As of Tuesday, March 12, the southwest trailhead (near the mule corral) will be reopened for all hiker and mule access. Towards the end of the week, the northeast trailhead, near Kolb Studio, will be closed in order to complete the burial of utilities, and to reclaim the path, which was modified to accommodate mule traffic.
Fencing will be erected and detour signs posted, directing all Bright Angel Trail access to the southwest trailhead, near the corral. The closure of the northeast trailhead near Kolb Studio is anticipated to be in effect through mid April. Access will be maintained to Kolb Studio from the Rim Trail to the east.
Significant progress has been made on the Bright Angel Trailhead rehabilitation project on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, including reconstruction of two stone masonry walls, one near Kolb Studio and one along the Bright Angel Trail; completion of parking lot paving between the Bright Angel cabins and the trailhead; completion of the accessible trail from Village Loop Road to the southwest trailhead; completion of the shade shelters and an identity sign at the southwest trailhead. The two restroom buildings are substantially complete. The overall project is on schedule and should completed by mid May, 2013.
The next major milestone, is completion of the underground burial of utilities and a critical tie-in to the Kolb Studio. Remaining site work includes site grading, setting boulders and paving of the concrete plaza and asphalt Rim Trail.
For additional information on this project, please contact Vicki Stinson, Project Manager at 928-638-7364.