UPDATE: Pipeline Break in Grand Canyon National Park Results in Continued Suspension of Phantom Ranch Operations

Pipeline Break in Grand Canyon National Park Leads to Water Shortage at Phantom Ranch
Date: June 28, 2013
Contact: Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, 928-638-7958
Contact: Vanya Pryputniewicz, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, AZ –As a result of a series of breaks in the Trans-Canyon Water Pipeline, Phantom Ranch at the bottom of Grand Canyon is currently experiencing a water shortage. Visitors hiking to Phantom Ranch must be self-sufficient and be prepared to carry or treat all drinking water.

In consultation with the National Park Service, Xanterra South Rim LLC has temporarily suspended its Phantom Ranch overnight accommodations and services.

All Grand Canyon National Park trails remain open. However, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning between 10 am Friday and 8 pm Sunday with temperatures reaching 114-117 degrees within the park along the Colorado River. The National Park Service encourages all hikers to be prepared and to Hike Smart. More information is available on the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-tips.htm.

The National Park Service expects pipeline repairs to be completed allowing normal Phantom Ranch operations to resume as early as Saturday, June 29. Visitors should call the recorded information hotline for current status at (928)-638-7688.

All other park operations remain normal. Visitors planning a trip to Phantom Ranch in the next several days may also contact the park's Backcountry Information Center (928)-638-7875 and/or Xanterra South Rim LLC (928)-638-2631.

Grand Canyon, AZ –As a result of a series of breaks in the Trans-Canyon Water Pipeline, Phantom Ranch at the bottom of Grand Canyon continues to experience a water shortage.

Visitors hiking to Phantom Ranch must be self-sufficient and be prepared to carry or treat all drinking water. Xanterra South Rim LLC continues temporary suspension of its Phantom Ranch overnight accommodations and services. Hikers on the North Kaibab Trail should also be aware that water is temporarily unavailable at Roaring Springs Day Use Area and Cottonwood Campground.

All Grand Canyon National Park trails remain open. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning between 10 am Friday and 8 pm Sunday with temperatures reaching 116-119 degrees within the park along the Colorado River. The National Park Service encourages all hikers to be prepared and to Hike Smart. More information is available on the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-tips.htm.

The National Park Service will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. Visitors should call the recorded information hotline for current status at (928)-638-7688.

All other park operations remain normal. Visitors planning a trip to Phantom Ranch in the next several days may also contact the park's Backcountry Information Center (928)-638-7875 and/or Xanterra South Rim LLC (928)-638-2631.

Pipeline Repair Complete at Grand Canyon National Park Services Resume at Phantom Ranch
Date: June 29, 2013
Contact: Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, 928-638-7958
Contact: Vanya Pryputniewicz, 928-638-7628

Grand Canyon, AZ –Grand Canyon National Park staff have completed repairs to the Trans-Canyon Water Pipeline. Crews are monitoring the re-pressurization of the pipeline, which should be completed by noon on Sunday, June 30. Xanterra South Rim LLC will resume operations Sunday; guests at Phantom Ranch are being advised that water restrictions may resume if another break occurs during re-pressurization.

Visitors hiking to Phantom Ranch should be self-sufficient and be prepared to treat all drinking water. Water has been restored along the North Kaibab Trail at Roaring Springs Day Use Area and Cottonwood Campground, but hikers should be prepared for intermittent outages.

All Grand Canyon trails remain open and all other park operations remain normal. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning through 8 pm Sunday. Extreme temperatures of up to 116 degrees are expected within the park along the Colorado River. The National Park Service encourages all hikers to be prepared and to Hike Smart. More information is available on the park website at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-tips.htm.