Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 17-21, 2024

Northern Arizona transitions to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions this Friday, June 21

Due to increased fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests, will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions 2 beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 21. Under Stage 2 restrictions, building or maintaining an outdoor fire of any kind is prohibited as well as smoking outdoors.

Additionally, operating or using any internal combustion engine such as chainsaws, wood splitters, weed eaters, generators, welders, or any other devices that can cause a fire are prohibited. This prohibition does not include street legal vehicles. Exception: Permits for work with these devices only for official business where no reasonable alternative exists may be granted through the GRCA hot work permit process managed by Grand Canyon Fire Department. For more information and to submit a hot work permit, please contact the Grand Canyon Fire Prevention team at: GRCA_Fire_Prevention@nps.gov.

ALLOWED: The use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fueled devices that can be turned on and off, such as stoves, lanterns, or heating devices may be used under Stage 2 restrictions. These devices are allowed if such devices meet fire safety standards. These devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

A flyer for Stage 2 Restrictions can be found here. The full fire restriction order for Grand Canyon National Park can be found here.

More information on fire restrictions and fire danger ratings, please visit the park’s fire information page.

In Memoriam: Remembering John Root

It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our colleague and friend, John Root. John passed away this past week due to natural causes. John served as the North Rim Facilities Lead for the past three years, following a dedicated tenure on the South Rim.

John was a cornerstone of our team, known for his expertise in facilities management and unwavering commitment to the mission of the National Park Service. His leadership and guidance were invaluable, and his presence will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

During his time with NPS, John made significant contributions to the upkeep and enhancement of North Rim facilities and roads, ensuring that they remained safe and functional for all who visit and work at Grand Canyon. We extend our heartfelt condolences to John’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Details regarding arrangements and opportunities to honor John’s memory will be communicated as they become available.

Behind the Scenery podcast – an interview with Superintendent Ed Keable

Have you ever wondered why the National Park Service celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride month? Or how the Grand Canyon is working towards a more respectful, inclusive, safe, and engaging environment? The park’s latest Behind the Scenery Podcast, Strength Through Diversitywas released this week.

Join us for a conversation with Park Superintendent Ed Keable:

Listen/download on nps.gov: https://go.nps.gov/bts or on Apple Podcasts here.

Upcoming Park Programming

Check the park’s website for more details on park programs and special events.

South Rim: Village

• Fossil Discovery Walk (30min): 9:00 a.m. daily, meet at Bright Angel Trailhead.
• Geology Talk (30min): 3:00 p.m. daily, meet at Yavapai Geology Museum.
• Exploring the Endangered (60 min): 4:30 p.m. daily, meet at Village Amphitheater.
• Evening Program (60 min): 8:00 p.m. Friday, 6/21 thru Sunday, 6/23, meet at McKee Amphitheater.
• Astronomy Night—Full Moon Rise over Grand Canyon: sunset is at 7:49 pm, arrive a half hour early. Moonrise is at 8:09 pm, Friday, June 21​, meet at Mather Point.
• Astronomy Night—Telescope Viewing 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Constellation talk 9:30 pm, Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23​, meet at Grand Canyon Visitor Center.
• Astronomy Night—Constellations over the Canyon (60 min): 9:00 pm. Daily, Monday, June 24 through Thursday, June 27, meet at Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

South Rim: Desert View

• Grand Canyon Speaks (45min): 6:45 p.m., meet at the Desert View Amphitheater.
• Thursday, June 20: with Anthony Gchachu (Zuni painter)
• Monday, June 24: with Ciara Minjarez and Shalitha Peaches (White Mountain Apache, Food Sovereignty)
• Tuesday, June 25: with Bobby Silas (Hopi Potter): Special Pride Month program
• Thursday, June 27: with Cory Ahowenwa (Hopi Kachina carver)
• Cultural Demonstrations: 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., located at the Desert View Watchtower.
• 6/20-6/22: Gloria Chee (Diné Beader and Carver), Leo Chee (Diné Silversmith), and Anthony Gchachu (Zuni Painter)
• 6/27-6/29: Cory Ahowenwa (Hopi Kachina Carver) and Gloria Quanimptewa (Hopi Basket Weaver)
• Sunset Talk (45 min): at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, meet at the Desert View Amphitheater.
• Special Cultural Event (60min): 11:00 am, Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25, White Mountain Apache Native Food Walk, meet at Desert View Watchtower

