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Messages and Grand Canyon News
Week of August 5, 2024
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| Grand Canyon records second driest, second hottest July on record
The National Weather Service reports July temperatures at Grand Canyon averaged +3.8° warmer than normal, and the precipitation total for the month was only 0.65 inches – that’s a full inch below normal! The period June 1-July 31, 2024 was the hottest on record for most locations across northern Arizona (including Grand Canyon).
During this period of high fire danger, it is important to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure the safety of ourselves and our community.
- Avoid outdoor activities that can cause sparks, such as campfires, fireworks, cigarette smoking, dragging tow chains, and using power tools.
- Maintain a defensible space around homes and structures. This means creating a buffer zone by clearing dry brush and vegetation within 30 feet of the structure.
- Stay informed and follow instructions from local agencies. If evacuation orders are issued, be ready to leave quickly and follow recommended routes to safety.
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Astronomy Programs This Weekend
Attend a special astronomy program at McKee Amphitheater at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 9. Dr Daniel Fleish from Wittenberg University will be projecting deep space objects onto the amphitheater’s large screen.
Saturday and Sunday (August 10-11) Astronomy Nights will feature telescope viewing between 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., with the constellation talks start at 9:30 p.m.
More information on these programs can be found on our park website here.
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Artist in Residence Update
Grand Canyon Artist in Residence, Gerald Dawavendewa, will not be able to fulfill the rest of his residency due to unexpected circumstances.
Gerald provided incredible programming on the North Rim for Heritage Days and spoke with visitors about Hopi culture and his artwork. He also spoke about working with NASA in 1994 where he created artwork depicting the cosmos, which was sent aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-59).
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Behind the SceneryPodcast: Art and Activism with Amy Martin
How do you protect the places you care about? In this episode of Behind the Scenery, Amy Martin explores how photography became her medium for telling stories and helping to protect the places she loves. See her work at amysmartinphotography.com.
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Fred and Monica Nanacasia Receive Grand Canyon Historical Society Community Service Award
Fred and Monica Nanacasia have been honored with the Grand Canyon Historical Society Community Service Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the Grand Canyon community, particularly for Native American youth.
For over a decade, Fred and Monica have been stalwart supporters of the Grand Canyon School community. Their dedication is evident through their roles as coaches for volleyball and basketball teams, active supporters of all sports programs, and leaders of the Native American Club. They also mentor and support Native American youth dancers who perform at Grand Canyon events.
Both of Hopi descent, Monica and Fred have deep roots in the Grand Canyon area. Monica, who has worked at Xanterra and currently with the National Park Service (NPS), and Fred, also with NPS maintenance, have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to the community beyond their professional roles.
Their dedication was especially notable during the Covid-19 pandemic when they organized independent basketball teams for junior varsity and varsity players after school sports were suspended. They raised funds for uniforms, tournament fees, and safety equipment through community taco sales, showcasing their resilience and resourcefulness. Monica even made a demanding round-trip drive to ensure uniforms arrived on time and transported students to a tournament in Las Vegas.
Monica and Fred also founded Dupkia Hoyam, a Native American dance group meaning ‘Children of the Canyon.’ This initiative keeps Native youth connected to their cultural heritage through ceremonial dance, enriching local and visitor experiences at the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon Historical Society Community Service Award highlights Fred and Monica’s extraordinary service and dedication. Their contributions, often made in their spare time while holding full-time jobs, reflect their deep commitment to enhancing the lives of local youth and the broader community!
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Grand Canyon Community Corner
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NPS Job Opportunity for Local Residents!
Are you a local within a 90-mile commuting distance of Grand Canyon? The NPS Visitor and Resource Protection Division is currently seeking applicants for a Backcountry Visitor Technician duty stationed at Lees Ferry (housing available). This announcement is now open through Wednesday, August 14 onusajobs.gov.
Under the local hiring authority, only persons who have either lived or worked in or near Grand Canyon for the past two years are considered eligible (excluding Flagstaff).
For information regarding the application process contact:
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Grand Canyon School PTA schedule for 2024-2025 School Year
The local Grand Canyon School PTA meets once a month in the Grand Canyon School Library or via Zoom. Meetings are on the first Wednesdays of the month at 6 p.m. PTA members, community members, parents of students are all welcome to attend. Childcare is provided for elementary-aged children.
2024-2025 School Year Meeting dates: September 4, October 2, November 6, December 4, January 8 (second Wednesday), February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7.
Zoom Link Here, Meeting ID: 843 8302 8607, Passcode: PTApower
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Save the Date! Community Blood Drive September 6
The Rec Center will be hosting a community blood drive through Vitalant on Friday, September 6, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org (Blood Drive Code: grandcyn).
Vitalant is the sole supplier to 96% of AZ Hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center. More information can be found in the attached flyer here. |
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Current Operational Hours
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| *New changes to operations are indicated in red.
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: 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.-7 p.m. daily, Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-8 p.m. (beginning Sunday, August 11, store hours will be reduced to 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily), 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. |
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Photo Credits (in order of appearance)
- A frog on a rock in Havasu Creek, June 2024 (Photo courtesy of Freshwaters Illustrated/David Herasimtschuk)
- Fred and Monica Nanacasia receiving the Grand Canyon Historical Society Community Service Award (Photo courtesy of GC Historical Society)
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| 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. |
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