The Grand Canyon has given up – for now – on looking for a company to run the park's hotels and restaurants on the South Rim. That's after the National Park Service failed to get any bids for a long-term contract that would suit its needs.

The contract would include managing the historic El Tovar Hotel and taking visitors on mule rides down the trails. The Park Service has made several amendments since last summer to its proposal. But it will continue to revise before putting the proposal out to bid again. The contract, now held by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, expires at the end of this year and cannot be extended.

Grand Canyon Superintendent Dave Uberuaga said a temporary contract will keep services to visitors from being shut down.