10/03/2025
Grand Canyon is open during the shutdown!
Here’s what you need to know (Updated: October 2):
The park itself is open, and no entry fees are being collected, though some attendants may still be at the gates.
Shuttle buses are running, campgrounds are open (fees still collected), and all concessions like lodging, restaurants, grocery stores, and gift shops remain open.
🚨 The Backcountry Office is currently open, previously issued permits are still valid. As of Oct 2nd, no new permits will be issued. Subject to change. 🚨
Commercial river trips are still launching, and work on the Transcanyon Waterline continues.
Closed: All NPS visitor centers, ranger-led programs, and NPS-operated buildings. Restrooms and some other facilities may also be closed or only partly accessible.
Grand Canyon Conservancy operations are continuing as usual, with programs, classes, and events still happening (some relocated due to the Visitor Center closure). GCC-operated buildings remain open, including Kolb Studio, Desert View Watchtower, and all retail stores.
Food and dining hours inside the park:
Maswik Food Court: 6 am – 9 pm
Maswik Pizza Pub: 12 – 10 pm (food until 9:30 pm)
Bright Angel Fountain: 5:30 am – 6 pm
Harvey House Café/Burger: 6:30 – 10 am (breakfast), 11 am – 4 pm (lunch), 4 – 9 pm (dinner)
Fred Harvey Tavern: 11 am – 10 pm (food until 9 pm)
Arizona Steakhouse: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm (lunch), 4:30 – 9 pm (dinner)
El Tovar Dining Room & Lounge: Breakfast 6:30 – 10 am, Lunch 11 am – 2:30 pm, Dinner 4:30 – 9:30 pm, Lounge 11 am – 10 pm (food until 9:30 pm)
Retail hours:
Maswik Gift: 8 am – 8 pm
Bright Angel Gift Shop: 7 am – 9 pm
History Room: 9 am – 5 pm
Lookout Studio: 9 am – 5 pm
Hermit’s Rest: 9 am – 5 or 5:30pm (or 7pm, double-check before committing)
El Tovar Gift: 8 am – 9 pm
Hopi House: 9 am – 7 pm
Delaware North (Yavapai area):
Yavapai Dining Hall: 7 – 10:30 am (breakfast), 4:30 – 8:30 pm (dinner)
Yavapai Tavern & Patio: 11 am – 9 pm
Coffee Shop: 6 am – 3 pm
Canyon Village Market: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm (Deli until 5:30 pm)
Camper Services: 7 am – 8 pm
Mather Campground Store: 7 am – 8 pm
It’s not clear how long the shutdown will last, or if custodial rangers will be furloughed (last time, they were not considered essential). For now, we all need to do our part to keep the park clean:
Don’t overflow trash cans
Pack out what you bring in, even if it means holding bottles or wrappers until you’re outside the park
Stay flexible and self-sufficient with your plans
Leaving trash behind only adds to the workload of already understaffed rangers and harms the park’s environment and wildlife.
Plan ahead, take care of yourself, and take care of the canyon. That way everyone can safely enjoy this incredible place during yet another government tantrum—uh, shutdown.
