Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 16-20, 2024

Stage 2 Water Restrictions in Place: Pumping Continues to South Rim

Good news—water continues to be pumped to the South Rim at a rate of 470 gallons per minute! Currently, South Rim tank levels are at 17.5 feet. Despite this progress, the park remains under Stage 2 water restrictions, and projections indicate that the Stage 1 threshold (19 feet) may be reached by Saturday, December 21. 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 now ON, and camper services has reopened with hours of 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. For the latest on water availability in the backcountry, please visit our Critical Backcountry Updates page.

Grand Canyon National Park and the neighboring Kaibab National Forest successfully conducted prescribed burns on the North Rim last week. The project targeted three distinct areas: the Slopes unit in mixed conifer forest, the Cape Final unit in ponderosa pine forest, and the Telephone Hill unit along Highway 67.

In the Cape Final unit, fire managers treated 950 acres, primarily on Saturday when a helicopter became available for aerial ignitions. The fire remained active along 30% of the unit’s perimeter after the first day of burning.

The Telephone Hill unit saw 300 acres treated, focusing on areas with heavy accumulations of downed trees along Highway 67. Despite cold temperatures limiting the ideal burning conditions, sunny and windy weather helped maintain fire spread.

These controlled burns are part of ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risks, maintain forest health, and protect both natural and cultural resources. By carefully planning and executing these burns under specific weather conditions, fire managers can safely reintroduce fire’s natural role in the ecosystem. Photos from this project can be viewed in NPGallery here.

Cultural Demonstrators Next Week at Desert View

On Tuesday through Thursday, December 24, 25, and 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by the Watchtower to meet Marie Honyumptewa – Hopi Beader, and Ahkima Honyumptewa – Hopi Weaver and Painter.

While beading is not a traditional Hopi art form, Marie Honyumptewa first learned to bead at a young age. She started to include Hopi symbols, to make the work her own, and to represent her community. Marie says, “Creating art comes from the heart and I enjoy expressing my tribe’s symbols in another art form.”

Ahkima Honyumptewa, Marie’s son, has been an artist since he was young, painting mostly kachinas, along with landscapes, people and animals. Weaving is something he learned later, when encouraged by family and friends. Over the years, Ahkima has mastered the traditional Hopi styles and patterns, and he also creates contemporary blankets and clothing.

Grand Canyon Incident Report Now Available

Grand Canyon Law Enforcement has combined significant incidents from all districts including the South Rim, Canyon District, and the North Rim.

See the latest Incident Report:

Grand Canyon Incident Report ending December 18, 2024

Phantoms Basketball this Season

The Grand Canyon School Phantoms Basketball season is in full swing with games at home already beginning this month!

A full schedule for Girls JV and Varsity Basketball can be found here.

A full schedule for Boys JV and Varsity Basketball can be found here.

Have a Community Event in 2025?

We’d love to hear from you! Submit community events to: grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.

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.-6 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

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 and Market, 9 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.

• Happy Holidays and Happy New Year (NPS Photo)
• Prescribed fire on the North Rim on Dec. 12, 2024 (NPS Photo/Fire Effects)
• Marie Honyumptewa and Ahkima Honyumptewa beading and artwork (Photos courtesy of artists)
• Sunset from Yavapai Geology Museum on Dec. 14, 2024 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)