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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Oct. 3-7, 2022

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2022 • Comments Off

Key Messages-Week of October 3, 2022

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COVID Updates

Next local vaccine event slated for October 18 in Grand Canyon, October 25 in Tusayan

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team will be coming to the park next on Tuesday, October 18. The event will take place at the Grand Canyon Rec Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The team will also be in Tusayan at the Tusayan Fire Department on Tuesday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines will be available at this event (to include the new COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine) for those ages 6 months and older. See the attached flyer for the Grand Canyon event here and the Tusayan event here.

Arizona and Local Statistics

As of Thursday, September 29, the CDC reports Coconino County remains in LOW community level.

Total COVID cases in Arizona for the week of September 22 – 28 was 3,402, a decrease of 597 cases from the previous week. For the seven-day rolling average, the state is averaging 486 cases per day. There were 2 new COVID-19 cases reported in the park this week. This week’s new cases bring the park total up to an estimated 388 cases, and currently no change in the 86023 zip code, which leaves us at 449 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

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.

Messages and Grand Canyon News

NPS Trail Crew celebrates end of season accomplishments

NPS Trail Crew recently recognized the team’s accomplishments for FY 22 by hosting an end-of-season potluck. Some of the many accomplishments the team completed include: building and paving new trails for the Pinyon Park community, recent completion of project phases at Desert View, inner canyon rehabilitation projects and cyclic maintenance duties to the corridor trails, maintenance of 50+ miles of North Rim trails, daily compost toilet cleaning, maintenance, and evacuation, inner canyon NPS packing operations, boundary fence repair, as well as general labor when labor is needed.

“There has been a ton a interdivisional team effort and successes on many fronts this year” said Adam Gibson, Trails Supervisor. “We are grateful to all parties and partners involved and am very appreciative for all of the hard work and collaboration.”

Water now ON at Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile Resthouses

As of this morning, Thursday, October 6, water has been successfully tested and turned back on at both upper resthouses along the Bright Angel Trail.

Water has been off at both locations since July due to a pipeline break above Mile-and-a-Half resthouse coupled with water restrictions and other pipeline breaks to the system. Many thanks to the Water Utilities Crew for their continual efforts in repairs and regular maintenance!

Monday, October 10 is Indigenous People’s Day

This year Indigenous People’s Day will be celebrated on Monday, October 10. We gratefully acknowledge and respect the Native peoples on whose ancestral homelands we live and work, as well as the diverse and vibrant Native communities who have made their homes here since time immemorial.

Grand Canyon’s core values of diversity, inclusion, and respect are not options, they are requirements in the National Park Service. They inform our work every day. As we commemorate Indigenous People’s Day, let’s stand together as living examples of these important core values.

Today, there is much we need to do to heal historical wounds, and we are committed to this work because it is both necessary and right. We know that together, we can achieve these goals here at Grand Canyon. Native voices continue to shape the future of the park and we are thankful for the invaluable contributions First Voices provide as we celebrate Indigenous People’s Day. For more information on the 11 Associated Tribes of Grand Canyon, please visit our park website.

North Rim transitions to day-use operations beginning October 16

On Sunday, October 16, the North Rim’s Grand Canyon Lodge and campground will close for the season and limited services will be available to visitors. The North Rim entrance gate on State Route 67 will be closed on November 30, 2022 at 5 p.m., or after the first major snowstorm if prior to that date.

Visitors exploring the North Rim on, or after, October 16 should remember to be self-sufficient and bring enough food and water for the day.

Only the following services will remain operational:

The self-serve gas station, including diesel, will be available for as long as State Route 67 is open. It will only accept credit and debit cards.
After October 31, water will only be available at the North Rim Backcountry Information Center at the North Rim Administration Building.
The North Rim Backcountry Information Center will close for the season on November 1, 2022.
Restrooms are available at the North Rim Administration Building, North Kaibab Trailhead, and North Rim Hiker-Biker Campsites year-round. Additional restrooms will be available as weather, conditions and staffing permit.

All visitors traveling to the North Rim between now and November 30 should be prepared for winter driving conditions on State Route 67 and throughout the park. Snow, ice and rain are common during this time of year.

On October 16 the North Rim Country Store (located outside the park along State Route 67) will be closing its store and gas station and the nearby Kaibab Lodge will remain open through November 5, 2022.

Cultural Demonstrators at Desert View this week

Join us this Thursday and Friday, October 6 and 7, at Desert View Watchtower – from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to meet Cory Ahownewa, Hopi Katsina Carver, and Jeff Shetima, Zuni Stone Carver.

Cory is from the Hopi Village of Hotevilla, (Hote-villa) Third Mesa, AZ. He is from the Badger and Butterfly Clan. Cory has been carving Traditional Old-Style Katsina Dolls since he was initiated at the age of 13. Cory only uses paints made from locally sourced earth pigments, naturally occurring minerals, principally iron oxides, that have been used in paints for thousands of years for their natural color. His attention to detail and devotion to traditional methods makes this young carver’s work truly exceptional.

