FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOENIX (May 14, 2026) — Following extensive restoration work, Grand Canyon National Park officials will officially open the gate to the iconic park’s North Rim tomorrow (May 15) at 6 a.m., signaling the start of the area’s annual summer visitor season.

Although the North Rim closes for the winter and reopens in late spring every year, this year’s gate raising takes on special significance, as it marks the first time the public has been granted access to the area since the Dragon Bravo Fire swept across the region last year.

Governor Katie Hobbs stated, “As an international symbol of Arizona, the reopening of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim this year holds special significance. It reflects the resilience of the landscape and the tireless dedication of the teams working to restore access to this iconic part of the park. This is a proud moment for all Arizonans, and I’m thrilled that visitors from near and far can once again experience the awe-inspiring beauty found only here.”

May 2026: Views from the North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park
Full Size & Additional Images for Coverage Here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1o-wajz8uJUVmsY6NOJx6OvLTW4tHdKzp?usp=drive_link

Helpful Planning Tips for Visitors:
• If You Go: Plan Accordingly – It is imperative that any visitors plan to be entirely self-sufficient when visiting the North Rim. There is no power and no potable water, so water containers and fuel tanks should be filled at Jacob Lake Inn (https://jacoblake.com/) or the North Rim Country Store (https://www.facebook.com/northrimcountrystore/). Pack out all trash, as waste collection services are limited.
• Scenic Drives – All paved roadways are open, including Highway 67, Cape Royal, and Point Imperial Roads, which provide access to many of the North Rim’s iconic viewpoints, including Point Imperial, Cape Royal, Roosevelt Point, Walhalla Overlook and Angels Window.
• North Kaibab Trail – The trail is undergoing extensive redevelopment work. Only experienced hikers should consider attempting the trail at this time. Hikers are advised to stay on designated paths as crews continue stabilization work. Private stock and mule trips remain suspended.
• Camping – Cottonwood Campground is open as an overnight option for hikers traveling along the North Kaibab Trail. The North Rim Campground is not open, but is expected to follow with a phased opening for tent and RV camping later this season.
• Overnight Lodging Options – North Rim overnight lodging will not be available during the 2026 season; however, lodging is available outside the park. The nearest lodging, fuel, food, and water are available at the Kaibab Lodge (https://www.kaibablodge.com/), North Rim Country Store (https://www.facebook.com/northrimcountrystore/), and Jacob Lake Inn (https://jacoblake.com/).
• Get the Official Guide – Obtain the NPS Pocket Guide to visiting the North Rim, which has been updated for the 2026 visitor season:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TCnPXQX2ZBOsFGtnw5GunzMBpP4edDS-/view?usp=drive_link

Media Contact:
Josh Coddington
Phone: (480) 438-4700
Email: jcoddington@tourism.az.gov

About the Arizona Office of Tourism:
The Arizona Office of Tourism works to strengthen and grow Arizona’s economy through travel and tourism promotion, positioning Arizona as the leading tourism destination for domestic and international travelers. In 2024, tourism employed more than 193,800 Arizonans and contributed over $4.3 billion in tax revenue to our federal, state, and local economies.

For more information, visit VisitArizona.com or tourism.az.gov.