Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 9-13, 2024

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Promoting the 988 Lifeline

In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are excited to share a new promotional video featuring Joshua Stegemeyer, Arizona Department of Health Services Suicide Prevention Program Manager.

This video emphasizes the crucial role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support for those experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts. Residents of Grand Canyon, AZ, can call or text “9-8-8” to connect with trained crisis counselors who offer immediate, compassionate help at no cost. For those who prefer, support is also available via chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.

For our community living at Grand Canyon, this information is particularly relevant as it ensures that help is always accessible, regardless of time or location. The 988 Lifeline offers specialized support for a wide range of individuals, including those in remote areas like ours. By promoting awareness of this vital service, we can help ensure that everyone in our community knows they have a valuable resource available whenever they need it.

For more details about what happens when you contact 988, please visit azhealth.gov/988.

Water Updates

Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is transitioning to Stage 2 water restrictions due to improved reservoir levels.

Key updates include:

• Camper Services will reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13.
• Water spigots at Mather and Desert View campgrounds will be activated.
• Fire restrictions are lifted, but Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect for campfires. This means a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground.
• The park is no longer in water restrictions on the North Rim. Please continue to be mindful about water use and/or any leaks you find in the area.

Residents and visitors should continue to conserve water by minimizing usage where possible. This change helps us move towards normal operations while managing our water resources. Thank you for your cooperation!

HawkWatch International programming begins September 13

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, 2024.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Upcoming Road Improvement Project: Notice of Increased Noise

Beginning Tuesday, September 17, civil engineers with the National Park Service will start geological surveys to support proposed road improvements between the new APS Substation and the South Rim Wastewater Treatment Plant. The work will continue through Thursday, September 19, with the bulk of the activity occurring on Wednesday.

Residents of Pinyon Park, Mohave Apartment Complex, and Paiute Apartment Complex may experience increased noise due to a drill rig and one or two support trucks drilling ten borings along the dirt road.

Your understanding and patience during this period are appreciated, and efforts will be made to minimize any disruptions. For more details or concerns, please contact Jill Beshears at jill_beshears@nps.gov.

Upcoming Naturalization Ceremony Scheduled for the South Rim

On Friday, September 20, Grand Canyon, in collaboration with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will host a special naturalization ceremony at the Mather Amphitheater.

Thirty-one new US citizens from 12 countries will take their oath of allegiance against the stunning backdrop of the Grand Canyon. The ceremony, starting at 10 a.m., will feature a traditional welcome, musical performances, and keynote remarks from distinguished speakers. The Mather Amphitheater is located east of Mather Point near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim.

Piñon nut gathering

Fall at Grand Canyon is the perfect time to gather piñon nuts!

Remember, individuals and families can collect piñon nuts by hand for personal use without a permit or fee. Each gatherer is allowed to collect up to 25 pounds of nuts in their shells per day, roughly equivalent to one large flour sack or a standard-size pillowcase.

Piñon nuts are not only delicious but also nutritious, and they have been a vital food source for Native Americans and wildlife for centuries. They remain a significant cultural staple for many tribes.

Harvesting is permitted anywhere within the park where pinyon pine trees grow, except in campgrounds or housing areas (unless with permission from campers or residents).

Final Weekend of the Grand Canyon Music Festival!

As the Grand Canyon Music Festival closes its 41st season, join us for the final weekend of performances at the Shrine of the Ages Auditorium.

Friday, September 13:

• 5:00 PM-School of Rock: Enjoy a free rock concert featuring students from Grand Canyon School. These students have spent a week in an educational program focused on rock and pop music, including intensive rehearsals and lessons on music theory, performance techniques, and styles.
• 7:00 PM: Experience an evening of blues, jazz, and more with Robert Bonfiglio, guitarist Steve Benson, pianist Mark Berman, and local talents John Vail and Bryan Stone.

Saturday, September 14:

• 7:00 PM: Doors open for an evening of classical music. Cellist Karlos Rodriguez from the Catalyst Quartet, along with Northern Arizona University colleagues violinist Steven Moeckel and pianist Silvan Negrutiu, will perform works by Beethoven, Pablo Casals, George Enescu, and Liliya Ugay.

Evening performances start at 7:30 PM. Admission is by donation, with a suggested amount of $20.

Join us for the 2024 Grand Canyon Celebration of Art as 23 talented artists showcase their work in a special “Paint Out” event. On Friday, September 13, from 3 PM to 6 PM, these artists will be painting plein air along the South Rim, from Verkamp’s Visitor Center to Thunderbird Lodge.

Park residents and visitors are invited to watch as the artists capture the stunning landforms and vibrant colors of this magnificent landscape. This public event provides a unique chance to see the creative process up close. Completed paintings from the Paint Out will be available for purchase on-site.

Additionally, an Exhibition and Sale featuring these plein air paintings, along with studio pieces created throughout the week, will open to the public at Kolb Studio on September 15 at 1 PM. The exhibition will run through January 20, 2025.

All proceeds from this event will support the development of a permanent art venue at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience and contribute to the artistic legacy of the Grand Canyon!

More information on this year’s Celebration of Art, including a calendar of events can be found on GCC’s website here.

Tusayan Vaccination Event for ALL AGES on Sept. 16

The Town of Tusayan will be hosting a Flu and COVID-19 vaccination event at the Tusayan Fire Department on Monday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. through the Coconino County Health and Human Services.

No appointment is necessary. Most insurance is accepted and those who are uninsured will not be turned away. More information on this event can be found in 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.
• Camper Services laundry and shower: will reopen on Friday, 9/13 at 7 a.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., (Beginning 9/4, the Kolb Gallery will be closed. GCC Celebration of Art Gallery will open to the public at 1 p.m. on Sunday, 9/15)
• 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.

• The 2024 Bison Live Capture and Transfer Incident Management Team is concluding their operations this week on the North Rim (NPS Photo/K. Ferguson)
• Naturalization Ceremony at Mather Amphitheater, 2010 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• A handful of collected piñon nuts (Photo courtesy of Kelkiyana Yazzie)
• Grand Canyon School of Rock, 2016 (Photo: Terri Attridge)
• Kirk Larsen, 2024 Celebration of Art Artist (Photo: Grand Canyon Conservancy)