Jeff is from the Pueblo of Zuni, in New Mexico, and comes from a family of jewelry makers and silversmiths. “I started creating jewelry and carvings when I was around 11 years old,” Jeff said. “I try my best to carve one-of-a-kind, lifelike stone carvings (fetishes), with particular attention to detail on their faces. I also add gemstone micro inlay designs to my carvings. Every stone that I hold in my hands must be in harmony with me before I start a carving. Only with good thoughts, energy and feelings will I proceed to carve. This helps ensure that the positive energy will be internalized in the finished carving.”

Village Ranger Programs to be suspended until Thanksgiving Week

On the South Rim, the 9 a.m. Geo-Glimpse and the 5 p.m. Ranger’s Choice programs will finish out their season this Saturday, October 8. Stay tuned for a new lineup of programs, beginning Thanksgiving week.

The Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater chair installation is scheduled to begin this week and will continue for several weeks.

Leadership Spotlight

Kevin Ross, NPS Structural Fire Chief

Where are you from and what’s your background?

I’m from Puyallup, Washington, close to Seattle. I started in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at age 14 through my local hospital’s EMS Explorer Post program where I go to shadow in the hospital and ambulance. I started working for the NPS at 16 (my dad was an Interpretive Ranger so I spent my summers at Mount Rainier) and got my EMT certification after high school. I became a firefighter in 2009 and worked my way up the ranks both in and out of the NPS; I’ve worked at Olympic, Mount Rainier, Death Valley, and now here.

What drew you to Grand Canyon and what excites you about working here?

I was drawn to Grand Canyon because it’s a place I’ve never worked before and it has a lot of unique challenges. I really enjoy working in fire and teaching new firefighters, there’s a lot of opportunities for that here.

When you’re not working, what are your hobbies?

I really enjoy woodworking and tinkering/fixing things. I built my own dining room table and a few other furniture pieces.

Grand Canyon Community Corner

Grand Canyon Rec Center October Calendar now available

See all the exciting events planned at the Rec Center for October! Haunted houses, caramel apples, pumpkin carving, a haunted history tour, karaoke, and much much more. For a full schedule of events, see the attached flyer here.

North Country Healthcare announces Health and Wellness Fall Festival

On October 27 from 4-7 p.m., North Country Healthcare is hosting a Health and Wellness Fall Festival at the Grand Canyon Rec Center. Fun activity stations, balloon artists, face painting, affordable health insurance assistance, behavioral health, free dental screenings and much more!

For more information, check out this flyer here.

Grand Canyon School announces Halloween Carnival

Join the Halloween fun on October 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Grand Canyon school field and multi-purpose room. Costumes are encouraged and the event will include a haunted house, games, prizes, and candy.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Kaibab Learning Center to Host Halloween Fundraiser Event October 29

On October 29 beginning at 4:30 p.m., the Kaibab Learning Center will be hosting a community fundraiser at the Big E Steakhouse in Tusayan. A costume contest, raffles, prizes, and live music will all be part of the event. For more information, see the attached flyer.

GRCA DV Paving

Current Operational Hours

*Please note: new changes to operations will now be 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.
Fred Harvey Food Truck has relocated to the Train Depot area Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (weather permitting)
Maswik Pizza Pub, located inside Maswik Lodge, is open Friday through Tuesday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The pizza pub is closed weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Xanterra is now offering pizza delivery service from 4 to 8 p.m. Delivery is provided to Guest Rooms at Grand Canyon National Park Lodges Only.

Delaware North

Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 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 p.m. – 9:00 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 weekends and holidays)
Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Cafe-8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): Daily from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., operations now indoors. Beginning October 23, operations will transition from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: 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, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
The Desert View Deli, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Desert View Service Station Retail Store, daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Desert View Information Table (staffed by NPS), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (as staffing levels allow).

North Rim

North Rim Lodge Dining Room, Breakfast: 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner: 4:30-9:45 p.m.
In addition to regular breakfast service in the dining room, the Grand Canyon Lodge at North Rim is offering a breakfast buffet daily from 6:30-8:00 a.m.
Deli in the Pines, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Roughrider Saloon, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Coffee Saloon, 5:30-10:30 a.m.
North Rim General Store: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
North Rim Service Station (gas station), staffed 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
GCC Bookstore/Visitor Center, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Roaring Springs Kiosk information, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

*Please note: all above concessions operations with the exception of the pay at the pump gas station will be closing after Saturday, October 15th.

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

Photo Credits (in order of appearance)

The South Rim on September 29 following a period of thunderstorms (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
The 2022 NPS Trail Crew at Desert View (NPS Photo)
‘Tribes Call the Canyon Home’ medallion (design by Chevo Studios)
Cultural Demonstrator’s stone carving and Katsina doll (NPS Photo)
An interpretation ranger interacts with the public following a ranger program (NPS Photo)
GRCA Fire Chief, Kevin Ross (Photo courtesy of K. Ross)
Aspens are in full peak now on the North Rim (NPS Photo/L. Cisneros)
The Desert View paving projects continues this week near the amphitheater (NPS Photo/J. Dyer)

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.

Grand Canyon National Park

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

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