Grand Canyon's North Rim will open later than usual this year. Here's when and why.

Jill Cassidy, Arizona Republic

People looking forward to visiting the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will have to wait a little longer this year.

The rim's seasonal closureusually begins in mid-October and ends in mid-May. However, this year, it is scheduled to open on June 2 because of a record amount of snow.

More than 20 feetof snow had fallen by early April. The delay is needed so that State Route 67 can be plowed and staff can reopen the lodge and other visitor facilities.

“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our neighbors and visitors with this delay as our partners and park staff work to open the North Rim roads, trails, and facilities safely,” Superintendent Ed Keable said in a statement.

Here's what visitors should know.

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Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park was covered with snow and icicles on April 4, 2023. The North Rim has so far received more than 250 inches of accumulated snowfall this winter.
Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park was covered with snow and icicles on April 4, 2023. The North Rim has so far received more than 250 inches of accumulated snowfall this winter.

When will lodge, roads and trails open?

The park announced the following schedule on April 7:

April 12-June 2

  • North Kaibab Trail is closed from Cottonwood Campground to the North Kaibab Trailhead. The North Kaibab Trail and North Rim pipeline were damaged by rockfall and landslides, making many areas unsafe and impassable. This closure will allow repairs to take place. Hikers will not be permitted through this area for any reason.

June 2

  • The Visitor Contact Station will reopen and daily ranger-led programs will resume.

  • The Grand Canyon Conservancy Bookstore will reopen.

  • The Backcountry Information Center will reopen.

  • Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, including lodging, groceries, retail, dining, shower, laundry and the gas station are anticipated to open. The lodge dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with reservations required for dinner.

  • Mule rides will resume. Contact Grand Canyon Trail Ride at 435-679-8665 or canyonrides.com for details.

June 9

  • The North Rim Campground will reopen. Make reservations by calling 877-444-6777 or at recreation.gov. Reservations for Demotte Campground, 7 miles north of the park entrance in Kaibab National Forest, can be made at recreation.gov.

July 1

  • The Cape Royal and Point Imperial roads will reopen. Snow removal and road repairs will keep those roads closed until this date.

  • Access to the Widforss Trail, Point Sublime, the North Bass Trailhead and other destinations on the Kaibab Plateau within the park will reopen after downed trees blocking the routes are removed.

What to do if you have 2023 Grand Canyon North Rim reservations

Reach Jill Cassidy at jill.cassidy@arizonarepublic.com or follow @JillHikes on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Grand Canyon's North Rim opening delayed until June

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