REMINDER: Inner Canyon trail closures now in effect

Effective last Friday, December 1, sections of the Bright Angel and Tonto Trails are closed through April 14, 2024. The Bright Angel Trail is closed approximately ½ mile from the trailhead (at “Cinch Up”) to the Silver Bridge, and the Tonto Trail is closed east of Horn Creek to the South Kaibab Trail junction.

Here’s some additional information and resources to share with visitors during the winter closures:

• Transcanyon Waterline project webpage
• Encourage day hiking along the Rim Trail or down and back the first half mile on Bright Angel Trail
• Recommend down and back day hiking options for South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point or Cedar Ridge
• Encourage visitors to park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center parking lot and ride the free Kaibab Shuttle to its first stop at the South Kaibab Trailhead

Vehicle stickers required for local residents at South Kaibab Trailhead

Due to the closure of the Bright Angel Trail, it is important that all local residents have vehicle stickers if they intend to park at the South Kaibab Trailhead. All vehicles without this proof are subject to fines and towing fees.

If you are a local and would like a vehicle sticker, please contact grcaremit@nps.gov and be prepared to provide your residential address, employer (if applicable), and how best to contact you. A member from the NPS Fee Management program will be in touch with you for pickup details.

Cultural Demonstration Program transitions to Grand Canyon Visitor Center for winter season

Starting December 12, 2023, the Cultural Demonstrator Series will transition to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC) on the South Rim. Every Tuesday through Thursday, artists from traditionally associated tribes of Grand Canyon will be in the lobby from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Moving demonstrations from the Desert View Watchtower to the GCVC will increase interactions with artists and the public during months of slower visitation. After February 2024, the Cultural Demonstrator Series will transition back to the Desert View Watchtower.

The Cultural Demonstrator Series provides visitors and residents the opportunity to interact with members of traditionally associated tribes and for the artisans to share their history and crafts. Weavers, carvers, potters, painters, sculptors, jewelers are just some of the disciplines presented by cultural demonstrators. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy.

Next Tuesday through Thursday, December 12-14, from 10 am to 4 pm, stop by and meet Amelia White, Navajo beader. Amelia says the inspiration for her artwork comes from the colors of Mother Nature and her Diné culture.

An attached flyer for the Cultural Demonstration Program through December 21, can be found here.

Artist in Residence ‘Pop Up’ Event, Saturday, December 9

On Saturday, December 9, from 2-4 p.m. a pop-up exhibition will feature the work of GCC Artist in Residence, Annie McCone-Lopez and Grand Canyon Summer School children. The event will be held at the Park Headquarters building with an artist talk at 2:30 p.m.

Annie McCone-Lopez will be exhibiting an eight-foot hand painted Mayan codex that represents her take on the water crisis in the Southwest. During her time in residence over the summer at Grand Canyon, McCone-Lopez also worked with Grand Canyon Summer School to create codices based on the same theme. The student codices will be displayed alongside Annie’s.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Successful Interdisciplinary River Mission Concludes

GRCA Staff from Facilities, Commercial Services, the Backcountry Information Center, Tribal Program, Partnerships, Visitor and Resource Protection, Science, and River Ops, plus partners from the Pueblo of Zuni and the Hualapai Tribe returned from a successful Colorado River Management Program (CRMP) mitigation resources river mission.

The purpose of the November 6-22 river work was to implement mitigations recommended through tribal, recreation, and trail monitoring programs. While the primary objective of the project was to complete recommended mitigations, by enlisting staff from multiple divisions and tribal partners as the labor force we worked collaboratively to share expertise, techniques, protect tribally significant resources, and foster stewardship.

During individual program monitoring and patrols, participants identify resources of concern and the project staff to reach out to with information. The team hopes that the relationship building between divisions will create opportunities for open and timely communication related to park resources and river concerns. Mitigation work at several locations included attraction site protection, campsite rehabilitation and improvements, garbage removal, trail assessments, trail pruning and access improvements, creating a river camp at 186 mile to prevent crowding associated with Whitmore exchanges, invasive Ravenna grass removal, and project documentation for planning and compliance of additional river work.

Twelve Days of Christmas Safety!

(Grand Canyon Safety Office)

1. Clean your chimney. Dirty chimneys can cause chimney fires.

2. Make sure your outdoor lights are meant for outdoor use. Follow labeling for number of light sets which can be connected end-to-end. Discard any string of lights with frayed cords, cracked lamp holders or loose connections. Pro tip: Turn off the electricity to the supply outlet before working on outdoor wiring.

3. Use safe ladder practices when hanging lights.

4. Be careful when getting decorations out of a low attic. Watch for exposed nails, wires, low-hanging rafters or crossbeams. In addition, openings between truss chords can present a fall hazard.

5. Turn off all indoor and outdoor lights before you go to bed.

6. Place candles on steady, non-flammable surfaces and away from curtains and other flammable items. Keep them out of reach of children and pets. Blow candles out when you leave the room.

7. Always have a working fire extinguisher in the house and keep it easily accessible. Pro tip: Install working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside each sleeping area.

