Hikers standing in the entrance to the Cave of the Domes on Horseshoe Mesa.
NPS Photo by Michael Quinn
Grand Canyon, Ariz. –The National Park Service (NPS) has reopened Cave of the Domes in Grand Canyon National Park. Cave of the Domes, the only cave open to the public within Grand Canyon National Park, has been closed since March 23 to investigate the area as a possible source for a hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) exposure. The NPS Office of Public Health has determined the cave was not the source and it can reopen.
Although the cave has reopened, the NPS Office of Public Health recommends that precautions should be taken in wilderness areas or other places that harbor mice. To prevent HPS, public health officials advise the following:
- When camping or recreating outside, do not sleep or spend time in close proximity to rodent nests, burrows, or in areas of heavy rodent activity.
- Do not make food or garbage easily available to rodents.
- If rodent droppings or nests are found in and around the home or other buildings, do not stir the area up by vacuuming or sweeping. Spray the area liberally with a disinfectant (such as 1 part bleach to 9 parts water) and allow to soak for at least 15 minutes.
- After disinfecting, wear rubber gloves and use disposable materials such as paper towels or rags to clean, and seal all materials in double plastic bags before disposal.
Cave of the Domes, located near Horseshoe Mesa at the end of the Grandview Trail, is the only cave open to the public in Grand Canyon National Park. Old mines located near Horseshoe Mesa and throughout the park are also closed. With the exception of Cave of the Domes, permits are required to enter caves in Grand Canyon National Park due to the extremely sensitive nature of cultural and natural resources inside.
For questions about hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, please contact the Coconino County Public Health Services District at 928 679-8750 or Martin Stephens, NPS Office of Public Health at 928 638-7355.
