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Messages and Grand Canyon News
Week of October 21, 2024
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| Honoring Heritage: Reflections on the Healing Power of Land and Community at Indigenous Peoples’ Day
“Remember these places that we are enjoying; now that they are more than just tourist destinations, more than recreational playgrounds, more than places where mining companies or helicopter companies are out there to make a buck. When you’re out on that trail and maybe take a moment think about this place as medicine and how it’s probably providing you some healing. When you look at that breathtaking view that is medicine right there…the reason why that the land can do that for us, is because that power is real, and that is all what a scared place is, recognizing that the land has power.” -David Martínez
Thank you everyone who helped host the first annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Event at the South Rim Visitor Center. Over three days, we welcomed approximately 1,500 visitors, with about 30% of attendees being local community members. This event aims to unite Indigenous scholars and emphasize the importance on educating attendees about Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), land acknowledgement, and representation in public lands. Many visitors expressed eagerness to understand why this knowledge isn’t taught in schools and expressed a desire for more programs like this.
Organizing an Indigenous Peoples’ Day event is a crucial step toward raising awareness about this history. As the first event of its kind at Grand Canyon National Park, this celebration deepens our understanding of these stories, and express the beauty of Indigenous culture, and honor the resilience of Indigenous peoples. Please check out the recordings from the presenters. Special thanks to Michael Quinn for recording these presentations.
– Kelli Jones
David Martínez is Akimel O’odham and an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community. He is a Professor of American Indian and Transborder studies at Arizona State University, Tempe Campus. Land Acknowledgement and Sacred Places by David Martinez presentation:
https://vimeo.com/1021331960/c437f5ff14
Noah Collins is White Mountain Apache Tribe/Cherokee Nation. His research interests broadly concern Indigenous health disparities. Native Peoples and Their Relationship with Public Lands by Noah Collins presentation:
https://vimeo.com/1020407319/8b9c6ddaa1
Dr. Lyla June Johnston (aka Lyla June) is an Indigenous musician, author, and community organizer of Diné (Navajo), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne) and European lineages
Architects of Abundance: Indigenous Edible Landscape Design, by Dr. Lyla June Johnston presentation:
https://vimeo.com/1019157148/92d923c4b7 |
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| First Snowfall at the Grand Canyon: What to Expect This Winter Amid La Niña Conditions
As winter approaches, both the South and North rims of Grand Canyon received their first snowfall this past weekend! The National Weather Service forecasts a 60% chance of weak La Niña conditions developing, which typically leads to a drier and warmer winter for Arizona, including our area.
This outlook indicates a 35-60% chance of below-normal precipitation and a 40-60% chance of warmer temperatures at the South Rim. These conditions may worsen drought levels and impact moisture levels, potentially leading to an earlier start to the wildfire season in spring. Despite the expected dry winter, one significant storm can still bring impactful weather. An infographic with this outlook can be found below or viewed here in higher detail.
Grand Canyon Dispatch reminds all residents, locals, and visitors that road information can always be found at 928-638-7496. This recorded line is updated with real-time information directly from units opening and closing the roads. For road closures
within the state of Arizona, call Arizona DOT at 888-411-7623, visit them at AZ511.gov, and download the app.
Residents and employees are encouraged to sign up for Everbridge notifications in order to receive up to date inclement weather and roads information as they occur. A form to sign up and/or change your notification preferences can be found here.
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South Rim Visitor Center and Programming Updates
The South Rim Visitor Center will be closed through Sunday, October 27, for staff training.
Starting Monday, October 28, the Visitor Center will resume winter hours, operating from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Please note that park films will not be shown at this time due to projector repairs.
Also on Monday, October 28, winter season interpretive Ranger Programs will resume:
- Daily at 11 AM: Join us at the Yavapai Geology Museum for the ‘Geology Talk’ (30 minutes). Discover the stories encoded in the rock layers of the Grand Canyon, a geologically young landscape sculpted from ancient rocks.
- Daily at 3 PM: Attend ‘Canyon Connections’ at the Visitor Center (30 minutes). Engage with a ranger to explore the canyon’s diverse ecosystems, rich cultural heritage, and ever-changing landscape. Topics vary daily, and the program may include a short walk to Mather Point or along the Canyon Rim Trail.
More information on these programs can be found in the attached flyer here. |
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GCC Artist in Residence Programs This Weekend
We are excited to welcome Grand Canyon Conservancy’s October’s Artist in Residence, Anne Finger. This award-winning author is known for her novels, short-story collections, and personal memoirs that explore disability in a broader social context. Anne has taught creative writing and disability studies at Miami University and served as a lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley.
