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Community Level Remains Medium
As of November 25, Coconino County remains in Medium CDC Community Level. We encourage individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to practice physical distancing from others in indoor common areas. Additionally, all building entrances should have signs stating that masks are optional and to practice physical distancing.
Finally, the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones is to be vaccinated and boosted. If you have not received the newly developed and distributed COVID bivalent vaccine, we encourage you to do so. These vaccines have been scientifically proven to be safe and to help prevent COVID illness—and, for those that do become sick, the bivalent vaccine helps protect from serious or long-term COVID illness. For more information on the nearest vaccination sites, please visit Coconino County’s website here.
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Arizona and Local Statistics
Total COVID cases in Arizona for the week of November 17 – 23 was 13,340, which is an increase of 2,565 cases from the previous week. For the seven-day rolling average, the state is averaging 1,906 cases per day. There were 8 new COVID-19 cases reported in the park this week.
As a reminder, be sure to promptly report any illness, to include possible COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King. Ronan can be reached at: 202-891-8599 or Ronan_King@nps.gov. |
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Projects and Environmental Planning (PEP) public-facing webpage now available!
Two new webpages are now available that will provide the latest information on PEP projects.
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Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Beginning December 2 and lasting through the end of February 2023, cultural demonstrations will be held in Grand Canyon Village in the lobby of the South Rim Visitor Center. Demonstrations during the winter months will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This weekend, the Cultural Demonstration Program presents renown musician and flute maker, Aaron White. He is of two Nations, the Dine of Northern Arizona (Blacksheep Clan) and The Northern Ute tribe Whiteriver band. Award winning Artist/Singer/Songwriter, Grammy nominated musician, and recent recipient of the Native American Music Award, Aaron has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years.
Aaron will demonstrate the ancient art of reed flute making at the South Rim Visitor Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 2 through 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stop by and watch Aaron work and learn how reed flutes have deep ties to the history and culture of the Southwest. |
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Astronomer in Residence programs this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Join Astronomer in Residence Dr. Daniel Fleisch for indoor astronomy talks followed by stargazing programs behind the visitor center this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening. Meet at Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater: 6:30-7 p.m. Astronomy Talk, 7–8:30 p.m. Stargazing and Telescope Viewing.
The Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence program, launched in the summer of 2021, offers professional and amateur astronomers, educators, scientists, writers, and artists the opportunity to practice and share their discipline under one of the most pristine night skies in the United States. During his time at Grand Canyon National Park, Dr. Fleisch will host a series of presentations and observing sessions for visitors to the park, each designed to demonstrate the value of looking deeply into the dark night sky.
Dr. Daniel Fleisch is an award-winning Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics at Wittenberg University, located in Springfield Ohio, where he specializes in electromagnetics and space physics. He is the author of the internationally best-selling book “A Student’s Guide to Maxwell’s Equations.”
More information on this week’s programs can be found in the attached flyer here.
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Winter Shuttle Bus Updates
Hermits Rest Route (Red Route) will be suspended for the season November 30 and will resume March 1, 2023. From December 1 through February 28, visitors will be able to use their private vehicles to access Hermit Road.
Beginning Thursday, December 1, the Village Route will operate from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m., and the Kaibab Route will operate from 6 a.m. until one hour after sunset. The Hikers’ Express Bus will run at 8 and 9 a.m. More information on the winter shuttle bus schedules can be found on the park website here.
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Successful Interdisciplinary River Mission Concludes
GRCA Staff from Science, Facilities, Commercial Services, Interpretation, VRP, PEP, and River Ops have returned from a successful and long overdue multi-division resources river mission.
The purpose of the November 7-22 river mission was to implement mitigations recommended through cultural, recreation, and trail monitoring programs. While the primary objective of the project was to complete all identified mitigations by enlisting staff from multiple divisions as the labor force, the intended outcome was to share expertise, techniques, and foster stewardship. During individual program monitoring and patrols, participants can now identify resources of concern and the project staff to connect with for information. It is hoped that the relationship building between divisions has created opportunities for open and timely communication related to park resources and river concerns.
Mitigation work at 30 locations included attraction site protection, campsite assessments, campsite rehabilitation and improvements, garbage removal, trail assessments, trail pruning and access improvements, and project documentation for planning and compliance of additional river work. |
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Leadership Spotlight
Ryan Thomas
South Rim District Ranger
My name is Ryan Thomas and I’m originally from Iowa. I enlisted in the United States Air Force after high school and was stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. I was a crew chief on F-15’s and F-22’s for four years and deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for six months. After the military I attended Iowa State University and received my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I’ve worked at Katmai National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, North Rim Grand Canyon, and I’m currently acting in the Kings Canyon District Ranger role in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. I enjoy hiking, cycling, traveling, and spending time with my wife Elizabeth, 10-month-old son, Liam, and two German Shepherds. We’re looking forward to getting back to Arizona and the South Rim. |
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‘Angel Tree’ gift donations now being accepted for local children
Delaware North is once again is sponsoring an Angel Tree this holiday season. The Angel Tree will help local children in need and donations can be dropped off now through Thursday, December 15. Visit the Canyon Village Market customer service desk for more information on how you can help make this holiday season special for local children.
