Grand Canyon’s east entrance to reopen
Grand Canyon National Park’s east entrance — the location of the historic Desert View Watchtower — has been closed for most of the pandemic, but visitors can now use it again. It reopened on Thursday, April 8.
Since April 1, 2020, the east entrance and State Route 64, the scenic highway that leads to, have been closed in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions on the Navajo Nation. The park closed the entrance to discourage travelers from passing through the reservation, which had imposed lockdown and curfew regulations.
The reopening was announced Wednesday by park Superintendent Ed Keable and was based on input from tribal and state officials and community members.
“Over the past year, we have continued to coordinate with local Cameron Chapter and tribal officials from the Navajo Nation, as well as other stakeholders and business leaders on the east gate closure,” Keable said in a press release. “As vaccine rollouts continue, we recognize the need to normalize our operations and allow for visitors to have a drive-through option on Highway 64.”
What to know about the east entrance to Grand Canyon opening
Only state and federal highways that traverse the Navajo Reservation are open to visitors. All other roads are open to residents only. COVID-19 safety guidelines, including a mask requirement, are in place on the reservation. Get information and updates at https://www.navajo-nsn.gov.
The Desert View Watchtower, Desert View Campground and all services — including food and gas — at the east entrance will stay closed until further notice.
Lodging and services in the park are available in Grand Canyon Village 25 miles to the west. Outside the park, lodging, food and gas are available in Cameron, 30 miles east on the Navajo Reservation.
Visitors arriving at the east entrance must pay with a credit card, Your Pass Now or America the Beautiful pass. Cash is not accepted.
Details: https://www.nps.gov/grca. You can connect with Arizona Republic Culture and Outdoors Reporter Shanti Lerner through email at shanti.lerner@gannett.com or you can also follow her on Twitter.