Grand Canyon Park announces Hermit Road to open to private vehicles during winter

Access to Yaki Point and South Kaibab Trail to Remain Closed

GRAND CANYON - Park Superintendent Joseph Alston announced that Hermit Road will reopen to private vehicles on Dec. 1 and remain open to private vehicles through Feb. 28. National Park Service (NPS) shuttle buses do not operate on Hermit Road during this time.

Although the NPS has opened the road to Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trailhead parking lot to private vehicles during the months of December, January and February in the past, due to parking and road congestion the road will remain closed this winter. During this closure the NPS will evaluate operational issues and will look for long term solutions during the South Rim Transportation Planning effort. Information about this planning effort can be reviewed online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/grca.

Parking at the South Kaibab Trailhead will be considered for overnight backpackers and visitors with a reservation at phantom ranch during the winter months on a case-by-case basis as determined by the park's Backcountry Information Center. Information and authorization for overnight parking at the trailhead can be obtained by stopping by or calling the Backcountry Information Center at (928) 638-7875 (M-F - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. MST). Please have your vehicle license plate information on hand prior to requesting parking at the South Kaibab Trailhead. Accessibility Permits for Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trailhead are also available to those with accessibility considerations and are available at visitor contact stations throughout the park. Those with resident stickers issued by the NPS will also be able to park overnight at the trailhead.

Overnight backcountry visitors who are going down the South Kaibab Trail and coming up the Bright Angel Trail can park at the Backcountry Information Center. The Hikers Express Bus departs the Backcountry Information Center for the Kaibab Trail at 8:10 and 9:10 a.m. during December, January and February. Those wishing to catch the Hiker Express Bus at Bright Angel Lodge may do so at 8 and 9 a.m.

The park's free shuttle bus will continue to provide visitors with access to Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trailhead throughout the winter months. From December through February the Village shuttle bus route, which provides service throughout the Grand Canyon Village including Canyon View Visitor Center - with connecting service to the South Kaibab Trailhead, park hotels, restaurants and gift shops runs every 30 minutes from one hour before sunrise to 8 a.m. The shuttle then runs every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Kaibab Trail route provides access to Yaki Point and the South Kaibab Trailhead and runs every 30 minutes from one hour before sunrise to 6:30 a.m. and then every 15 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to one hour after sunset.

For a complete shuttle bus schedule, route map and parking information, visitors should refer to the park's publication The Guide, available at entrance stations, park information centers, and online at http://www.nps.gov/grca.

Overnight backcountry users and other visitors also have access to 24-hour taxi service through Xanterra South Rim, LLC (Xanterra) for a fee. A public telephone is available at the South Kaibab Trailhead. Taxi service can be arranged by calling Xanterra at (928) 638-2631.