As Arizona welcomes autumn, park officials at the Grand Canyon are preparing for the annual phase down of services on the North Rim.

The North Rim will close for winter on December 1. The seasonal shutdown of most visitor services will start with Grand Canyon Lodge, which will serve it’s last meal on the morning of Monday, October 16th.

The last trail rides on the North Rim will be Sunday, October 15, while the lodge gift shop, campground sites, visitor center and backcountry information center will be closed after Tuesday, October 31.

The North Rim will remain open though the month of November for day use, and all operations will cease on Friday, December 1 or earlier if snow closes State Route 67.

Cross country skiers and hikers with backcountry permits will be allowed to enter the North Rim over the winter. Facilities at the South Rim will remain open year-round.

For more information, please visit the official website of Grand Canyon National Park.