Yes! The Grand Canyon National Park is open!
The flood damage is concentrated primarily in the inner canyon rather than along the South Rim‘s visitor areas. This means that visitors can still:
- See the Grand Canyon's famous overlooks
- Watch the sunrise and sunset
- Walk along the Rim Trail
- Visit Desert View
- Explore Grand Canyon Village
- Take guided tours
- Enjoy the surrounding Kaibab National Forest
What Can You Still Do at the South Rim?
Enjoy the Canyon's Famous Overlooks
Visitors can still enjoy sweeping canyon views, photography, sunrise and sunset, and the spectacular scenery that makes the South Rim one of the most visited destinations in Arizona. Many of the Grand Canyon's iconic rim viewpoints remain accessible.
For travelers who primarily want to experience the canyon's scenery, this is good news. You can still stand at the edge of the canyon, photograph the Colorado River far below, watch the changing light on the canyon walls and experience the enormous scale of the landscape.
Ride the South Rim Shuttle
The park's free shuttle system is operating. Routes connect the Visitor Center, lodges and campgrounds, Market Plaza, trailheads and numerous scenic overlooks. The Hermit Road route also provides access to a series of spectacular viewpoints along the western end of the South Rim. Shuttle schedules are seasonal, so visitors should check the current NPS schedule before arriving.
Walk the Rim Trail
The South Rim's rim-side trails remain an easy way to experience the Grand Canyon. The Canyon Rim Trail and Greenway Trail system are open outside of the village residential area.
Visit Desert View
The eastern portion of the South Rim, which includes Desert View, offers a different perspective on the Grand Canyon, with expansive views toward the eastern canyon and the Colorado River. The historic Desert View Watchtower area is also one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks on the South Rim.
Restaurants and Services
Although some in-park operations have been affected by water restrictions, visitors can still find food, supplies and services in and around the South Rim. The Grand Canyon Village Market & Deli, for example, continues to provide groceries, grab-and-go food and visitor supplies. Current in-park dining options, as of September 8:
- El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge: lunch and dinner
- Harvey House Café: breakfast and lunch
- Arizona Steak House: dinner
- Bright Angel Grab & Go: breakfast and lunch
Grand Canyon Tours
Guided sightseeing tours can take visitors to spectacular viewpoints while providing the history, geology and stories that can be easy to miss when exploring on your own.
For visitors staying in Tusayan or the surrounding area, guided tours like our South Rim Journey provide an opportunity to explore beyond the pavement and experience the landscape surrounding the national park. Explore our Grand Canyon tours and find your next adventure.
What About Overnight Stays?
Overnight accommodations inside Grand Canyon National Park are currently closed.
However, overnight accommodations one mile outside the park in Tusayan have not been affected by the park's lodging closure.
Tusayan is a great base for visitors and is where many who work inside the park live. There are a variety of dining options, and one can even stop by the Grand Canyon Welcome Center to catch an award-wining IMAX film.
Is It Still Worth Visiting the Grand Canyon After the Flood?
Absolutely.
If your dream trip involves hiking the entire Bright Angel corridor, staying at Phantom Ranch or completing a traditional Rim-to-Rim hike, you may need to postpone that particular adventure.
But for the overwhelming majority of visitors, a Grand Canyon trip doesn't require hiking to the bottom.
The views are still here.
The sunsets are still here.
The enormous walls, deep shadows and miles of canyon landscape are still waiting.
Grand Canyon Flood Closures: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Grand Canyon open after the flood?
Yes. Grand Canyon National Park remains open, and the South Rim is open year-round. Some areas of the inner canyon are closed because of damage from the August 29, 2026, flash flood.
What is open at the Grand Canyon after the flood?
The South Rim, many scenic overlooks, Rim Trail areas and Desert View remain accessible. Desert View Drive is also open to vehicles.
What is closed at the Grand Canyon?
The North Kaibab Trail, portions of the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails, sections of the River Trail, Black Bridge, Silver Bridge, Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground are currently closed.
Is Phantom Ranch open?
No. Phantom Ranch, including its cabins and Canteen, is currently closed following the flood.
Can I still hike the Grand Canyon?
Yes. Several portions of the Bright Angel, South Kaibab, Plateau Point and Tonto trails remain open. Hikers should check current NPS conditions before starting a hike.
Can I stay overnight inside Grand Canyon National Park?
Overnight concession lodging was halted following the flood because of water-supply issues related to damage to the Transcanyon Waterline.
Can I stay in Tusayan?
Yes! Tusayan remains a convenient gateway community for visitors traveling to the South Rim.
Should I cancel my Grand Canyon trip because of the flood?
If your plans center on the South Rim, scenic overlooks, rim walks, sightseeing or guided tours, many of the experiences visitors come to the Grand Canyon for remain available.
When will the closed trails reopen?
The National Park Service has not announced estimated reopening dates for all flood-damaged areas. Reopening decisions will depend on conditions on the ground and the park's ability to safely restore access.
This article was updated September 8, 2026. Grand Canyon conditions, trail closures, water restrictions and available services can change quickly. Always check current National Park Service conditions before your visit.