Grand Canyon National Park
Key Messages – Week of July 5, 2021
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Coconino County Transmission Status Change
- The CDC’s transmission status in Coconino County moved from “Moderate” to “Substantial” last Wednesday and has since moved back to “Moderate” transmission. Because we are seeing the County transmission status change somewhat regularly as conditions change, it’s important to talk about what these changes mean for park operations.
What does this mean for GRCA?
The park has been utilizing the Adaptive Management process to manage the pandemic since May 2020 in the following ways:
- We have successfully managed COVID-19 by responding quickly to people who contracted the virus and limiting their exposure to others to limit spread.
- Residents and employees have communicated with their supervisors to report symptoms and possible exposures as early as possible.
- Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been analyzing COVID rates in the park to determine safe operating procedures.
We are continuing this process, and although the variables have shifted in recent days and weeks, the process we’ve used is sound and effective. Due to the recent changes in transmission status, the park’s Adaptive Management Park Operations team has started to meet weekly again. This team continues to advise the Superintendent’s Office on necessary decisions related to the pandemic.
We will continue to make deliberate decisions to manage the park responsibly, particularly with the recent uptick in cases and the presence of the more transmissible Delta variant. We are keeping a close eye on the situation and are continuing to drive an intentional, risk-based approach to management during the pandemic. We will continue to talk with our partners in the park about the possibility of rolling back operations if it becomes necessary.
Please, Get the Vaccine
Since last week, there are four new confirmed cases in the park. All four of these cases are among unvaccinated people. Getting vaccinated remains the primary way to prevent getting COVID, including to prevent contracting severe disease. Last week, we reported on the recent study that found that the vast majority of recent deaths in the US from COVID were among unvaccinated people – over 99% of COVID deaths in May were among unvaccinated people. Please, get the vaccine if you haven’t already.
The Grand Canyon Clinic currently has Johnson and Johnson vaccines available.
Call the clinic at 928-638-2551 if you would like to schedule a vaccine.
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Social Gathering Reminders
During the summer, it is common to see social gatherings happening in the park.
Here are a few reminders if you are considering attending a gathering:
- If you are unvaccinated, remember that you must wear a face covering when indoors and maintain physical distance from others. You should use extra caution in all situations if you are not vaccinated. Follow CDC guidance and DOI policy to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
- Even if you are vaccinated, it may be a good idea to have a mask handy in case you need it. Vaccinated people are welcome to wear masks any time they feel it may be helpful.
The recent surge in the more transmissible Delta variant in surrounding states and in Arizona has made these prevention strategies all the more important.
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Public Health Contacts
If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform your supervisor and our NPS Public Health Consultant. This is to ensure proper public health protocols are followed and that any exposure is minimized.
- Ronan King, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202) 891-8599
- Email: ronan_king@nps.gov
- For all email correspondence, please also cc: Chris Glime, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202) 641-3518
- Email: christen_glime@nps.gov
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Navajo Nation Updates
On July 7, the Navajo Nation issued a “yellow status” change, allowing Navajo Nation parks to reopen at 50 percent capacity and schools to return to in-person learning. More information on these changes can be found at this website. The guidance is as follows:
- Wearing a mask is still mandatory in public on the Navajo Nation, whether a person is vaccinated or unvaccinated.
- The daily curfew is now 11 p.m.-5 a.m. MDT
- Social gatherings, traditional ceremonies, in-person trainings, and outdoor recreation activities of 25 or fewer are now permitted.
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COVID-19 Testing Details
- The Grand Canyon Clinic has testing available Monday-Wednesday.
- In Flagstaff, COVID testing is available at Coconino Community College at 2800 South Lone Tree Road, the NAU Fieldhouse at 1050 Knoles Drive and many other locations around town.
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Messages and Grand Canyon News
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Paul Revere Shuttle Bus Changes Next Week
Beginning Saturday, July 17, the park will resume all three in-park shuttle bus routes. This service will continue through November 30, 2021. Below are a summary of these changes:
- The Hermits Rest Route (Red Route) and the Kaibab Rim Route (Orange Route) will operate from 5 a.m. until one hour after sunset.
- The Kaibab Rim Route (Orange Route) will run to all locations, including westbound to the Yavapai Geology Museum.
- The Village Route (Blue Route) will operate from 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
- The Tusayan Route (Purple Route) will not operate this year.
- The Visitor Center-Hermit Road Express Bus will operate from 12-8 p.m., every 15 minutes. This route takes people directly from the Visitor Center to Hermit Road and vice versa.
- The Hikers’ Express Bus, which starts at the Bright Angel Lodge, then travels to the Backcountry Office, GCVC, and the South Kaibab trailhead will operate as normal.
- July through August – Hiker’s Express shuttles begin at 4, 5, and 6 a.m.
