Trans-Canyon Telephone Line

The Trans-Canyon Telephone Line is a historic telephone system that crosses through Grand Canyon National Park, connecting the South Rim near Bright Angel Lodge to the North Rim. The line follows the Bright Angel and North Kaibab Trails and crosses one of the deepest and most isolated canyons in the country.

The line was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a work program during the Great Depression. The project used galvanized pipes and copper wire to establish reliable communication between the two rims.

The telephone line represents the National Park Service's commitment to developing infrastructure during the Great Depression while providing employment opportunities for young workers.

The telephone line is a hidden discovery along two major hiking trails, and you will see its remains if you hike these paths. To view the historic poles in their full context, you should prepare with plenty of water and sturdy footwear.

The facility was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, not because of its size or appearance, but because of its innovative design using copper wire and open-wire construction. This technology was groundbreaking for its time and shows how engineers built reliable communication in one of America's most challenging locations.

Location: Coconino County

Inception: 1935

Architects: National Park Service

GPS coordinates: 36.11000,-112.09278

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:15