Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 17-21, 2025

Expect Longer Wait Times at Entrance Stations: Spring Operational Changes Take Effect March 1

As spring break approaches, visitors and park residents should be prepared for long lines and full parking lots. Traffic congestion is expected at all entrance stations, with the heaviest delays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center will begin to fill by noon. The South Entrance webcam (updated every five minutes) is a great way to monitor park traffic. To help reduce congestion, we encourage visitors to purchase entrance passes in advance, use lane 1 at the South Entrance, explore alternative transportation options, and arrive early or visit later in the day.

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the entrance station staff for their continued hard work and dedication. We recognize long lines and heavy traffic can be challenging and your professionalism and commitment make an incredible difference in providing visitors with a positive experience. Thank you!

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Starting on Saturday, March 1, all three shuttle routes will resume for the season. This includes: the Kaibab Rim Route (Orange Route) servicing the Grand Canyon Visitor Center east to Yaki Point, the Village Route (Blue Route) servicing primary visitor facilities, and the Hermits Rest Route (Red Route) providing service from the Village along the west rim to Hermits Rest.

Shuttle Bus Spring Schedules (March 1 – May 23, 2025)

• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 a.m.

Campground Openings

Mather Campground will fully reopen on March 1, offering 328 sites. Reservations can be made online through Recreation.gov. Desert View Campground opens April 12, and the North Rim Campground opens May 15.

The NPS Water Utilities Team had the pleasure of hosting a fourth-grade student from New Mexico, Gavin, who visited Grand Canyon National Park as part of his science project on water testing. His project earned him second place at his school, advancing him to the regional competition. Gavin reached out with a letter, expressing his love for national parks and his excitement about visiting the Grand Canyon.

During his visit, the Water Utilities Team gave Gavin and his parents a tour of the park’s water and wastewater facilities, lab, and helicopter base. Gavin had already done extensive research on water treatment, which made discussions both enjoyable and insightful. His passion for the topic made it easy to dive into some of the more complex aspects of water treatment.

Gavin’s parents expressed their gratitude, and park staff were inspired by his enthusiasm. We wish Gavin the best of luck in the regional competition and look forward to seeing how his passion for science continues to grow!

Join Stephen Hummel, the Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator from McDonald Observatory, for an evening program this weekend:

Astronomy Night – Constellations Over the Canyon 🌌

Sunday, Feb. 23 from 7:30-830 p.m.

Grand Canyon Visitor Center (meet outside in front of the building)

Check out his full February program schedule on the park’s Upcoming Night Sky Programs webpage or in the attached flyer here. Additional constellation talks will be presented by park staff: Tues & Wed, Feb 25, 26. 7:30 pm.

Next Week’s Cultural Demonstrator at Desert View Watchtower

Join us at Desert View Watchtower on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 25 and 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to experience the work of Eric Holmes, a Hopi Kachina Carver.

Eric has been carving Kachina dolls for seven years, learning the craft by watching his relatives. His godfather was his biggest influence, teaching him the basics. Drawing inspiration from Hopi ceremonies and nature, Eric uses cottonwood root and natural pigments, most of which he collects himself.

Eric shares, “My artwork is a representation of ‘not everything perfect,’ a lesson we’re taught in relation to life, circumstances, and ourselves.” Don’t miss the chance to see his incredible work firsthand! For more information on the Cultural Demonstration program at Desert View, visit the park website here.

Beyond the Rim: A Hidden History of Grand Canyon Burros

A recent episode of the “Outside/In” podcast, “The Great Grand Canyon Burro Rescue,” delves into the fascinating chapter of park history: the wild burro rescue of the 1970s.

The episode explores the park’s initial plan to eradicate the burros, deemed an exotic species impacting native wildlife such as bighorn sheep. It then recounts the rise of animal activism, spurred by the beloved children’s book “Brighty of the Grand Canyon,” and the public outcry that led to a large-scale relocation effort.

The podcast features archival audio, insights from historians, and the story of one young listener who was inspired to write a letter to the park. You can find the episode on the Outside/In website or through Apple Podcasts.

David Percival, Backcountry Visitor Technician

I grew up on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The mountains were close, a convenient escape from the cul-de-sacs and manicured lawns of suburbia. Splendor in the chaparral. Childhood memories of poison oak rashes and foxtails. One or two close calls with rattlesnakes. Always dirt under my nails. Sometimes the faint, late night wailing of coyotes, a spooky cacophony drifting over six lanes of freeway traffic to my bedroom window. Wild and liberating.

A few years and a college degree later, disillusioned with the prospects of a journalism career, I turned my attention to the national parks. Soon I’d have a sedan packed with all my worldly possessions, rolling away from the Pacific Ocean and towards southeast Utah, Arches Country. The esteemed seasonal job title was Visitor Use Assistant. But it could have been anything, really. I was just proud to wear the spiffy green and gray, eager to traverse the desert washes and La Sal Mountains on my lieu days. Experience the landscapes described in the intimate prose of Terry Tempest Williams and Ed Abbey.

Several more years in Fees followed, including North and South Rim Grand Canyon. I’d soon become a permanent employee in 2016. The special camaraderie among frontline fees rangers and their dedication to the visitor experience is unparalleled, perhaps even underappreciated.

In 2021, I had an opportunity to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. After only a few days living out of a backpack, I was prepared to abandon my dismissive, preconceived ideas about eastern woods. Perhaps it was the eerie courtship calls of barred owls in the Smokies or maybe the sweeping views, and abundant blueberries foraged, from the Bigelow Range in Maine. But the experience stirred something in me. Those old mountains hold secrets.

In my current role of Backcountry Visitor Technician, I find fulfilment in the real connections with park visitors. Issuing permits and talking trail conditions are important. But at the foundation: a shared passion for the resource, pursuit of solitude. This common ground often makes conversations with folks immediately honest and rewarding. Real human connection and empathy at the core of the work I try to do, in the work we all do as stewards of Grand Canyon, regardless of job title, appointment type or status. Our contributions matter.

Arizona Trail Co-Steward Opportunity for Passage 37b: Tusayan

The Arizona Trail Association is seeking a co-steward for Passage 37b: Tusayan, an 11.5-mile segment stretching from Watson Tank to the Grand Canyon National Park boundary on the Greenway.

As a Segment Steward, the individual will be responsible for hiking or riding the trail regularly to assess conditions, performing routine maintenance such as brush removal, tread repair, and erosion control, and communicating trail conditions to the ATA and land managers. Additionally, the steward will respond to inquiries from trail users.

Interested individuals can contact Forrest Radarian at Forrest.Radarian@gmail.com for more information and to connect with the ATA. This volunteer position requires a 3-year commitment and is ideally suited for those with permanent residence in the area.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 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 4-8 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, (food until 9 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse, Closed through March 3, 2025
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 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 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures Bike Tours and Cafe: 8 a.m.-5 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.

• View from the North Rim plow along Hwy. 67 on the North Rim near MM6 (NPS Photo/J. Caton)
• South Entrance webcam on Feb. 20 around noon (NPS Photo)
• Water utilities supervisor, Patrick Perry, with Gavin during their tour (NPS Photo)
• Two captured burros at the bottom of Grand Canyon in the 1970s (NPS Photo/D. Sharrow)
• Kachina dolls by Eric Holmes (Photo courtesy of E. Holmes)
• David Percival, Backcountry Visitor Technician (Photo courtesy of D. Percival)
• Firefighters challenge students to a pushup competition during a Family Night event sponsored by the Grand Canyon School PTA on Feb. 18 (NPS Photo)