Heavy Monsoonal Rain Causes Trail Damage to Grand Canyon Trails

Date: September 10, 2013
Contact: Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, AZ – Recent heavy monsoonal rainfall has caused damage to portions of the South Kaibab Trail approximately one-half mile below Cedar Ridge and to the North Kaibab Trail below Supai Tunnel.

Both trails remain open to foot traffic but are currently impassible to livestock. The park does not expect to complete trail repairs for stock use until early October. Hikers are reminded to use caution when hiking into the canyon on any trail during and after heavy rainfall. Rockslides, mudslides, unstable footing, and flooded washes are just a few of the obstacles that hikers may encounter along the trail.

Forecasters are calling for more rain this week across parts of the Kaibab Plateau, which could lead to additional trail damage and will also create wet and muddy trail conditions and a greater chance of slips, trips, and falls. Rainfall-caused rockslides can also cause damage to the park's water pipeline that serves the corridor trails; therefore, hikers should always bring a method to treat water.

Hikers are asked to use caution when hiking on any trail in the park, to consider physical fitness and ability, and always check the status of trails before beginning a hike.

For more information about hiking safety at Grand Canyon please visit the hiking page on our website. Current trail conditions and information about hiking in the backcountry can be found at http://go.nps.gov/grcabackcountry.

Grand Canyon, AZ – Recent heavy monsoonal rainfall caused damage to portions of the South Kaibab Trail approximately one-half mile below Cedar Ridge closing the trail to livestock use. Trail crews have completed work to remove debris from the trail. The trail is now open to livestock as well as foot traffic.

Additional rainfall could result in future damage or debris on the trail. Hikers are reminded to use caution when hiking on any trail in the park during or after heavy rain. Wet, muddy, and debris scattered trail conditions can lead to greater chances of slips, trips, and falls. Before beginning a hike, always check the status of the trails and the weather forecast.

For more information about hiking safety at Grand Canyon please visit the hiking page on our website. Current trail conditions and information about hiking in the backcountry can be found at http://go.nps.gov/grcabackcountry.