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The list below reflects seasonal changes and will be updated when water is turned on or off.

• North Kaibab Trailhead: water turned ON
• Supai Tunnel: water turned ON
• Roaring Springs Day Use Area: water turned ON
• Cottonwood Campground: water turned ON
• Bright Angel Campground:ON year-round (except when being repaired)
• Indian Garden: ON year-round (except when being repaired)
• Bright Angel Trail, Three-Mile Resthouse: water turned ON
• Bright Angel Trail, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse: water turned ON
• Bright Angel Trailhead: ON
• South Kaibab Trailhead: ON

Seasonal water stations are usually turned off for the winter sometime between Oct 10th and 30th dependent on location and associated temperatures.

Water available (year-round) on the South Rim at the Backcountry Information Center in the lobby. Water available (year-round) on the North Rim outside the Backcountry Information Center. Additional water bottle filling stations can be found on the Go “Green” and Refill Your Water Bottles web page.

Plan Ahead and Prepare: A backup method to treat water, should the pipeline break, must always be included as part of your first aid kit. Backcountry hikers should always carry extra water.

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After heavy rains, usually during the summer (July and August) and winter (December through March) months, expect impassable backcountry roads. If clear skies abound after the rain, then it is often just a matter of days until the sun dries everything out. Sometimes, heavy rain can lead to flooding, which can cause erosion of the roadbed and can delay access.

Other considerations for visitors travelling on remote backcountry roads include high clearance, such as may be needed on Forest Road 328 to South Bass Trailhead (limestone ledges) and on the final approach to Toroweap overlook (sandstone knobs and ledges).

Finally, consider elevation of the road that you will be travelling on, especially during the winter months. Roads in the 6,500 to 8,000 foot range may be impassable due to a snowpack, where lower elevations roads (below 6,000 feet) will see deteriorated road conditions due to rain.

Always check road conditions with the Backcountry Information Center before heading out to remote trailheads, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, and be adaptable and prepared for the worst. High clearance, four-wheel drive is usually recommended for roads to remote trailheads.

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It is not uncommon for trees to fall and block access to remote trailheads. When you encounter a road blocked by fallen trees, what should you do?

• Report the location and diameter of the tree to Grand Canyon park dispatch (928-638-7805) as soon as possible. The park will assign staff to clear the road.
• If an appropriate (not blocking the road and not damaging vegetation) place to park is available, park your vehicle and continue to the trailhead on foot.
• Do not drive off-road attempting to bypass the obstacle, doing so can cause resource damage.

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The W-4 and W-1 roads are open. Point Sublime and Swamp Point are now accessible. The roads are dry (no mud).The North Rim has had a lot of wind lately and in the remote areas trees could fall and block roads. Check with the North Rim Backcountry Information Center before heading out to a remote trail head. Always be prepared for emergency situations, and carry extra food and water.

The last day for most concessioner services and regularly scheduled ranger-led programs will be October 15, 2013. The National Park Service will continue its operations including the North Rim Visitor Center and Bookstore, as well as the Backcountry Permits Office through October 31. November 1 through December 1 the North Rim will be open for day use (no overnight parking) only unless snow closes Highway 67 prior to that date. From November 1 through December 1 pay-at-the-pump gas and diesel will still be available and visitors will continue to have access to Point Imperial and Bright Angel viewpoints, as well as the North Kaibab Trailhead. Camping will be available to those that walk or hike in (no car camping) at the North Rim Campground and Yurt, provided a backcountry use permit has been obtained – these permits will continue to be available through the South Rim Backcountry Information Center, and at the visitor Center at Pipe Spring National Monument located in Fredonia, Arizona.

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View full post on nps.gov – Grand Canyon National Park – News Releases