Category: Travel

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 10-14, 2025

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Cultural Demonstration 2025 Season Begins Tuesday, February 18

Grand Canyon National Park, in partnership with Grand Canyon Conservancy, is excited to announce the start of the 11th season of the Cultural Demonstration Program, beginning next week. Inaugurated in 2014 by the Grand Canyon Intertribal Working Group, the program began with just four demonstrators and has since expanded to include over 200 participants.

Starting February 18, cultural demonstrators will be returning to the Desert View Watchtower, providing demonstrations in the View Room Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2025 season will be launched by three talented Diné artists: Laverine Greyeyes, Diné weaver; Cristoff Keyonnie, Diné painter; and DeMaudrei Yazzie, Diné seamstress.

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February at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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As February unfolds, I invite you to experience two extraordinary exhibitions at the Museum of Northern Arizona that showcase the power of art to connect us to place, time, and identity.

Poetry Maps reveals how art and words intertwine to create new perspectives. This unique project began with paintings of the Colorado Plateau from our fine art collection. We then invited members of our community to respond with poetry, layering personal voices onto these visual journeys. Visit before February 28, when the exhibit goes dark for the installation of new gallery lighting. The exhibit will return on March 28.

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 3-7, 2025

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Early Fire Season Outlook for Grand Canyon National Park Employees and Partners

The National Weather Service has issued early fire season outlooks due to an especially dry winter season. The combination of a below-average monsoon season in 2024 and a historically dry winter has led to worsening drought conditions across northern Arizona, including at Grand Canyon National Park.

So far, Flagstaff has recorded only 5.9 inches of snow this winter, marking the fourth driest start to the season since records began in 1899. Many areas, including the Grand Canyon Village, are experiencing near-record low snowpack levels for this time of year.

Looking ahead, the temperature and precipitation forecasts for February through April predict drier and warmer than normal conditions across Arizona, extending into the spring and fire season (April-June). If these dry conditions persist, we can expect an extended and potentially significant wildfire season in northern Arizona.

For more details on the current outlook, please see the attached presentation from the National Weather Service Flagstaff Office.

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 27-31, 2025

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Winter Arrives to the Canyon (Finally!)

This week, Northern Arizona finally got the memo that it’s winter—bringing much-needed precipitation across the region, including several inches of snow on the South Rim and a hearty 8 inches on the North Rim.

As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road on the South Rim have REOPENED following several days of closure. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Roads Line at 928-638-7496.

For those who like to be ahead of the curve, Everbridge alerts are a great way to stay informed in real-time about road closures, power outages, weather events, and any other emergency situations that might pop up. This free service helps ensure you’re never caught off guard when the weather gets unpredictable.
Sign up today by following this link.

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Discover Flagstaff — Discover New Events with Flagstaff Happenings!

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Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

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Coconino National Forest Winter 2024 Partnership Newsletter

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Echoes of Excellence

Ellen Parish is the President of the Diablo Trust, a nonprofit in northern Arizona that provides a forum for active community participation in collaborative land stewardship (see the harmonic highlights article below for more information on the Diablo Trust.)

Ellen grew up near Porterville, California in a family that ranched and worked in the animal health industry. She moved to Arizona to go to school at NAU and, like so many of us do, fell in love with northern Arizona. Ellen’s strong connection to conservation was enhanced through studies in biology and physiology. While at NAU she fell in love with the ceramics department, and to this day makes ceramics as creative outlet during our winter months.

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 6-10, 2025

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Phantom Ranch Closure and Upcoming TCWL Shutoff

All Phantom Ranch operations are closed from January 2 to March 30, 2025, for the installation of new water and electric lines for the Transcanyon Waterline Project. Hikers can still access the North Kaibab Trail, however, the bypass route around Phantom Ranch may change. Please follow all closure signs and be aware that water will only be available at Boat Beach (near the Black Bridge) during this closure period.

Additionally, from 8 a.m. on January 15 to 5 p.m. on January 19, the Transcanyon Waterline will be shut off for necessary construction work on a temporary water bypass along the River Trail. During this period, water will not be available at Boat Beach or Manzanita Rest Area. More information on water availability in the inner canyon can be found on park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.

Water for the South Rim will be supplied from the existing storage tanks, and park management will closely monitor tank levels. Water conservation measures may be implemented until pumping is resumed to the South Rim.

