Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 27-31, 2024

Star Party Begins this Saturday, June 1!

The 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will kick off this Saturday, June 1 and continue through the following Saturday, June 8.

South Rim events include a nightly slide show from a special guest speaker at 8 p.m. in the plaza of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

The list of speakers can be found on the Grand Canyon Star Party webpage and also in the NPS Mobile App. The talks are followed by free telescope viewing behind the building. Green-laser constellation tours will be offered nightly at 9, 9:30, and 10 p.m.

North Rim events include telescopes set up on the terrace of the Grand Canyon Lodge every evening along with astronomers with green lasers to pointing out constellations. By day, look for solar telescopes on the terrace and surrounding the Grand Canyon Lodge. A flyer for the evening events on the North Rim can be found here.

In June 2019, Grand Canyon National Park achieved International Dark-Sky Park status through DarkSky International. The certification is awarded to parks that have retrofitted at least 67% of their exterior lights to be dark-sky-friendly and maintain outreach programs throughout the year. In January 2024, the park celebrated achieving over 90% dark-sky compliance of all exterior lighting fixtures.

The 2024 Star Party is sponsored by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (South Rim), and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix (North Rim).

Grand Canyon Firewise Cleanup: June 3-14 🔥

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The annual South Rim Firewise Residential Cleanup will be held June 3-14.

Crews from the Fire and Aviation branch will be collecting fuels from this past winter’s blowdown and will also continue Firewise initiatives throughout residential areas. As we move forward on making the village a safer place from wildland fire, we ask ALL Grand Canyon residents assist in this effort.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

• Clear dead woody debris from around your residence, up to 30 ft.
• Rake pine needles and leaves (please minimize collection of dirt and rocks-this will inhibit effective pile burning in the future)
• Move firewood away from contact with structures (more than 10 ft is recommended)
• Please do not collect industrial lumber; this material will be left.

Please pile all debris in an area accessible to vehicles and email Nathan_Martone@nps.gov with your address. Park staff will begin moving and hauling debris to the dry dump the week of June 10. The last day for pickup will be Friday, June 14.

Trash bags and loaner tool are available at the South Rim Wildland Fire Base (1151 Shuttle Bus Drive) by calling Fire and Aviation staff—Nate Martone at (928) 699-5976 or Kacie Dodds at 928-221-5614.

A PDF printable flyer can be found here.

Latest Behind the Scenery Podcast Features Kevin Fedarko

Join us for an exclusive podcast, “Down to Bedrock,” featuring acclaimed author, Kevin Fedarko, as he delves into his awe-inspiring expedition with photographer, Pete McBride, hiking the entire length of the Canyon and discusses his new book, “A Walk in the Park.”

In his own words, Fedarko reflects on the Canyon’s relentless power to strip away illusions, leaving behind a raw essence of self-discovery: “The Canyon can be incredibly harsh and cruel… It will strip away all of your arrogance, all of your preconceived ideas about who you are, and what you think you have, and how much you think you know. And it will leave you staring at what’s left, which in my case was not a lot.”

The podcast is now available on Apple podcasts and the park’s website.

Next week cultural demonstrations will take place at the Desert View Watchtower from June 6th – 8, Thursday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

From Zuni we welcome traditional potter, Noreen Simplicio, and fetish carver, Davis Coonsis. Accompanying them will be Diné (Navajo) painter, Janet Yazzie. All of the artists draw upon their culture and lived experiences while expressing it beautifully in their work.

For more information on the Cultural Demonstration Program at Desert View, see the park’s website here.

Upcoming Park Programming!

Check the park’s website for more details on park programs and special events.

South Rim: Village

• Fossil Walk (30 min): 9:00 a.m. daily, meet at Bright Angel Trailhead.
• Geology Talk (30 min): 3:00 p.m. daily, meet at Yavapai Geology Museum.
• Exploring the Endangered (60 min): 4:30 p.m. daily, meet at Village Amphitheater.
• Evening Program (60 min): 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 31. A full flyer can be found here on upcoming programming through June 8.
• Family Twightlight Walk (45 min.); 7:30 p.m., 6/1, 6/2, 6/6, 6/7, and 6/8, meet at the Shrine of the Ages Auditorium
• Grand Canyon Star Party: June 1-8 (see information above)

South Rim: Desert View

• Special Presentation (60 min) from Phyllis Yoyotewa Kachinhongva (Hopi Elder). Monday June 3^rd at 6:45 p.m., meet at the Desert View Amphitheater.
• Grand Canyon Speaks (45min): 6:45 p.m., meet at the Desert View Amphitheater.
• June 4th: with Phyllis Yoyotewa Kachinhongva (Hopi)
• June 6th: with Davis Coonsis (Zuni)
• Cultural Demonstrations: Thursday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., located at the Desert View Watchtower.
• 6/6-6/8: Noreen Simplicio (Zuni Potter), Davis Coonsis (Zuni Fetish Carver), Janet Yazzie (Diné Painter)
• Sunset Talks (45 min): at 6:30 p.m. on 5/30 & 6:45 p.m. on 6/5, meet at the Desert View Amphitheater.

