NPS Photo Mission 66 was developed by the National Park Service (NPS) in the 1950s. The goal was to expand visitor services and improve and update facilities. After World War II, cars became more affordable, and people had more leisure time. The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 was signed and funded construction of the interstate highway system. This allowed for easier travel across the country. Tourism to national parks increased by almost 40 million visitors from 1940 to 1956. Parks did not have adequate infrastructure, roads, or lodging to handle increased visitation. The Mission 66 program was first proposed to Congress by NPS Director Conrad Wirth in early 1956. The name comes from the goal to complete park projects by 1966 and in time to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Park Service. President Dwight D. Eisenhower recommended the program to Congress in 1956, and Congress approved larger appropriations for the NPS. 
NPS New DevelopmentsInfrastructure updates to North Rim Campground, North Rim Road, and overlook trails were already underway the year before Mission 66 began. Once the project was officially instituted, new developments were considered, such as:
NPS Photo South RimThe new paved approach highway from U.S. Highway 50 to Black Canyon was completed in 1958. This improvement encouraged greater traffic up to the park, but only an unimproved road continued along the rim. Preliminary layouts for the new road were made in 1959 by several landscape architects and engineers. Bids for road reconstruction opened in mid-1960. Boundary adjustments were made due to private land holdings and successful negotiations concluded in 1960. Construction began in late 1960 and finished in late 1961. When the park opened the following spring, a greater number of tourists visited to take advantage of the new road. A dedication ceremony with local Montrose officials and NPS staff took place on May 27, 1962. This was considered one of the most important Mission 66 projects for the park. A new campground facility was also planned and constructed by an outside contractor. This included 100 campsites, facilities, roads, parking areas, pit toilets, and a campfire circle. The project was completed in October 1962, with final inspection made the following year. The improved facilities nearly doubled campground usage in 1963. A new amphitheater was completed during the summer of 1964. The last major South Rim project was a new headquarters and visitor center area. Planning for this construction had been ongoing for years, but water availability and staff residences were two issues complicating progress. Once these facilities were completed in 1966, it encouraged year-round operations on the South Rim. North RimThe earliest improvements on the North Rim were new signage and guard rails at Kneeling Camel Overlook and Big Island Overlook. The self-guided nature trail at Chasm View was developed in the summer of 1958. Improvements were made to the North Rim Road and campground area. Boundary designation and fencing to prevent grazing trespass started in 1962. 
NPS Photo Programs and Visitor ServicesDuring the early 1960s, rangers offered more programs focused on natural resources including nature walks and campfire programs. As the years went by, attendance increased each summer. Nearly all visitors were driving as far as Pulpit Rock Overlook and exploring more of the park. A permanent information trailer was posted at Gunnison Point starting in 1962. Multiple wayside exhibit shelters were also planned and completed in 1963–1964, although they were later replaced with metal wayside panels more common today.
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Last updated: April 18, 2025