Grand Canyon prepares for the busy season as visitation increases
GRAND CANYON (AZFamily) — Grand Canyon National Park is preparing for the busy summer season after dealing with staffing issues earlier this year.
Preps are underway as the park saw visitation numbers increase again last year. In 2024, 200,000 more people visited than the previous year, bringing total visitation to 4.9 million.
The Grand Canyon was bustling with people on Thursday as wait times to enter the park pushed 25 minutes and parking lots filled up.
Ellen Cervone, visiting from New York for the first time, wasn’t expecting much. But when she arrived, she was awestruck.
“I have to tell you, I was like, ‘eh.’ I got here and I was like, ‘WOW, holy mackerel,’ this is amazing,” Cervone said.
April is busy at the canyon with spring breakers and increasing temperatures. Park Public Affairs Officer Joelle Baird says the Grand Canyon is already experiencing higher visitation than usual as they head into the busy season.
“This is what we call our ramp-up season,” Baird said. “We’re bracing for our peak visitation time of year, which is traditionally Memorial Day through Labor Day.”
However, national parks across the country have been dealing with staffing issues.
In February, about 1,000 federal employees were laid off at national parks and forests across the country, including the Grand Canyon. Many employees were later reinstated.
Baird says staff levels are still lower than usual, but she’s thankful that seasonal employees will be returning soon.
“So, really they play an integral piece of communicating to the public, but also just providing essential park services for all visitors during the peak summer season,” Baird said.
Baird said all park staff members play a vital role, from search and rescue to research, maintenance, and more.
Other parks in Arizona have had to limit hours or close facilities. Saguaro National Park has had to close its visitor center on Mondays because of staffing cuts. The Grand Canyon hasn’t had any staffing-related closures.
Because of the Transcanyon Waterline project, some campsites are closed inside the canyon, and others are reopening. Visitors will need to use the Black Bridge to cross the Colorado River through Sept. 30.
Baird said people should always check for closures ahead of time. You can find that information on the park’s website here. She also suggests visitors plan ahead of time, bring plenty of water, and know their limits in the heat.
“Heat is the biggest influencing factor,” Baird said. “Really just trying to be mindful and being prepared.”
So if you plan on visiting the Grand Canyon, Baird suggests arriving by 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. to avoid long lines.
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