Chlorine Leak Stabilized; Grand Canyon Trails Reopen

A chlorine gas leak in the Roaring Springs area of the Grand Canyon National Park led to the closure of several key trails, including Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and North Kaibab trails. The leak has been stabilized, allowing some inner canyon trails to reopen, though Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Garden and Plateau Point Trail remain closed for waterline construction. This closure had initially affected both day and overnight hikers and coincided with upcoming free access on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is expected to bring a surge of visitors. The gas leak, impacting the water source for all canyon facilities, has raised concerns due to chlorine's toxic nature as defined by the CDC. Additionally, the park has proposed a controversial fee increase for non-commercial river trips from $90 to $310 to protect and monitor the Colorado River corridor. The situation remains dynamic, with updates available on the National Park Service website.