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January at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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Welcome 2025! As MNA marks its 97th year celebrating the Colorado Plateau, I’m excited to share a bit about our upcoming exhibits—a mix of art, science, and cultural phenomena.

February: Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor features vivid new works by Flagstaff artist Debra Edgerton that explore the links between biological and human social structures.
March: Collecting in a Changing World showcases recent MNA acquisitions with insights into why the museum collects what it collects.
May: Shifting Life Zones looks at climate-driven ecological shifts in northern Arizona and MNA research that reveals how plants are adapting.
November: Wagon Road to Mother Road marks the Route 66 Centennial with a journey through the rich history of the iconic highway. The exhibit will debut captivating stories about the road’s wild side, unveiled by MNA archaeological research in Petrified Forest National Park.

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Red Rock Ranger District to begin overhauls to Turkey Creek area trail system

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SEDONA  — The Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District will begin improving the Turkey Creek area trail system later this year.

Phase 2 of the Red Rock Trails Access Plan was signed last week following an environmental analysis, a lengthy project scoping process and multiple rounds of public comment that concluded in November.

As part of the plan, the district will construct new trails, enhance existing trails, rehabilitate several unauthorized trails and improve trailheads in the Turkey Creek area, which is located near the Village of Oak Creek.

“We’re excited to get started on this work, which we think will greatly improve the recreation experience for Turkey Creek visitors,” said District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “We’re grateful to our public for providing us with valuable insight during this process and our partners for committing to undertake this work alongside us.”

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Sedona Arts Center — Opening Reception this Friday for ‘Earth and Fire’ Ceremics Exhibits

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Join us this Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm for Celebrate Sedona and the opening of “Earth and Fire,” a ceramics exhibition and sale January 3-31, 2025. The exhibition showcases a diverse collection of ceramic pieces and kicks off with an opening reception Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm, programmed in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon features artist demonstrations, food, wine, beer and music. Both events are free and open to the public.

“Earth and Fire” features a variety of artworks that celebrate and reflect ceramics contribution to the arts in Arizona as well as the artists who’ve graced Sedona Arts Center’s halls over the years. Event attendees will find everything, including decorative and functional pieces.

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Grand Canyon National Park Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Fee Increase for Non-Commercial River Trips

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GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed fee increase for non-commercial river trips. The proposed change would begin March 1, 2025.

The existing $25 lottery application cost fee would remain the same and the flat rate per-person cost would increase from $90 to $310 for Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek and $0 to $55 for Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry.

Interested parties can submit feedback online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_River_Trip_Cost_Increase through January 30, 2025. Written comments may also be sent to the following address by January 30, 2025:

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

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Please take a few moments to complete this short survey and share your thoughts on the Weekly Wrap Up newsletter. Your feedback will help improve the content, format, and relevance of future editions, ensuring our office continues to provide the most useful and engaging information. Thank you for your input!
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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 2-6, 2024

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Resume Workshop Series at Albright Training Center

Albright Training Center is hosting a series of resume workshops designed to help individuals apply for and compete for jobs with the National Park Service. Led by Paul Ganas and Dalirca Matos, Human Resource Specialists for NPS, these sessions will provide valuable insights into building strong resumes and navigating the federal hiring process.

Each workshop is tailored to a specific audience, so be sure to attend the session that best fits your needs:

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 21-25, 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

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Dec. 12-16, 2022

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Volunteer to support the Grand Canyon Community this holiday season! 

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, Delaware North will be having a wrapping party to wrap the angel tree gifts from 1-5 p.m. in Yavapai Lodge atrium. All angels on the DNC Angel Tree have been adopted this year and donations should be dropped off before this Friday, Dec. 16 to the General Store. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, Delaware North will be making food boxes in the Canyon Village Market Deli starting at 3 p.m.  The food boxes will accompany the angel tree gifts to each family. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here. 

Both events are open to the community and participation is highly encouraged! 

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 4-8, 2022

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Masking requirement indoors remains in place

Grand Canyon NP has been directed by the Department of Interior (DOI) to use Center of Disease Controls (CDC) COVID Community Levels to put in place guidance and masking requirements to protect our community, park employees, and visitors. Last week the CDC COVID Community Levels were High for the first time since this metric was used. Consequently, we were required to implemented masking for all individuals over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status, in all park buildings and in public transportation per DOI policy. As of Thursday, July 7, Coconino County has transitioned into Medium Community Level.

