Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 17-21, 2025

U.S. District Court and Grand Canyon National Park Implement New Fine Structure to Enhance Public Safety

The U.S. District Court of Arizona and Grand Canyon National Park are taking proactive steps to improve public safety for residents and visitors alike. As part of this initiative, the U.S. District Court and the park are implementing a new fine structure for certain violations, including fire safety and speeding in school zones.

To reduce the risk of wildfires, fines for having fires in undesignated areas have been significantly increased. During Stage 1 restrictions, individuals will face a $300 fine, while Stage 2 restrictions will result in a $500 fine. These increased penalties aim to deter unsafe fire practices and protect our park and community.

To ensure the safety of our children, fines for speeding in school zones have been revised. Drivers exceeding the speed limit by 1-10 MPH will incur a $300 fine, while those speeding 11 MPH or more over the limit will face a $500 fine. These heightened fines underscore the importance of adhering to speed limits in areas where children are present.

By implementing these changes, the U.S. District Court and Grand Canyon National Park reaffirms their commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. We urge all residents and visitors to be mindful of these new regulations.

Native Artisans Vendor Market at Grand Canyon National Park

Starting April 1, the Native Artisans Vendor Market will be held at both the Tusayan Museum site and the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

In coordination with the Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Economic Development program, Grand Canyon National Park continues its support for Indigenous artisans for the fourth consecutive year. The market provides a platform for these artisans to showcase and sell their authentic, handcrafted arts and crafts, including jewelry, ornaments, pottery, sculptures, and more.

This market aligns with the park’s goals of promoting First Voice Tribal interpretation, creating economic opportunities for Tribes, and co-managing park facilities with Tribal partners. It has become a successful initiative supporting local Tribal economic development within the Grand Canyon region. In addition to selling their work, participating artisans share their knowledge about local Native American heritage and their communities.

Market Hours:

• Tusayan Museum Site: Thursdays through Mondays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April 1 – October 31)
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center:
• April and May: Daily, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Starting June: Daily, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

More information on tribal vending and demonstration opportunities can be found on the park website here.

Grand Canyon National Park’s Latest Podcast: A Deep Dive into Fire Ecology

In the newest Behind the Scenery episode, park staff sit down with Lisa Handforth, the park’s Fire Ecologist, for a conversation about her role and the critical importance of fire management in the ecosystem. Lisa brings a wealth of experience from her work in Seattle, San Diego, and with the Navy.

Highlights of the episode include:

• Lisa’s insights on the challenges posed by climate change to our park’s ecosystems
• The ongoing efforts to adapt fire management strategies in response to changing climate conditions
• The importance of “good fire” and its role in maintaining biodiversity
• Grand Canyon’s innovative history in fire management and ecological monitoring

Don’t miss this fascinating look into the world of fire ecology at Grand Canyon National Park. This episode is available on the park website as well as Apple podcasts.

Meet Jayne and Lynn Quam, Zuni Stone Carvers, at Desert View Watchtower, Tues. and Wed., March 25 and 26, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Jayne and Lynn have been creating traditional Zuni fetishes for over 30 years and have won multiple awards for their work. Jayne says, “In 1980 I carved my first animal fetish and received an order for more. As the years go by, we gain new experiences with different stones. Our ideas for new designs are coming to life every day.” Lynn says, “I carve all kinds of animals. My favorite pieces to carve are buffalos and bears.”

More information on the Cultural Demonstration Program can be found at the park website here.

Special Evening Program at the Visitor Center Theater

Monday, March 24 | 7 to 8 p.m.

Join us for a special evening as the Grand Canyon Speaks Podcast presents an insightful interview with Kelkiyana Yazzie, a fourth-generation National Park Service employee. With roots in the Navajo Nation in Arizona, Kelkiyana currently serves as the Tribal Program Coordinator for Grand Canyon National Park.

Employee Spotlight!

Annie Shirley, Park Ranger (Interpretation)

I grew up just south of Atlanta, Georgia, and I received my master’s in public history from University of West Georgia. After doing a Student Conservation Association internship with Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington, I spent my first season with the NPS at Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York City. I worked three seasons at Grand Canyon (two in the Village and one at Desert View), and I just started my first permanent job with Interpretation in the Village!

I have two cats, Franklin and Korra, and I enjoy seeing new movies (I’m always down for movie marathons!) and exploring the rim of the canyon on my weekends. I also love learning about history, and I enjoy sharing the history of the canyon with visitors.

Can you share a memorable or rewarding experience you’ve had while working with the National Park Service?

My most rewarding experiences working for the NPS have always involved the connections I am able to make with visitors through programs and interactions at the Visitor Center desk. When I came to GRCA, I was absolutely terrified of snakes, but the first program I ever developed was about the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake. When I give this program, I tell visitors about how I used to be terrified of snakes and public speaking, and it means the most to me when people come up after the program to say that I have helped them not be as afraid of snakes and actually want to do public speaking themselves. This job is incredibly rewarding, and I am so grateful to be here.

What’s the most interesting fact about the Grand Canyon that you think everyone should know?

There is so much history here that we are still learning about today. A history tidbit that I learned recently is that the Harvey Girls at El Tovar actually went on strike in 1913, but we do not know much more information beyond that. We usually think of Harvey Girls as young women who appreciated the opportunity for freedom and independence, but it is cool to think there may be more to the story than what we know!

What’s the best book, podcast, or show you’ve enjoyed recently?

My new favorite podcast is Dolly Parton’s America which talks about Dolly Parton’s life and her songs and connects them with various aspects of Southern culture.

Community Bood Drive on March 26 at Rec Center

The Grand Canyon Rec Center will host a community blood drive with Vitalant on Wednesday, March 26, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org.

Vitalant is the supplier to 96% of AZ Hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center. Donations during the month of March will be entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card through Vitalant. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30 a.m.-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.-3:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30 p.m.-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 9:30 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 5-9 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.-6:30 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.-7 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 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.
• 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.
• 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 services will resume on April 1, 2025.

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last tower access at 5 p.m.
• 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.

• A raven perched at Grandeur Point on the South Rim (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• NACA vending at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (NPS Photo/V. Diaz)
• Prescribed fire within Grand Canyon National Park (NPS Photo)
• Zuni bear fetishes by Jayne and Lynn Quam. Jayne and Lynn will be demonstrating their craft at the Desert View Watchtower 3/25-3/27.
• Kelkiyana Yazzie, GRCA Tribal Program Coordinator (NPS Photo)
• Annie Shirley, Interpretation (Photo courtesy of A. Shirley)
• Yep, North Rim is still closed; BUT here’s “Betty Whiteout” in action! (NPS Photo/J. Caton)