Grand Canyon South Rim hotels close after waterline breaks
The National Park Service is halting overnight stays at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim starting Saturday due to multiple breaks in the Transcanyon Waterline, the park’s only water source, leaving hotels and campgrounds without water. Lodges including El Tovar, Bright Angel and Maswik are closed to overnights while welding repairs proceed; day visits remain open and officials say lodging could reopen as early as next week if water service is restored.
📌 Key Facts
- Closures affect El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge; campgrounds have no water
- Park spokesperson Joëlle Baird: reopening could begin as early as next week if repairs hold
- Transcanyon Waterline: 12.5 miles long; $208 million rehabilitation project began in 2023, finishes in 2027
📊 Relevant Data
The Transcanyon Waterline has experienced more than 85 breaks since 2010.
Grand Canyon's main water line has broken dozens of times. Why is it getting a major fix only now? — KNAU
Breaks in the Transcanyon Waterline have been caused by rock falls, freezes, flash floods, stress fractures, and corrosion.
Grand Canyon's main water line has broken dozens of times. Why is it getting a major fix only now? — KNAU
The National Park Service has a maintenance backlog of nearly $23 billion nationwide.
Grand Canyon's main water line has broken dozens of times. Why is it getting a major fix only now? — KNAU
Grand Canyon National Park's maintenance backlog is $823 million, mostly for buildings and trails.
Grand Canyon's main water line has broken dozens of times. Why is it getting a major fix only now? — KNAU
Grand Canyon National Park generates more than $900 million to the local economy in 2024.
Waterline breaks cause Grand Canyon to stop overnight stays — KTAR