Services resume at Phantom Ranch after pipeline breaks

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. - Grand Canyon National Park completed repairs to the Trans-Canyon water pipeline after a break in the pipeline caused a water shortage at Phantom Ranch on Dec. 11.

Phantom Ranch is located in the bottom of Grand Canyon and is widely visited by many hikers.

Inclement weather delayed equipment from reaching repair crews.

Repairs were completed Dec. 13.

While repairs were being made, park officials warned hikers going to Phantom Ranch and on other trails in the Canyon to be self-sufficient and prepared to carry or treat their drinking water. During the pipeline break all of Grand Canyon National Park trails remained open.

Xanterra South Rim LLC temporarily suspended its Phantom Ranch overnight accommodations and services due to the water shortage at the ranch.  

Water restrictions were lifted upon completion of the repairs and Xanterra has resumed normal operations.

Pipeline breaks are not uncommon and the National Park Service is usually able to maintain operations without significant disruptions to visitors. All other park operations remain normal and park trails remain open.

Park officials encourage hikers to be prepared and practice smart hiking. More information on safe hiking tips is available at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hike-tips.htm.

The National Weather Service predicts continued low cloud cover and fog and visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less throughout the week.

Visitors planning a trip to Phantom Ranch in the next several days may also contact the park's Backcountry Information Center (928)-638-7875 and/or Xanterra South Rim LLC (928)-638-2631.