State Route 67 leading to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has closed for the winter effective today, Thursday, Dec. 1.

The highway will be blocked to traffic about a half mile from its junction with US 89A at Jacob Lake. With park facilities closed for the winter, the Arizona Department of Transportation doesn’t clear snow from the highway, which leads 43 miles south from US 89A.

The North Rim averages more than 9 feet of snow annually, according to the National Weather Service.

SR 67 is scheduled to reopen in mid-May along with North Rim lodges, campgrounds and other amenities.

FLAGSTAFF – With the winter months rapidly approaching, the Arizona Department of Transportation has closed State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park on Wednesday, Dec. 1.

ADOT closes a number of highways every year  as part of the agency’s winter shutdown schedule due to significant amounts of snowfall these regions typically receive.

In addition to the SR 67 closure, highways such as state routes 261 and 273 in the White Mountains will close by Dec. 31, though they could close sooner depending on the weather.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

Don’t let GPS and navigation apps replace common sense. When a highway is closed, a suggested alternate route involving an unpaved, unplowed road can lead you into danger.

Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged mobile device, extra clothing, blankets, water and snacks.

Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.

Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.

Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.

Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.

Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Download the ADOT Alerts and AZ 511 apps to keep up on the latest road conditions and restrictions.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

PHOENIX – With the winter months rapidly approaching, the Arizona Department of Transportation will close State Route 473 in the White Mountains area and State Route 366, also known as Swift Trail, heading up Mount Graham in southern Arizona for the winter on Monday. Nov. 16.

State Route 67 leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon will close on Dec. 1, while other White Mountains area highways such as state route 261 and 273 will close by Dec. 31. These highways could close sooner depending on the weather.

ADOT closes these highways annually as part of the agency’s winter shutdown schedule due to significant amounts of snowfall these regions typically receive.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

• Don’t let GPS and navigation apps replace common sense. When a highway is closed, a suggested alternate route involving an unpaved, unplowed road can lead you into danger.
• Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged mobile device, extra clothing, blankets, water and snacks.
• Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.
• Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
• Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
• Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
• Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

PHOENIX – State Route 67 between Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park reopened Friday, May 15, after its annual winter closure, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

For information on when visitors will be able to access the North Rim, please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website at nps.gov/grca.

With the park’s North Rim facilities closing each winter and the area receiving an average of 9 feet of snowfall each year, ADOT closes the 40-plus-mile highway just south of US 89A in early December unless conditions warrant an earlier closure.

PHOENIX – Because of the incoming winter storm, the Arizona Department of Transportation is closing State Route 67 to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

During the winter, ADOT closes and doesn’t clear snow from SR 67, a 43-mile highway between US 89A at Jacob Lake and the park, since North Rim visitor accommodations are shut down. After closing on Dec. 1 – or earlier when weather warrants, as in this case – SR 67 reopens each spring, usually around mid-May.

US 89A remains open during the winter, as do the Grand Canyon National Park facilities at the South Rim.

Meanwhile, State Route 473 leading from State Route 260 to lakes in the White Mountains will close for the winter Wednesday, Nov. 27, due to the incoming storm. State routes 261 and 273, also in the White Mountains, are scheduled to close no later than Dec. 31.

ADOT reminds motorists heading into snow country to drive with caution and follow this advice:

• Don’t let GPS and navigation apps replace common sense. When a highway is closed, a suggested alternate route involving an unpaved, unplowed road can lead you into danger.
• Pack an emergency kit, a fully charged cellphone, extra clothing, blankets, water and snacks.
• Slow down. Drive defensively. Be patient and allow additional time for your trip. Never pass a snowplow.
• Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and those ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of room and time to stop or to avoid hazards.
• Make sure your vehicle has plenty of fuel.
• Check weather and road conditions before you travel. Let someone know your route.
• Bring a small bag of sand (or cat litter) for wheel traction.

Additional information on winter driving is available at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Before heading out, be sure to call 511 or visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov for the latest highway conditions. The website features camera images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction. And the free ADOT Alerts app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information, including alternate routes, should snow and ice close a major highway.