8. With so much holiday cheer, don’t get distracted and leave cooking food unattended.

9. Keep trees away from heat sources like radiators and fireplaces. Pro tip: Before setting up the tree inside, trim two inches off the stem diagonally so it can absorb water. Add water each day to ensure the tree is well watered.

10. Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords.

11. Always turn Christmas lights out before leaving home or going to sleep. Pro tip: Purchase lights that have a label from a recognized testing laboratory and follow instructions on cord labels regarding connecting lights strings and extension cords.

12. Keep sidewalks & steps shoveled and de-iced to prevent slips and falls.

*A graphic of these 12 tips can be found in the attached flyer here.

Justin Cully Selected as Chief Ranger of Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park Deputy Superintendent Louis Rowe has announced the selection of Justin Cully as Chief Ranger for the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection. As chief ranger of Grand Canyon National Park, Cully will manage a complex program that includes law enforcement, emergency services, wildland and structural fire, aviation, fee collection, backcountry operations, and a regional dispatch center.

With more than 25 years of experience with the National Park Service (NPS), Cully has held numerous leadership positions since he started his career. Since 2020, Cully has served as the Deputy Chief Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park. He previously served as the Chief Ranger at Hot Springs National Park and held other commissioned positions at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

“I am excited by the expansiveness of this park and the diversity of the Visitor and Resource Protection Division,” says Cully. “I hope to provide a level of guidance, leadership, and support for the division, park, and community as a whole.”

Cully will start in his new role as Chief Ranger December 31, 2023.

Grand Canyon Conservancy offers holiday discount for locals through December 9

Once again GCC is offering a holiday discount for community members. From Sunday, December 3 through Saturday, December 9, community members can save 30% off their total purchase in-store at any GCC retail location.

This discount applies to the Grand Canyon Village Stores and the Desert View Watchtower. More information on this discount can be found in the attached flyer here.

Santa Breakfast and Market at GC School-December 7

This Saturday, December 9, join Santa at the Grand Canyon School cafeteria for a Santa Breakfast, sponsored by the Grand Canyon School. Breakfast is $5 per plate and all proceeds will benefit the 8th grade class field trip to Washington D.C. A vendor market will also be occurring simultaneously as well as holiday crafts for the whole family. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Toys for Tots has donated toys for all children pre-K through 8th grade. These toys will be available at the Grand Canyon School Library on Saturday, December 9 from 8-11 a.m during the Breakfast with Santa event. For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Angel Tree gift donations being accepted through December 14

Delaware North is once again 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 14. 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, see the attached flyer here.

Community Blood Drive-Tuesday, December 12

The Rec Center will be hosting a community blood drive through Vitalant on Tuesday, December 12, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org.

Vitalant is the sole supplier to 96% of AZ Hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center. Blood donations are in critical need to help hospital patients through the busy holiday season.

As a special thank-you for giving whole blood, plasma or Power Red during this crucial time, Vitalant will offer all donors who donate a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card and a free slice and soft drink from Fratelli Pizza in Flagstaff. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Town of Tusayan announces December and January Calendar of Events

See the fun events and activities planned for Tusayan in the coming months! For more information, view the full flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
• Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7-11 a.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 7 a.m.- 4 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Burger, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Dinner 4-8:30 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Arizona Steakhouse, lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast, 7-10 a.m., Lunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner, 4:30-9 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Food until 9 p.m.), Patio closed until spring 2024.
• 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

• This Friday, December 8, several Delaware North operations will close at 6 p.m. in order to host a holiday employee party: Yavapai Tavern, Yavapai Dining Hall (not open for dinner), and the Canyon Village Market.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 7 a.m. -2 p.m., The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7-10 a.m., dinner, 5-8 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Camper Services laundry and shower: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Café 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Visitor Center Plaza 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Kolb Studio, Verkamps and Yavapai Geology Museum 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• 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 6-8 p.m. (beginning December 13 hours will change on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.), Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Closet: Monday and Wednesday from 12-2 p.m.
• Canyon Community Yoga at Grand Canyon Rec Center: Mondays-6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays-6:30-7:30 p.m. (full schedule available here, locals use discount code: GCLOCALS when registering)

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily (starting Sunday, Nov. 5, the GCC store and DV Watchtower will move to winter hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily)
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View Convenience Store (adjacent to gas station), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

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

• Sunset at Unkar Delta along the Colorado River (NPS Photo/J. Dierker)
• Cinch Up trail closure gate approximately 0.5 miles down the Bright Angel Trail (NPS Photo/N. Powell)
• Dorothy and Emerson Ami, Hopi-Tewa Potters, demonstrating at the Visitor Center, December 31, 2022
• Moccasin beadwork by Amelia White (NPS Photo)
• Photo collage from CRMP River Mission, Upper Left: Crew of five worked to clear an interpretive trail from Upper Unkar to the Delta, Upper Right: Representatives from the Zuni Cultural Resource Advisory Team talk about Zuni traditions and values, Lower Right: A river ranger rows an oar boat near Tanner Rapid, Lower Left: An NPS employee works to monitor and help stabilize an archeological site near the Colorado River (NPS Photos/J. Dierker)
• Overloaded electrical circuit-watch out! (Adobe Stock photo)
• Justin Cully (Photo courtesy of J. Cully)