Officials at Grand Canyon National Park will reopen limited visitor access to the South Rim over the weekend after closing the park last month to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Between Friday and next Monday traffic will be allowed into the park from 6 to 10 a.m. Several South Rim viewpoints, picnic areas and restroom facilities will be accessible to visitors.
"This initial reopening phase will increase access to our public lands in a responsible way by offering the main feature of the park for the public, the view of the canyon, while reducing the potential exposure of COVID-19 to our nearly 2,500 residents," said Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable in a press release.
Hiking trails, however, will remain closed along with Colorado River access, Desert View Watchtower and some other areas. Commercial services will also remain shuttered.
Officials closed the park to visitors last month to protect the approximately 2,500 area residents and employees. Officials say a return to full operations will be phased in.