North Rim

• Nature Walk (90min): 8:30 a.m. Friday and Sunday, meet at Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk.
• Behind the Scenery (30min): 11:30 a.m. daily, meet at Bright Angel Point Amphitheater.
• Colorado River Connections (30min): 2:30 p.m. daily, meet at Cape Royal Trailhead.
• Beneath the Canopy (30min): 3:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m., daily, meet at the Campground Amphitheater. Family geared program.
• Evening Program (45min): 7:30 p.m., every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, meet at Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium.
• Night Sky Program (60min): 9:00 p.m., Saturday 6/22, meet at Bright Angel Point Amphitheater. Sturdy footwear and red light recommended.

Employee Spotlight!

Ryan Green, Lead Fisheries Technician

I’m originally from southern Louisiana and grew up in northern Alabama where I have an undergraduate degree in biology from Jacksonville State University and later obtained a master’s degree in wildlife science at Texas A&M University.

I never realized I wanted to work with fisheries until I experienced desert fish throughout the southwest rivers and creeks. In 2018, I started out working with razorback suckers in Lake Mead with the State of Nevada as a fisheries technician, and then moved on to work with Arizona U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2019 as a fisheries technician primarily focusing on bony tail chub and razorback suckers in the Lower Colorado River. I wanted more experience working in Grand Canyon National Park, so in 2021, I switched gears for a season and worked as a vegetation technician at the North Rim so I could be more involved in Grand Canyon field work.

In the fall of 2021, I joined the Grand Canyon fisheries program as an ACE fisheries technician and fell in love with the job entirely! I loved the environment of being in the canyon for 8 plus days with folks who shared the same love for native fish and enjoying the outdoors. I came back for another season in 2022 as a crew lead for the fisheries program, and the following season in 2023 I became a permanent employee with the Grand Canyon fisheries program.

I have been very fortunate to participate in numerous Grand Canyon fisheries projects, Little Colorado River humpback chub monitoring with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grand Canyon Havasu humpback chub monitoring, Bright Angel Creek trout reduction tours, Smallmouth bass surveillance trips, and Colorado River humpback chub translocation monitoring trips. But so far, my most memorable experience working with native fish in Grand Canyon is seeing more and more native suckers in Bright Angel Creek each fall/winter, compared to my first season electrofishing, we were catching mostly nonnative trout species during the electrofishing season. Now there are tons of flannelmouth suckers and bluehead suckers residing in Bright Angel Creek as the trout population is knocked back. I’m definitely a “sucker for suckers” and really enjoy their unique morphology!

When I’m out of the canyon, I spend a lot of free time ultra trail running, skiing, floating rivers, and occasionally mountain biking. I’m definitely enjoying working my dream job at Grand Canyon National Park and excited to keep expanding my experience with native fish.

Town of Tusayan Fourth of July Celebration

Join community members from the Town of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village for the annual Fourth of July celebration from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Kid’s bike decorating begins at 3:30 p.m., parade line-up starts at 3:45, and the parade will begin at 4:30. Additional events and activities include: live music from local bands, food, auction items, Native American dancers, kid’s games, and a drone show after dark.

For more information on this event and to register to be in the parade, visit the town’s website 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 5-8 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 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: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Trailer Village Kiosk: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 7 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.-8 p.m. daily, Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-8 p.m., Kolb Studio-8 a.m.-6 p.m.,
• 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) June schedule: Fitness Classes (under the ramada): Sunday 9 a.m., Tuesday & Thursday 6 p.m. Yoga (in the SPR): Monday & Wednesday 6:30 p.m. 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.- 7 p.m. daily. Stairs and tower access available until 6 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), 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• 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.

• Staff from Grand Canyon National Park and Flagstaff Area Monuments participate in the annual Pride Parade in Flagstaff on June 15, 2024. (NPS Photo)
• John Root, North Rim Facilities Lead (NPS Photo/M. Jenkins)
• A ranger gives an evening program at the Desert View Amphitheater (NPS Photo)
• Ryan Green, Lead Fisheries Technician (Photo courtesy of R. Green)