For more information, please see the attached flyer here. |
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Grand Canyon School Odyssey of the Mind Wreath Fundraiser
Help support the Grand Canyon Odyssey of the Mind teams go to State competition by participating in the holiday wreath sale fundraiser!
Follow the link to purchase wreaths or make a one time donation. https://tinyurl.com/4ahprksn.
More information is available in the attached flyer here. |
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Residential Holiday Lights on Thursday, December 1
Residents of Randy Thompson Circle and Bob Mahn Street are announcing the second annual Holiday Lights Walk. The event will occur on December 1 from 6-8 p.m. and will feature holiday lights, hot cocoa, and more.
All residents are welcome and more information can be found in the attached flyer here. |
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Town of Tusayan to host Holiday Lighting Ceremony on December 8
Join the Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Tusayan at the Tusayan Sports Complex (located off of Long Jim Loop Road).
Festivities begin on December 8 at 5 p.m. and more information, including a flyer can be found here. |
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5k Jingle Jog to take place at Grand Canyon School
The Canyon Outdoor Leadership Team (COLT) high school student club will be offering a 5K Jingle Jog on Saturday, December 10 at 8 a.m. The event serves as a fundraiser for the student group’s Grand Canyon Youth whitewater rafting trip in the spring.
Open the flyer here and scan the QR code to sign-up. Enjoy the 8th Grade Santa Breakfast and Holiday Market when you are done with your run! |
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Grand Canyon School Santa Breakfast and Vendor Fair on December 10
Join Santa on Saturday, December 10 from 8-11 a.m. at the Grand Canyon School cafeteria for a community breakfast. All proceeds will benefit the 8th grade class field trip to Washington D.C.
A vendor market will also be occurring simultaneously. More information on the breakfast is available in this flyer and information on the vendor market is available here. |
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North Rim transitions to winter operations
As of Thursday, December 1, the North Rim is now closed to all vehicle and bicycle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open on May 15th, 2023 (subject to change).
The North Rim campground will be available for winter camping and is accessible via hiking inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing 45 miles from Jacob Lake. To camp at the North Rim during the winter months, visitors need a backcountry permit, which can be obtained in advance through fax, mail request, or in person at the South Rim Backcountry Information Center.
For NPS employees, effective December 1, the winter travel policy will be in place for travel in and out of the North Rim. If you are traveling to the North Rim and require administrative access, please ensure you are coordinating with the North Rim Management Team and read the winter travel policy on the GRCA sharepoint. Communication with Grand Canyon Dispatch is also required.
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*Please note: new changes to operations are indicated in bold/italic
South Rim
Xanterra
- Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
- Fred Harvey Burger, breakfast 8:00-10:30 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., dinner 4-9 p.m.
- Arizona Steakhouse within Bright Angel Lodge is now offering dinner service from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily. Lunch service is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
- Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- The Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
- El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge-Breakfast, 6:30-10:00 a.m., Lunch, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner, 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Patio (limited menu), 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Maswik Pizza Pub is open daily from 4-8 p.m.
- The Grand Canyon Kennel is open seven days a week with hours from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Delaware North
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m., The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7 a.m.-10:45 a.m., dinner, 5-8 p.m.
- Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Camper Services laundry and shower, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Other
- Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (clinic is closed on holidays)
- Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (weather permitting), Café 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Operations indoors for the winter season.
- Grand Canyon Conservancy will be changing hours of some of their operations to conduct store inventories on the following dates:
- Monday 12/12 – Yavapai Geology Museum close at 5 p.m.
- Tuesday 12/13 – Verkamps Visitor Center close at 5 p.m.
- Wednesday 12/14 – Visitor Center Store – closed (may open later in day if complete)
- Wednesday 12/14 – Kolb Studio close at 5 p.m.
- Thursday 12/15 – Desert View will delay opening, will open when inventory complete. Approximately 10-11 a.m.
- Grand Canyon Conservancy stores regular hours: Visitor Center Plaza, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamps, and Kolb Studio 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
- Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Canyon Closet (located behind Community Library): Mondays 4:15-6 p.m., Wednesdays 12:15-2 p.m., Saturdays 3-5 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesdays 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., Saturdays 2-4 p.m.
Desert View
- Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
- Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- The Desert View Deli, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.
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Photo Credits (in order of appearance)
- Descending the Redwall into Phantom Canyon from Isis Temple (NPS Photo/K. McHugh)
- Photo collage during the Live Structural Fire Refresher held on the South Rim from November 28-30 (NPS Photo/N. Mann)
- A park maintenance crewmember uses a jackhammer to create enough clearance around the Transcanyon Waterline to safely weld and repair the pipe (NPS Photo)
- Aaron White, this week’s cultural demonstrator at GCVC (Photo courtesy of A. White)
- The Blue Route shuttle bus in winter (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
- Trail crew staff pruning vegetation at Granite camp to improve campsite access (NPS Photo/J. Dierker)
- Ryan Thomas will begin as the new South Rim District Ranger this week (Photo courtesy of R. Thomas)
- The North Rim gate, located near the North Rim Entrance station closed officially for the season at 6 p.m. on November 30, 2022 (NPS Photo/R. Evans)
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| Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. |
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