Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 16-20, 2024

Important Update: Phantom Ranch Closure Added to Inner Canyon Trail Closures

The National Park Service (NPS) is providing an important update regarding inner canyon trail closures to support the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction project.

In addition to previously announced closures, please note that Phantom Ranch will be closed from January 2, 2025, to March 30, 2025, as the construction contractor, Stronghold Engineering, will be performing extensive excavation work in this area.

As a reminder, the other current inner canyon closure dates are:

• Bright Angel Trail north of Havasupai Gardens and the Silver Bridge: Oct 21, 2024 – May 14, 2025
• Bright Angel Campground: Nov 4, 2024 – May 14, 2025
• Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail Junction north of Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point: Oct. 12, 2023 – May 14, 2025

These closures are necessary to ensure the safety of staff and visitors during the TCWL construction efforts. The upper portion of the Bright Angel Trail, from the South Rim to Havasupai Gardens, and the Tonto Trail will remain open. The South Kaibab Trail will also be open for all hikers. No hikers or trail users will be allowed to pass through closure areas under any circumstances.

For current operational status and updates, please check the park website: Critical Backcountry Updates: Including Trail Closures and Restrictions – Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service).

Safety Reminder: Elk Rut Season

As a reminder, from September to mid-October, we enter the rut—elk mating season—when bull elk can often be seen in the South Rim Village. Don’t be fooled by their majestic appearance; elk can be particularly aggressive during this time and may view anyone entering their space as a threat.

Please remember to observe elk from a safe distance of at least 100 feet (30 meters) and stay aware of your surroundings while walking in the park. If you find yourself near an elk, try to position a tree or other large obstruction between you and the animal for added safety.

Stay safe and enjoy the beauty of these incredible creatures!

HawkWatch International programming through Oct. 28

Fall raptor migration has begun! Starting this Friday, September 13, there will be raptor migration talks given by HawkWatch International. These programs will take place at Yaki Point Friday-Monday at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Additionally, visitors can visit Yaki Point anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day to talk to the biologists monitoring and counting raptors. These programs will run from September 13-October 28.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Unlock Your Career Potential with the National Park Service!

Attention Grand Canyon residents: Are you looking to start or advance your career in federal service? The National Park Service (NPS) Recruitment Team is here to help you navigate the application process!

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday at 2:00 p.m. EST, the NPS offers a FREE 90-minute webinar packed with valuable insights on crafting compelling federal resumes and mastering the USAjobs application process. Join these sessions to learn directly from the experts and boost your chances of success.

More information on these sessions can be found in the attached flyer here or by emailing: NationalRecruitmentTeam@nps.gov.

Employee Spotlight!

Celia Dubin (she/her),

Concessions Management Specialist

Hello, Grand Canyon community! My name is Celia Dubin, and I’m excited to share a bit about my journey and experiences here at Grand Canyon National Park. I’ve been a proud member of the park’s team since 2017, but my connection to this incredible place began back in 2011 when I interned in the NPS Education division. That four-month experience was so enriching that I was thrilled to land a two-month emergency hire position afterward. It was then that I knew I wanted to return permanently, and I was overjoyed when that dream came true in 2017.

For the first five years of my permanent role, I worked at the South Entrance Station, where I enjoyed interacting with visitors and sharing the beauty of the park. In 2022, I transitioned to my current position as Permits Assistant for Commercial Services, where I help manage the Commercial Use Authorization program and the Special Park Use program. All of these initiatives play a vital role in enhancing visitor experiences, and I find it incredibly rewarding to contribute to the enjoyment of our guests.

While I absolutely love my job, what truly fills my heart is being part of this vibrant community. I’m actively involved with the Grand Canyon Food Pantry, where I volunteer my time and help coordinate efforts through our volunteer email. One of my favorite moments is when high school students come in to lend a hand, restocking shelves and tidying up. Their enthusiasm and willingness to help inspire me every day.

I also enjoy taking part in the activities and events at the Grand Canyon Recreation Center. You may find me leading Community Craft Night, where I bring out my polymer clay to share with others—unless someone else steps in to run a particular craft. It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow community members and unleash our creativity together!

My husband, who works as an ESS Aide at the Grand Canyon School, is another source of inspiration for me. You might see him after school as the crossing guard, ensuring our kids get home safely. His unwavering support for both my community efforts and the community as a whole motivates me to stay engaged and give back.

I also love volunteering for the school’s Odyssey of the Mind program, where I work with students on team-building activities and help them prepare for the Spontaneous challenge at the competition. I was especially proud of “The Dudes,” the team that made it to the Worlds Competition. Their hard work and creativity truly paid off!

I’m also active in the community Facebook group, “Grand Canyon South Rim Employees,” where I strive to connect our community by sharing events and activities. I hope that others will contribute as well, letting the community know about upcoming events so we can all come together and support one another.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better! I’m looking forward to continuing my journey here at Grand Canyon National Park and contributing to the wonderful community we have. If you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hello!

Walk to School Day Thursday, Sept. 26

Join Grand Canyon School students and staff in celebrating healthy lifestyle choices by participating in Walk to School Day!

All students, staff, and families are welcome to participate and there will be two locations to meet, behind the Station One fire station at 7:20 a.m. and at the corner of Mohave St. and Albright Ave. at 7:25 a.m.

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

KLC Native Taco Sale – Wednesday, Sept. 25

Join the Kaibab Learning Center (KLC) for a delicious Native Taco Sale fundraiser at the Grand Canyon School multipurpose room on Wednesday, Sept. 25, starting at 5 p.m. until sold out!

All proceeds from this sale will support educational materials for KLC students. Pre-orders and delivery options are available.

For more details, please check out the attached flyer here.

Astronomy Night at Grand Canyon School on Oct. 2

The Grand Canyon School District will be hosting Astronomy Night featuring Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Astronomer in Residence! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 2, from 7-9 p.m. at the Grand Canyon School Field.

This event promises a fantastic evening under the stars, complete with a bake sale sponsored by the Grand Canyon School PTA and a delicious spaghetti dinner fundraiser hosted by the High School Student Council. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to connect with our community and explore the wonders of the night sky!

For more details, please see the attached flyer 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 Café/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 5-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m., Coffee Shop: 6:30 a.m. -5 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Deli, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Trailer Village Kiosk: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 8 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.-7 p.m., Kolb Studio-8 a.m.-6 p.m.,
• 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 Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center): Full class schedule can be found here. 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.-6 p.m. daily. Last stair access at 4:40 p.m. with stairs closing at 5 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), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
• Ranger Roost (located at the Roaring Springs Overlook), daily 10 a.m.- 4p.m. through October 15, 2024
• 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.

• Moonrise over the Colorado River (Photo courtesy of L. Cisneros)
• Bull elk spotted this week on the South Rim (NPS Photo/E. Keable)
• Celia Dubin and her husband at sunset (Photo courtesy of C. Dubin)