Evening Program: “John Wesley Powell, Disability, and the Grand Canyon”
Friday, October 25, 2024
6 – 7 PM
Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater
Join us for a work-in-progress reading from Anne’s upcoming book, followed by a Q&A session. Discover the story of John Wesley Powell, the disabled Civil War veteran who led the 1869 expedition through the Grand Canyon.
‘Writing Outside’ Workshop
Saturday, October 26, 2024
2 – 3 PM
Verkamp’s Visitor Center Front Porch
Anne Finger will host a writing workshop set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Grand Canyon. Participants need no prior writing experience; Anne will provide prompts to inspire creativity, and attendees will have the opportunity to share their work if they wish. |
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Grand Canyon Incident Report Now Available
Grand Canyon Law Enforcement has combined significant incidents from all districts including South Rim, Canyon District, and the North Rim.
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Grand Canyon Community Corner
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COVID and Flu Vaccine Clinic at Grand Canyon Rec Center on Friday, Oct. 25
On Friday, Oct. 25, Coconino County Health and Human Services will be offering vaccines at the Grand Canyon Community Recreation Center from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Flu shots and COVID-19 boosters will be available at the event for those ages 6 months and above. The CDC recommends the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines and the updated 2024-2025 flu vaccines to protect against severe COVID-19 and flu this fall and winter.
It is safe to receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same visit. Data continue to show the importance of vaccination to protect against severe outcomes of COVID-19 and flu, including hospitalization and death. In 2023, more than 916,300 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and more than 75,500 people died from COVID-19. During the 2023-2024 flu season, more than 44,900 people are estimated to have died from flu complications.
No registration is required; however, residents are encouraged to arrive early based on past popularity of these events.
For more information, see the attached flyer here. |
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Grand Canyon School Halloween Carnival-Oct. 26
The Grand Canyon School will be hosting its annual Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 26th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the School.
There will be a haunted house, activity booths, and games for all ages. Be sure to wear your costume! More information can be found in the attached flyer here. |
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North Country Healthcare Fall Festival-Oct. 29
On Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 4-6 p.m., North Country Healthcare will host a Fall Festival focused on health and wellness. This event offers an opportunity for you and your family to explore healthcare services and programs available to you.
Enjoy activity stations, a balloon artist, and learn about affordable health insurance assistance and behavioral health resources. There will also be a FREE dental screening and more. Costumes are encouraged.
For more information on this event, see the attached flyer here. |
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Grand Canyon Trick-or-Treating-Oct. 31
Local trick-or-treating on Park Circle is currently planned for Thursday, Oct. 31. As in previous years, NPS Rangers will be present in and around Park Circle.
Park Circle will be closed to all non-residential traffic and suggested hours are from 4:30-7 p.m. for all trick-or-treating activities. These hours are suggested in order to ensure resident’s and children’s safety in periods of low light or darkness. A full flyer for the event can be found here. |
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Tusayan Trunk or Treat-Oct. 31
Join the annual Tusayan Trunk or Treat event in front of the Fire District, located between Wendy’s and the IMAX. Sponsored by the town of Tusayan and the Tusayan Fire District, this festive gathering invites everyone to pull out their costumes and come by from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for treats, games, and prizes!
For more information, please see 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.)
- 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 a.m., dinner 5-8 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m.
- Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
- The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Other
- Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): GCVC will be closed from Oct. 6-27 and will reopen Monday, Oct. 28
- Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamps 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Yavapai Geology Museum-8 a.m.-7 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-7 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): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.
- Hermit’s Rest water bottle fill station is OFF for the season.
- Inner Canyon:
- Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens to Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024 to May 14, 2025
- Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024 to May 14, 2025
- Bright Angel Campground, closed Nov 4, 2024 to May 14, 2025
- Phantom Ranch (Lodging and Canteen), closed from Jan 2, 2025, to Mar 30, 2025
Desert View
- Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Desert View Watchtower
- The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Desert View gas station (24 hours)-pay at pump only
North Rim
- 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.
- The North Rim Backcountry Information Center in the park admin building will remain open through October 31. Water at the North Kaibab Trailhead has been shut off. From now until the road closes, water will only be available from the faucet outside the North Rim Backcountry Information Center.
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)
- David Martinez, Noah Collins, and Dr. Lyla June Johnston at the Mather Point Amphitheater (NPS Photo/D. Pawlak)
- Hermit Road on Saturday, Oct. 19 (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
- Winter Outlook infographic courtesy of National Weather Service-Flagstaff Office
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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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