Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 9-13, 2024

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Stage 3 Water Restrictions Still in Effect: Pumping Continues to South Rim

Good news—water is now being pumped to the South Rim at a rate of 500 gallons per minute! Currently, South Rim tank levels are at 14.2 feet, with an ongoing usage rate of about 0.6 feet per day. Despite this progress, the park remains under Stage 3 water restrictions, and projections indicate that the Stage 2 threshold (15 feet) may be reached in the near future. An infographic depicting the different water stages and associated tank levels for the South Rim can be found here.

As the park continues to address the water situation, water conservation measures remain in effect. Visitors and residents are urged to conserve water by limiting showers, turning off faucets when not in use, and reporting any leaks. Campground water spigots in Mather Campground are turned off, and camper services will remain closed as part of the ongoing restrictions. We will continue to provide updates as repairs progress and as more information becomes available. For the latest on water availability in the backcountry, please visit our Critical Backcountry Updates page.

2024-2025 Winter Operations Plan: Ensuring Safety and Access at Grand Canyon

The 2024-2025 Winter Operations Plan outlines the coordinated efforts of Grand Canyon National Park staff to manage snow removal and ensure safe access across the park during winter conditions. It focuses on key areas such as roads, Greenway trails, bus stops, and visitor use areas, aiming to reduce hazards while maintaining access for visitors and residents.

The plan details specific responsibilities for the Facility Management Division (FMD) and Visitor and Resource Protection (VRP), including snow removal priorities and protocols. It also includes guidelines on snow and ice management, authorized de-icers, and a communication plan to ensure effective coordination among teams.

This plan is essential for employees and partners to ensure smooth winter operations, minimize disruptions, and enhance safety for all during the winter months. To view the entire 2024-2025 Winter Operations Plan, see the attached document here.

TONIGHT! Canyon Conversations Webinar: Flora of the Grand Canyon Region

On Thursday, Dec. 12 from 5-6 p.m., join Wendy Hodgson, Senior Research Botanist at Desert Botanical Garden and Lonnie Pilkington, Vegetation Program Manager at Grand Canyon National Park to learn about the variety of plants found within Grand Canyon and the projects that the park’s vegetation team is working on in collaboration with the Desert Botanical Garden and others.

This free webinar is sponsored by the Grand Canyon Conservancy andinformation on how to register can be found here.

2025 Fee-Free Days at Grand Canyon National Park

The National Park Service (NPS) is offering six fee-free days throughout the year, giving visitors the chance to explore the park without an entrance fee.

The 2025 fee-free days are:

• January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 19 – First Day of National Park Week
• June 19 – Juneteenth National Independence Day
• August 4 – Great American Outdoors Act Signing Day
• September 27 – National Public Lands Day
• November 11 – Veterans Day

Whether you’re discovering a new park or revisiting an old favorite, these days provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the diverse natural and cultural wonders the National Park Service protects—at no cost!

Scientists in Parks Summer 2025 Internships – Now Accepting Applications

The Scientists in Parks program provides immersive, paid full work experiences with the NPS in natural resource fields so the next generation of park stewards—especially those underrepresented in science—have an opportunity to work on important and unique projects while building real-world professional experience and a life-long connection to America’s national parks.

Here at Grand Canyon, we’re offering three positions in 2025:

• Science Communication Internship – This position will be stationed on the North Rim and provide interpretive programs, engage with visitors, assist with updating park materials, and develop presentation and customer service skills while working with experienced park rangers.

• Biology Internship – This position will be stationed at the North Rim and support Grand Canyon National Park’s Wildlife Program. The primary focus of this position is on bison monitoring and relocation projects.

• Ecology Assistant – This position will support the NPS’s climate adaptation efforts by summarizing research, developing strategies, and implementing innovative actions to preserve ecosystem functions at Grand Canyon and other parks in response to climate change.

Applications close after 75 submissions or by 11:59 PM EST on January 19, 2025. More information and an online application can be found here.