- In September – Shuttles begin at 5, 6, and 7 a.m.
Face coverings:
Visitors are still required to wear a face covering when riding the shuttle buses. This is a Federal mandate. The drivers are having increasing challenges with visitor compliance on this issue, so whatever staff can do to remind visitors of this requirement is greatly appreciated.
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Pinyon Park Trail Improvement Project Begins
Beginning this week, NPS Trail Crew will begin work to improve trails in the Pinyon Park neighborhood. This project will continue through early October and will improve community access to trails in the Pinyon Park vicinity to the school. The final trails will be paved with asphalt to a width of 7 feet that can support snow plowing operations in the winter. All of the improvements will take place on trails with an existing footprint.
The Grand Canyon Safety and Wellness Committee brought the condition of these trails to the attention of the community pertaining to the hazardous conditions and the state these trails pose to children walking to school, particularly, on snowy days. These improvements will allow for snow plowing operations and will provide a more enjoyable and safer walking experience for members of the Pinyon park community.
Transept Trail Construction
On the North Rim from July 8-16, the Transept Trail between the East Veranda of the Grand Canyon Lodge and the Bright Angel Point Trail will be closed while trail crew repairs several deteriorating stone walls. Visitors who want to travel to Bright Angel Point will need to take the main trail from behind the North Rim Visitor Center.
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Fire Updates
The Coconino and Kaibab National Forests reopened to the public on July 6. The Bill Williams Mountain closure will remain in place. In addition, an area closure is in place for the Raphael Fire in and around Sycamore Canyon. Both forests remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions, as does Grand Canyon. As a reminder, this means no open or charcoal fires, no smoking outdoors, and no fireworks.
Please adhere to the restrictions outlined in Stage 2 to help prevent human-caused wildfires and protect our park and forests.
Evacuation Information
If the North or South Rims are force to evacuate, mentally prepare yourself and family ahead of time by reading the evacuation procedures on the park’s Emergency Information website.If you live in Grand Canyon and are not already registered for the Coconino County Emergency Notification System, Register at: http://coconino.az.gov/ready to receive the signal to evacuate. When electrical power is still available there will also be a continuous sounding of the fire siren for five minutes or longer.
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Bison Baiting Begins on the North Rim
Bison baiting began this week in preparation for the park’s third-annual live capture operation, which will begin later this summer. Bison captured through this program will be transferred to the Intertribal Buffalo Council and relocated to various tribes throughout the country. Since 2019, Grand Canyon has successfully relocated 88 bison to five Great Plains tribes, and we look forward to continuing this partnership. Thanks to the Live Capture Bison IMT for all of their hard work on this project; your efforts are helping us meet the bison reduction goals outlined in the 2017 Environmental Assessment.
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South Rim District Report Available
In the interest of improving information-sharing and transparency within our community, South Rim Patrol has made available a bimonthly South Rim District Report. These summaries provide access to information on significant incidents occurring within the Grand Canyon Village’s South Rim response area.
Significant incidents may include: traffic offenses, arrests, assault and disorderly conduct offenses, DUI offenses, motor vehicle crashes, and natural resource offenses. For privacy purposes, no personally identifying information will be included within these summaries.
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Upcoming Community Events
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Astronomer in Residence Presentation on July 9
Dr. Tyler Nordgren, the first Astronomer in Residence at Grand Canyon, will be giving a special presentation at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 9 at the McKee Amphitheater on Night Skies at Grand Canyon. He started his residency on June 25 and since then has been interacting with visitors, capturing some incredible night-sky photographs, and working on a new stunning poster design.
The McKee Amphitheater is located a short walk (less than 10 minutes) behind the Park Headquarters building. Social distancing is encouraged for this presentation.
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Music Under the Stars Returns on July 9
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Current Operational Hours
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South Rim
- Maswik Lodge Cafeteria: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Bright Angel Fountain and Coffee House, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-7 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Bright Angel Bikes, Rentals: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Cafe: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Kolb Studio: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Desert View
- Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Desert View Watchtower, staffed by GCC 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
- Desert View Information Table, staffed by NPS. The table is located on the north side of the main parking lot, in front of the building on the left side of the Orientation Plaza. Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.
- Desert View Campground is open. Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov.
North Rim
- Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk, NPS staffed from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
- North Rim Visitor Center, GCC staffed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- North Rim Lodge dining, 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily
- Deli in the Pines, 5 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
- Rough Rider Saloon, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
The following park closures remain in place:
- All residential areas
- South Rim Visitor Center (indoors), information table staffed 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
- Headquarters Information Desk
- Yavapai Lodge Restaurant
- Maswik Pizza Pub, Arizona Steak House, and Fred Harvey Burger
- Xanterra bus tours (suspended)
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