Grand Canyon Hiking Plans Foiled? Trail closure changes 2025 hiking plans.

Attention all adventurers! Grand Canyon National Park has announced extended trail closures that could throw a wrench in your hiking plans. This video dives into the details of the closures, including the River Trail, Silver Bridge, and parts of the Bright Angel Trail, which are now off-limits until October 1, 2025. We'll explore how these closures impact popular rim-to-rim hikes, access to Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Campground. Plus, we'll share alternative routes and tips to help you navigate the canyon safely during this time. Don't let these changes catch you off guard—watch now to stay informed and plan your next Grand Canyon adventure!

• Recently announced, but not well publicized, trail closures at Grand Canyon may foil the plans of some rim to rim hikers, as well as hikers going to Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground.

• There are two main routes from South Rim to the Colorado River, Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail. Although a lot of people think that Bright Angel Trail goes all the way to Phantom Ranch, the actual name of the trail that takes you from Pipe Creek Beach to Silver Bridge is River Trail, which was built by the CCC in the 1930's.

• Originally, River Trail hooked up with South Kaibab and visitors crossed Black Bridge to get to Phantom, but in 1965 Silver Bridge was built to carry the transcanyon pipeline across the Colorado River.

• Bright Angel Trail was scheduled to fully open on May 15, 2025, but on April 9, the Park Service announced that River Trail, from Pipe Creek Beach up to and including Silver Bridge will be closed until at least October 1, 2025.

• Many hikers, like me, had planned to use Bright Angel Trail for their rim to rim hikes. It is easier on the legs for an older hiker, plus it has more shade and multiple points to get treated water.

• Now, all rim to rim and Phantom Ranch traffic will be restricted to South Kaibab Trail.

• The good news is starting May 15, hikers will be able to hike to the river at Pipe Creek Beach, a very pleasant hike, but just like before the river trail was built, their hike will end there. They will not be able to access Phantom Ranch or the North Rim using Bright Angel Trail.

• The park service also announced the composting toilets at Supai Tunnel on North Kaibab Trail will be closed for repairs.

• You cannot drive to South Kaibab Trailhead, but must either park 3/4 of a mile away with limited parking, or take a bus with limited hours and capacity. Last year, when Bright Angel Trail was also closed that bus got pretty packed in the warmer months.

• Additionally, rather than increasing parking opportunities and bus service during the increased traffic on South Kaibab Trail, the park service reduced bus service and built barriers to stop hikers from parking to walk to the trailhead. I have a separate video about how to get to South Kaibab Trail.

• Hikers can also expect much more crowded conditions on South Kaibab trail when it is the only Route from the South Rim to the River.

• These closures have not been very well publicized, you need to go several pages deep into the Park’s website to find any mention, so hopefully this video will help people planning to make this hike this year aware and able to adjust their plans accordingly.