Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 20-24, 2025

Smallmouth Bass: Not a Small Threat to the Grand Canyon

A recent article in Intermountain Park Science magazine highlights the growing concern over smallmouth bass and their potential impact on the Colorado River ecosystem in Grand Canyon National Park. Researchers from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have collaborated to address this emerging threat to the park’s delicate ecological balance.

The Grand Canyon currently serves as a crucial sanctuary for native fish species,

particularly the humpback chub. An astounding 95% of the native humpback chub

population now resides within the park’s boundaries, underscoring the vital role this ecosystem plays in the species’ conservation. However, this conservation success story faces a new challenge as climate change alters river conditions.

Warming temperatures in the Colorado River, primarily due to declining water levels in

Lake Powell, have created an environment potentially suitable for smallmouth bass reproduction and growth. The possible establishment of this invasive predator below Glen Canyon Dam poses a significant threat to the native fish populations, including the humpback chub, that have made remarkable recoveries in recent years.

Read the full article published this week here.

New Behind the Scenery Podcast

❓ What even is a Kaibab squirrel?

❓ How rare are they?

❓ How can I see one?

❓ Is it true that they are Grand Canyon’s most charismatic mammal?

On the latest episode of the Behind the Scenery podcast, join a conversation with Houston Thompson, a wildlife biologist at Grand Canyon, to learn what we know about this special species, and what’s still to be discovered.

Behind the Scenery podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts as well as theGrand Canyon park website.

2024 PSAR Report Now Available

The Preventative Search and Rescue (PSAR) Program would like to extend deep appreciation to all volunteers, staff, and program partners who helped make 2024 a successful year!

To read more about the accomplishments, challenges, and key highlights of the 2024 PSAR Program, please check out the full report in the 2024 PSAR Newsletter here.

From now through early September, Kolb Studio features historical exhibits from the Kolb Brothers. Constructed by two brothers, Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, the studio served as both their place of residence and their professional photography studio. It still stands today as a monument to early twentieth-century settlers’ visions for the Grand Canyon area. Visitors can tour the house and peruse a number of exhibits highlighting local art and history.

To hear a brief overview of Kolb Studio, check out the video with Ranger Grace above!

Xanterra Firefighters Cannon Stuckert, Austin Gibson, Chuck Roberts, and Jeff White have completed their onboarding, initial training, medical exams, and fitness tests and are now going to be assigned to regular duty shifts. Photo, L to R: FF Roberts, FF White, photobomb by Paramedic Abrego, FF Gibson, Lt. Keith, FF Stuckert.

Native Taco Sale to Support 8th Grade Field Trip to Washington D.C.

On Friday, Jan. 24 from 4-7 p.m., the 8th grade class is sponsoring a Native Taco Sale at the Grand Canyon School cafeteria.

More information on this fundraiser can be found in the attached flyer here.

Town of Tusayan Hosts Astronomy Night and Drone Show on January 24

The Town of Tusayan is once again hosting an Astronomy Night and Drone Show! The event will be held on Friday, Jan. 24 at the Tusayan Sports Complex approximately one hour after dark.

More details on the event can be found in theattached flyer here.

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 from Jan. 2-March 3, 2025
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9:00 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 Tanner Trail below the Redwall layer (NPS Photo/D. Pawlak)
• Smallmouth bass swallowing a juvenile flannelmouth sucker on the Yampa River in Colorado (Photo courtesy of USGS/NPS/USFWS)
• The Kaibab Squirrel on a pondersoa branch (NPS Photo/T. Miller)
• Grand Canyon’s newest firefighters sitting in the back of the park ambulance (NPS Photo/J. Thompson)