Trail Closure: Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Point Trail closes on June 21

Closure during repairs

Starting Friday, June 21, the Bright Angel Point Trail on the North Rim, leading to Bright Angel Point, will be closed for construction. Grand Canyon National Park says the closure is essential to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors during an “extensive repair effort” to the trail.

The trail will be inaccessible to all pedestrian traffic as National Park Service (NPS) personnel work on replacing asphalt, moving large rocks, and operating equipment. The NPS urges visitors to adhere to designated trails and not to bypass or go around closures.

This phase of the construction project is anticipated to be continue through November 2024. However, schedules and closures may change or be delayed due to weather conditions and other circumstances. For the most current information on trail closures, Grand Canyon invites recreationists to check the park’s website at NPS Grand Canyon North Rim or visit the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk.

Nearby trails and viewpoints

The Bright Angel Point Trail, located a quarter mile from the Grand Canyon Lodge, is often the first scenic viewpoint visitors experience upon arriving at the North Rim and thus a popular North Rim trail. Recreationists are free to view, visit, and hike these nearby trails during the Bright Angel Point Trail closure:

• Transept Trail: This 3.7-mile out-and-back trail traverses the opposite direction as Bright Angel from the same trailhead to just past the North Rim Campground.
• Grand Canyon Bridle Path: This trail, rated easy, follows near the Grand Canyon Highway, also toward the campground and back for a 3.2-mile out-and-back. Leashed dogs are welcome to hike this trail.
• North Rim-to-Rim Trailhead: Back up the highway and also at the turn-around point on the Grand Canyon Bridle Path, check out the famed North Rim rim-to-rim trailhead. Maybe take a short walk along the start of the trail. Trails starting here are difficult and long. They descend down into the Canyon and any out-and-back hike requires a climb out. Do not head too far down this trail without proper training and planning.

Before your visit to the Grand Canyon, visit the national park’s website to be sure of closures and restrictions in real time. The park forecasts triple-digit heat below 4000 feet. Visitor Centers and presentations may operate at different times daily and weekly.