Grand Canyon National Park
Key Messages – Week of July 12, 2021
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We are seeing increasing numbers of new COVID cases across the Country, State and County. Half of all U.S. states reported increases in COVID-19 cases over the long Fourth of July weekend and a surge of virus activity caused by the highly transmissible Delta variant.
The 7-day rolling average of confirmed cases in Arizona was 650 cases as of Monday, July 12.
Coconino County has fluctuated between Moderate and Substantial COVID-19 transmission levels for the last week or more. Our Adaptive Park Operations team has been monitoring local transmission status for some time now, and has utilized this information when considering changes to park operations. Because transmission levels fluctuate, this week, NPS park management decided that we will evaluate possible reductions in park operations or services if we experience Substantial levels of transmission in Coconino County for at least 3 weeks.
There are no new cases reported in the park this week.
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Public Health Contacts
If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform your supervisor and our NPS Public Health Consultant. This is to ensure proper public health protocols are followed and that any exposure is minimized.
- Ronan King, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202) 891-8599
- Email: ronan_king@nps.gov
- For all email correspondence, please also cc: Chris Glime, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202) 641-3518
- Email: christen_glime@nps.gov
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Navajo Nation Updates
On July 8, the Navajo Nation issued a “yellow status” change, allowing Navajo Nation parks to reopen at 50 percent capacity and schools to return to in-person learning. More information on these changes can be found at this website. The guidance is as follows:
- Wearing a mask is still mandatory in public on the Navajo Nation, whether a person is vaccinated or unvaccinated.
- The daily curfew is now 11 p.m.-5 a.m. MDT
- Social gatherings, traditional ceremonies, in-person trainings, and outdoor recreation activities of 25 or fewer are now permitted.
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COVID-19 Testing Details
- The Grand Canyon Clinic has testing available Monday-Wednesday.
- In Flagstaff, COVID testing is available at Coconino Community College at 2800 South Lone Tree Road, the NAU Fieldhouse at 1050 Knoles Drive and many other locations around town.
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Messages and Grand Canyon News
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Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Lifting July 16
Due to monsoonal activity and heavy rainfall, Grand Canyon is moving into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on July 16 at 6 a.m. As a reminder, this requires that a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.
The Coconino and Kaibab National Forests will be rescinding all fire restrictions on July 16 at 6 a.m.
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O’Connell Fire on Kaibab National Forest
On July 12, a lightning-caused fire, now known as the O’Connell Fire, was reported approximately one mile south of the southern park boundary in the Kaibab National Forest. As of Thursday morning, the fire is estimated at approximately 109 acres.
A hotshot crew is prepositioned in the area and worked on Tuesday to prepare all the roads and natural holding features that will be used to contain the fire. The planned containment area is a total of 384 acres and does not include any areas within Grand Canyon National Park.
Grand Canyon Engine 811 worked on the fire over the past few days, and weather permitting, firing operations will take place over the next few days, likely resulting in some smoke in the Park.
There are no anticipated road closures at this time.
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Science and Resource Management Podcast Feature
Brian Healy and the SRM team’s work with the humpback chub were featured on “Science Moab,” a podcast that connects listeners to the science and landscape on the Colorado Plateau.
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Paul Revere Shuttle Bus Changes This Week
Beginning Saturday, July 17, the park will resume all three in-park shuttle bus routes. This service will continue through November 30, 2021. Below are a summary of these changes:
- The Hermits Rest Route (Red Route) and the Kaibab Rim Route (Orange Route) will operate from 5 a.m. until one hour after sunset.
- The Kaibab Rim Route (Orange Route) will run to all locations, including westbound to the Yavapai Geology Museum.
- The Village Route (Blue Route) will operate from 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
- The Tusayan Route (Purple Route) will not operate this year.
- The Visitor Center-Hermit Road Express Bus will operate from 12-8 p.m., every 15 minutes. This route takes people directly from the Visitor Center to Hermit Road and vice versa.
- The Hikers’ Express Bus, which starts at the Bright Angel Lodge, then travels to the Backcountry Office, GCVC, and the South Kaibab trailhead will operate as normal.
- July through August – Hiker’s Express shuttles begin at 4, 5, and 6 a.m.
- In September – Shuttles begin at 5, 6, and 7 a.m.
Face coverings:
Visitors are still required to wear a face covering when riding the shuttle buses. This is a Federal mandate. The drivers are having increasing challenges with visitor compliance on this issue, so whatever staff can do to remind visitors of this requirement is greatly appreciated.
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The deadline for applications is September 15th, 2021, and the residencies will take place from six to eight weeks in February, May, and September of 2022.
The Artist in Residence Program grants time and resources to enable professional artists to pursue enhanced on-site projects at the canyon. This format allows the artist to make substantial contributions to our fundamental understanding of the canyon’s landscape. More information on this program can be found on GCC’s Artist in Residence website.
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Current Operational Hours
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South Rim
- Maswik Lodge Cafeteria: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Bright Angel Fountain and Coffee House, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-7 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Bright Angel Bikes, Rentals: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Cafe: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Kolb Studio: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Desert View
- Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Desert View Watchtower, staffed by GCC 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
- Desert View Information Table, staffed by NPS. The table is located on the north side of the main parking lot, in front of the building on the left side of the Orientation Plaza. Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.
- Desert View Campground is open. Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov.
North Rim
- Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk, NPS staffed from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
- North Rim Visitor Center, GCC staffed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- North Rim Lodge dining, 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily
- Deli in the Pines, 5 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
- Rough Rider Saloon, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
The following park closures remain in place:
- South Rim Visitor Center (indoors), information table staffed 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
- Headquarters Information Desk
- Yavapai Lodge Restaurant
- Maswik Pizza Pub, Arizona Steak House, and Fred Harvey Burger
- Xanterra bus tours (suspended)
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