North Kaibab Trail Reopened

On Thursday February 27th the Nat'l Park Service at the Grand Canyon announced that the North Kaibab Trail has now been reopened - but with restrictions.

The North Kaibab Trail was damaged in early January when a twenty foot section of the trail was hit with a rock slide about three miles north of Phanton Ranch. The trail had remained open to foot traffic while trail repairs were scheduled, but then the NPS closed the trail for hiker safety (as well as trail crew safety issues).

Then, during the winter storms of February 21-26th another rock fall occurred within the same closed area. This rock fall damaged the 3rd bridge north of Phantom Ranch as more rock had fallen on a 60 foot section of the bridge and damaged 80-90 feet of railing. Trail crews worked quickly to remove the debris and stabilize the bridge. The trail is now open to foot traffic and hikers are advised to use caution due to uneven footing in the area - the trail is still closed to all private cross-canyon stock (horse & mule) use until further notice.

Hikers are further advised to check with the backcountry office at (928) 638-7875 for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions.

Tanner Trail remains closed at this time (see the February 4, 2008 listing), and Hermit Trail restrictions are scheduled to begin April 1st (see the January 2008 Update below for more details). 


Trail Crew works on North Kaibab Trail (NPS Photo)