North Rim

• Nature Walk (90min): 8:30 a.m. Friday and Sunday, meet at Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk.
• Behind the Scenery (30min): 11:30 a.m. daily, meet at Bright Angel Point Amphitheater.
• Colorado River Connections (30min): 2:30 p.m. daily, meet at Cape Royal Trailhead.
• Evening Program (45min): 7:30 p.m., every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, meet at Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium.
• Nightly Start Party Presentations (60min); June 1st-8th; meet at North Rim Lodge Auditorium. Presentations start at 7:30 p.m. and are replacing Evening Programs. (limited-capacity seating).

Employee Spotlight!

Tonya Watts, Administrative Support Assistant, Division of Administration

I have worked for NPS for 15 years (just hit my 8 hour leave category!), and at GRCA for 6 and a half. Before that I was a Pathways intern and Term with the National Capital Region (MD, VA, DC) Inventory and Monitoring Program. While working on my Bachelor of Science degree (Environmental Science), I conducted water quality monitoring (chemistry, nutrients, discharge) of 38 streams in 10 parks. For anyone who wants to nerd out on that, check this out: Stream Water (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). What a feeling to be sitting stream side, immersed in the beauty of nature, contributing to the protection of our natural resources AND getting paid for it! Sometimes the deepest sense of gratitude and a strong sense of purpose would come over me. One really memorable experience is when there was an algae bloom in the Lincoln Reflecting Pool and we waded in and collected water chemistry and nutrient samples. Even though my job has changed a few times, I do still get that sense of gratitude and pride for being a part of the NPS.

I came to GRCA to get permanent status like so many of us and got to work at the south entrance as a Visitor Use Assistant (VUA)/ Lead VUA and then supervisor. I made it 5 whole years there (I deserve a cookie!). Some of my most memorable experiences working for GRCA are welcoming people who are really excited to be here for their first time. Now, I’m in the Central Admin Office- aka PIV Office and I love it. I love interacting with employees form every division in the park.

As for my personal life, my partner Trey is a tour guide here. I don’t have any children, but 2 nieces, 2 nephews and a Great-Niece owns my heart. We just adopted a kitten named Magic and I’m completely obsessed with her. Otherwise, I’m kind of a hippie. I collect crystals and make beaded jewelry. I used to jump on Grateful Dead tour when Jerry Garcia was still alive and now I go to quite a few Dead and Company shows, among other live music. Last weekend I saw them at the Sphere in Las Vegas, and it was mind blowing! I got to see Jason Isbell at the Ryman in Nashville and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado this year. All are extraordinary venues! Otherwise, I live to travel and visit National Parks. Next up is Glacier! I have fallen in love with the southwest and don’t plan to leave any time soon. I feel like I’m on a perpetual vacation!

Renaissance Fair Fundraiser TONIGHT at Grand Canyon Rec Center

On Thursday, May 30 from 5:00-8:30 p.m., a Renaissance Fair fundraiser will be held at the Grand Canyon Rec Center for the Jarnagan Family. Entry is free and a meat platter is available for $10.

More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here.

June Calendar of Events at the Grand Canyon Rec Center

See all the fun events at the Grand Canyon Rec Center for June! Sports, games, activities, trips, and much much more.

For the full June calendar, see the attached flyer here.

PTA Sponsors Free Enchilada Dinner-June 5

The Grand Canyon PTA will be sponsoring a free enchilada dinner on Wednesday, June 5 beginning at 6 p.m. in the Grand Canyon School multi-purpose room. School staff, students, parents, and community members are welcome to attend.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Mark Your Calendars! Local Blood Drives in Grand Canyon and Tusayan June 11 and 19

The Grand Canyon Rec Center will be hosting a community blood drive through Vitalant on Tuesday, June 11 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and the Tusayan Fire Department will be hosting onWednesday, June 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org.

Vitalant is the sole supplier to 96% of AZ Hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center. More information and a flyer on the Grand Canyon event can be found here. More information and a flyer on the Tusayan event can be found here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Cafeteria, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Cafe/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30-10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Arizona Steakhouse, Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Food until 9 p.m.), Patio closed until further notice.
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall: Breakfast 7-10:30 a.m., Dinner 5-8 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m., Coffee Shop: 6:30 a.m. -5 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Camper Services laundry and shower: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): Open daily from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamps and Yavapai Geology Museum-8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-8 p.m., Kolb Studio-8 a.m.-6 p.m., Beginning Sunday, June 2, Verkamps Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology Museum will change to summer hours, both will be open from 8 am to 8 pm.
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Closet: Currently closed until further notice.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center), May and June schedule: Fitness Classes (under the ramada): Sunday 9 a.m., Tuesday & Thursday 6 p.m. Yoga (in the SPR): Monday & Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. daily. Stairs and tower access available until 6 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Desert View convenience store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

North Rim

• North Rim Visitor Center (GCC), 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• NPS Backcountry Information Center, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m. daily
• Camper Store by campground (Aramark), 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
• Guest Laundry and Showers, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. staffed, unstaffed from 7-10 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Lodge Gift Shop (Aramark), 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• A ranger at the North Entrance Station hands out brochures and maps to park visitors entering the park (Photo: Lauren Cisneros/GCC)
• Grand Canyon Star Party telescope viewing (NPS Photo)
• Cultural Demonstrators for the week of June 3: Noreen Simplicio, Davis Coonsis and Janet Yazzie (NPS Photos)
• Tonya Watts, Administrative Support Assistant (Photo courtesy: T. Watts)