Grand Canyon’s North Rim unlikely to open on time
One of the traditional signs of spring in northern Arizona, the seasonal reopening of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, isn’t likely to happen on schedule this year.
Usually the gates to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park open on May 15, but the entire park has been shut down since April 1 in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Even though the park will not be open, the Arizona Department of Transportation plans to reopen State Route 67 on May 15.
SR 67 is the winding, 43-mile stretch of highway leading south from U.S. 89A in Jacob Lake. The road, which passes through a high-altitude area that sees more snow than most places in northern Arizona (an average of about 9 feet each year) closes for the winter.
It provides access to the Arizona Trail and other recreation opportunities in Kaibab National Forest. Visitors should keep in mind that campgrounds in the forest are closed as a result of the outbreak and campfires are banned due to seasonal fire risks.
SR 67 offers spectacular views and was designated a scenic highway by the state in 1985 and by the Federal Highway Administration in 1998.
Grand Canyon National Park remains closed, however.
On May 5, the park’s website updated the suspension of Colorado River rafting trips through June 13. The previous date had been May 21.
According to the park’s website, the possibility of resuming rafting trips will be revisited periodically to provide up to 30 days notice to give companies and individuals time to prepare for trips.