Navajo-Hopi Observer

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - Arizona State Route 67, leading to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, will close for the season on Monday, Dec. 1. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the road could be closed earlier if heavy snows occur in the area prior to the closure date.

Most facilities at the North Rim closed Oct. 15. However, scenic roadways and overlooks, as well as pay-at-the-pump fuel services, camping, backcountry permitting, and gift and bookstores have remained open in order to provide basic services until the road closes for the season.

State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open on May 15, 2009. Facilities on the South Rim and in the inner canyon remain open year-round.

The North Rim campground will still be available for winter camping, and is accessible via inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by cross-country skiing and snowshoeing - a 45 mile trip from Jacob Lake. To camp at the North Rim during the winter months, visitors will need a backcountry permit, which can be obtained from the Backcountry Information Center located at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Permit requests can be faxed year-round to (928) 638-2125. Backcountry permits for North Rim winter camping are also available at Pipe Spring National Monument in Fredonia or at the Bureau of Land Management District Office in St. George, Utah; however, you must obtain your permit in person and several days in advance at these locations.

For additional information on winter camping on the North Rim, please call the Backcountry Information Center at (928) 638-7875, between the hours of 1 - 5 p.m. MST, weekdays, excluding holidays.

For additional information on Grand Canyon National Park, please call (928) 638-7888 or visit the park's web site at www.nps.gov/grca where a copy of the park's Trip Planner can be downloaded.