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United Airlines suspending service at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport beginning Oct. 30, 2022

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United Airlines has announced plans to suspend service at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and will review after six months. United Airlines currently provides direct service to and from Denver, Colorado and will continue service through the end of October 2022.

“We are disappointed to hear that United Airlines has plans to suspend service in and out of Flagstaff,” said Barney Helmick, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Director. “Unfortunately, the airline industry is seeing service reductions nationwide due to increasing fuel prices and staffing issues. United flights out of Flagstaff are at 90% load capacity, meaning 90% of the seats are filled which is viewed as very successful in the commercial airline industry. We will continue to stay in contact with United during 2022 in hopes we can reestablish service in 2023.”

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 27-July 1, 2022

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Town of Tusayan July 4th Events

The Town of Tusayan has many events planned for July 4th, including music, food vendors, a kids corner, Native American Dancers, and a silent auction.

There will be a bike decorating contest and activities for kids at 3:30 p.m., a parade at 4:40 p.m., live music from 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., and a drone and laser show beginning at dusk.

More information is available at the Town of Tusayan website here.

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Flagstaff Pulliam Airport advises you arrive 90 minutes early

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Ahead of the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport reminds travelers to arrive 90 minutes before departure to ensure a seamless experience during this busy travel period. New regulations, implemented by the airlines, require passengers to check in or check bags at least 45 minutes prior to departure.

“In order for the airlines to run required reports regarding the aircraft’s weight, airlines are unable to accept baggage less than 45 minutes before departure, so it’s important travelers arrive with plenty of time before takeoff,” said Barney Helmick, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Director. “Flying out of Flagstaff is still your easiest option for northern Arizona travelers, we just ask that folks arrive with plenty of time to check in and check any bags.”

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Upcoming overnight closures on Interstate 40 at Winona bridge east of Flagstaff Aug. 11-12

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan for overnight closures on Interstate 40 – about 16 miles east of Flagstaff – as work continues on the Winona bridge rehabilitation project. 

ADOT reminds drivers to slow down and observe posted speed limits and other construction signs while the following restrictions are in place:

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UPDATE: Flagstaff area drivers should plan for overnight closures of McConnell Drive under Interstate 17 Aug. 25, Sept. 3-10

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Click here for the entire e-newsletter FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises Flagstaff drivers who use McConnell Drive to plan for additional full overnight road closures, while crews continue work to replace the McConnell Bridge on Interstate 17 and State Route 89A. McConnell Drive…

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Flagstaff City Council passes resolution opposing the proposed fee increase for the Grand Canyon National Park

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FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff’s City Council adopted Resolution 2017-39 at their meeting on Dec. 5, 2017 opposing the proposed fee increase for the Grand Canyon National Park. “Tourism is vitally important to Flagstaff’s economy,” said Mayor Coral Evans. “The Council opposes…

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Hispanic Heritage Month special newsprint edition of AmigosNAZ now available throughout the region

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The Hispanic Heritage Month special newsprint edition of AmigosNAZ is now available in a number of locations throughout Northern Arizona. Please see our list of growing distribution locations below. Also, send an email to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com if you wish to become a distribution…

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Travel / Viajes: The charms Rancho de Chimayó

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By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Pale pink, lighter than the color of ballet slippers, is not a color that I expect to find in a Mexican restaurant. Yet I am sitting outdoors at a table dressed…

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Travel / Viajes: Spain pilgrimage draws seekers

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By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Discovery is what I love most about traveling. When I have a tentative agenda, I have time to stumble upon new places. Once on foreign soil, I seek out events or…

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Travel / Viajes: Extend your summer

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By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer When the long-anticipated Cars Land opened in June 2012 at Disney California Adventure Park, avid fans waited six to seven hours to experience new, exciting rides at the 12-acre theme land.…

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Travel / Viajes: ‘Gucci’ camping on the Inca Trail

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By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer The remote ruins of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Peru, can be reached by train. However, the hardy – may I add fool-hardy? – prefer the road less…

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Travel / Viajes: Off the beaten path: Discovering Tubac

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By Stacey Wittig / Vagabonding Chica – Travel Writer Tubac, Arizona was established by the King of Spain as a presidio in 1752, thirty years before the Santa Barbara Royal Presidio. Tubac, the first European settlement in Arizona, is known…

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