Help spread the word to students you know about these exciting opportunities!

A regional team comprised of NPS staff from Grand Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area recently participated in the NASA Earth to Sky Academy. Through a competitive selection process, the Colorado River & Uplands Corridor team was invited to travel to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland for a week of training in NASA climate science, communication techniques, and Earth to Sky methodology.

The Earth to Sky Academy is geared towards teams of experienced informal educators and climate communication leaders who have a strong commitment to furthering climate literacy within their respective regions. The purpose of the Academy is to train regional leaders who will conduct regional Earth to Sky (ETS) courses and nurture their own Earth to Sky Regional Community of Practice.

On Tuesday through Thursday, December 17, 18, and 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by the Watchtower to meet Lyncia Begay, Diné artist and author.

View her artwork and learn how her work bridges creativity and activism. A Northern Arizona University Master’s graduate in Creative Writing, Lyncia also leads community projects focused on cultural revitalization and Indigenous education.

Employee Spotlight!

Aiden O’Neil, Public Safety Dispatcher

Hello, I am Aiden O’Neil. I have worked seven seasons with the NPS over the last five years. Working for the NPS has taken me to Glacier, Glacier Bay, Crater Lake, and Grand Canyon (Winter 2023-2024). My most recent position was my second season of dispatching at Glacier National Park.

I have spent much time with this agency getting involved with emergency response and search and rescue. I am excited to work and grow my skills as a dispatcher at Grand Canyon for my first permanent position with the NPS.

TONIGHT! Town of Tusayan Holiday Festival and Drone Show

Join the Town of Tusayan on Thursday, Dec. 12 for their annual Holiday Festival and Drone Show! Located at the Tusayan Sports Complex, the event will begin at 5 p.m. and feature a drone show, Santa, hot chocolate, and soup. The holiday lights will be on display each evening at the Tusayan Sports Complex from Thanksgiving to New Years.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Angel Tree Wrapping and Food Box Assembly Volunteers Needed

Delaware North is seeking volunteers for several upcoming community events. On Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 1-5 p.m. at the Yavapai Lodge Restaurant, volunteers are needed to help wrap the Grand Canyon Angel Tree gifts that have been donated to local children. Pizza and wrapping supplies will be provided. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here.

On Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 3-4:30 p.m., volunteers are needed at the Canyon Village Market receiving area (located at the back of the building) to help assemble food boxes for all families on the Grand Canyon Angel Tree. For more information, contact Kaitie Christiansen at kchristiansen@delawarenorth.com or see the attached flyer here.

Community Blood Drive on December 18 at Rec Center

The Grand Canyon Rec Center will host a community blood drive with Vitalant on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 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. In appreciation for helping patients this holiday season, all donors will receive a $10 rewards gift card, and a free pizza slice and soda from Fratelli Pizza in Flagstaff.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Cafeteria, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, (food until 9 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 4:30-9:30 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.
• Camper Services, daily from 7 am to 4 pm.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental & Cafe: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• 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.-6 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 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.
• 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, Phantom Ranch has reopened to overnight guests as of Saturday, Dec. 7

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last tower access tickets given out at 4 pm.
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours)-pay at pump only

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

• Canyoneering descent below Paguekwash Point on Nov. 30 (NPS Photo/M. Jenkins)
• Water Utilities Supervisor, Katie Brown, stands in front of the recent pipeline break along the North Kaibab Trail, Dec. 2024 (NPS Photo)
• Road Closure at the Yaki Rd. gate along Desert View Drive (NPS Photo)
• Redbud in the inner canyon near Havasupai Gardens (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• NPS Fee Ranger at the South Entrance Station (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• 2024 Earth to Sky Academy Cohort at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (Photo courtesy of Earth to Sky)
• Lyncia Begay digital artwork (Artwork courtesy of L. Begay)
• Aiden O’Neil, Public Safety Dispatcher (Photo courtesy of A. O’Neil)