mile long historic Hermit Road, located on the South Rim between Grand Canyon Village and Hermits Rest.

  • Busy Season: Road Closed to Private Vehicles (March 1, through November 30)
    Free shuttle bus service and commercial tours provide the transportation along the scenic Hermit Road. Vehicles with accessibility permits are permitted.
  • Winter: Road Open to All Vehicles (December 1, through February 29)
    The free shuttle buses do not run during the winter months.
    Commercial tours are available.

Hermit Road winds seven miles past numerous overlooks to Hermits Rest. It may be closed during inclement weather. Watch for hikers and bicyclists along the road. Read more...


Seasonal Road Closures: NORTH RIM

The North Rim's "full season" is May 15, through October 15.
The last day for lodging, restaurants and regularly scheduled ranger-led programs is October 15.

The North Rim "shoulder season" starts October 16 and may last through November 31.

Depending upon the year, the National Park Service may continue its operations, including the North Rim Visitor Center and Bookstore, as well as the Backcountry Permits Office through October 31.

During the month of November, the North Rim is open for "dawn to dusk" day use only (no overnight parking) unless snow closes Highway 67 prior to that date. During the month of November pay-at-the-pump gas and diesel are available.

Check with the Arizona Department of Transportation for current road conditions: http://www.az511.com/adot/files/traffic/

Once the Arizona Department of Transportation closes Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake to vehicle traffic for the winter season, (usually by December 1) the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park also closes to vehicle traffic.

The gate at Jacob Lake is closed and locked and the gate at the North Rim entrance station is closed and locked. The National Park Service does not unlock the entrance station gate for public vehicle access until North Rim visitor facilities open up for the season in mid-May.

More about the North Rim

Grand Canyon Roads and Conditions

If you’re visiting Grand Canyon National Park knowing local road conditions will help you save time and stay safe on your vacation. There are hundreds of miles of roads in Grand Canyon National Park and other Grand Canyon Destinations. Roads along the South Rim stay open all year unless there is a winter snow storm, but they can get extremely busy during the summer months. The road to the North Rim is only open seasonally, but it offers much less traffic and a very different canyon experience. Heading to the East Rim and Marble Canyon offers a chance to drive to the Colorado River and Grand Canyon West will take visitors to the Grand Canyon Skywalk. For backcountry hikers and people looking for more adventure numerous dirt 4x4 roads lead to isolated destinations and backcountry trailheads. Learn the best driving routes and stay safe on your trip with up to date road conditions and driving resources. Read the guide below to learn more about Grand Canyon roads and conditions, or check out our Grand Canyon map to find all canyon destinations and attractions.

Grand Canyon Guru is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks.

Is the road to the North Rim closed?

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is getting ready to shut down for winter. It will transition to day-use operations beginning Saturday, Oct. 16. This change occurs yearly as the North Rim prepares for its seasonal closure that lasts from Oct. 15 to May 15. 

Visitors should be aware that day-use operations means there will be no overnight lodging and limited services. Park officials urge travelers to plan ahead and bring enough food, water and other necessities. 

Planning a fall visit to the North Rim? Here is everything you need to know about the scaled-back services and what to expect when you get there.

Grand Canyon North Rim Lodge:Here's how to book a room for the 2022 season

North Rim campground reservations 

Is the road to the North Rim closed?

Need a spot at the North Rim Campground? Better be quick. The campground is taking reservations through Oct. 31 and will close for the season on Nov. 1.

If you're looking ahead to 2022, reservations open at 8 a.m. MST on Nov. 15 for stays beginning next May. According to a news release from the park, campsite reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Visit https://www.recreation.gov to reserve your spot.

North Rim trip planner:The best things to see and do at Grand Canyon's quieter side

What's closing at the North Rim

  • The North Rim Visitor Center closes for the season at 6 p.m. Oct. 15. 
  • The Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk will close at 3 p.m. Oct. 17.  
  • The North Rim Backcountry Information Center will close Nov. 1.   
  • State Route 67, the only paved road to the North Rim, will close at 5 p.m. Nov. 30 or after the first major snowstorm.   

What will remain open? 

  • The general store will offer limited groceries and other items while supplies last. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until Nov. 30 or when SR 67 closes, whichever occurs first.  
  • The self-serve gas station, including diesel, will be open as long as SR 67 is open. Credit and debit cards only.  
  • After Oct. 31, water will only be available at the North Rim Backcountry Information Center at the North Rim Administration Building. 
Is the road to the North Rim closed?

You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at   or you can also follow her on Twitter. 

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Is the road to North Rim open?

The North Rim is open from May 15 to October 15 each year due to winter conditions.

Is the North Rim closed right now?

The North Rim will be open with full services between May 15 and October 15, 2023. 2023 Reservations for North Rim Lodging and Camping are strongly recommended. Note: Between December 1st and May 14th, North Rim roads are closed to all vehicles (including snowmobiles) and no visitor services are available.

Is the North Rim of the Grand Canyon open in 2022?

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open on Sunday, May 15 at 6 a.m. to mark the official start of the 2022 season. Grand Canyon Lodge and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will also commence their 2022 seasonal operations on this date.

Can you enter North Rim Grand Canyon?

The Entrance Station lies just beyond the large wooden sign welcoming visitors to the North Rim. The entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is located 30 miles south of Jacob Lake on Highway 67; the actual rim of the canyon is an additional 14 miles south from the entrance.