Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 24-28, 2025

Temporary Closure of Supai Tunnel Compost Toilet Facility

The Supai Tunnel Compost Toilet Facility, located 1.5 miles below the North Rim on the North Kaibab Trail, will be closed to visitors from April 6 to May 6, 2025, for essential maintenance and repairs. These repairs are necessary to keep the facility operational for the 2025 season and beyond.

During this closure, the facility will be unusable as repairs are made to the compost holding tanks. The closure also ensures safety by preventing potential hazards from construction activities and avoids privacy concerns between contractors and visitors. The nearest toilet facilities will still be available at the Manzanita Rest Area and the North Kaibab Trailhead.

Special Evening Program at the Visitor Center Theater

Monday, March 31 | 7 to 8 p.m.

Join us for a special evening as the Grand Canyon Speaks Podcast presents an interview with Kelli Jones. Kelli began her journey as an intern with the Ancestral Lands Program and is now a permanent Park Ranger. In her role, she strives to elevate the voices of tribal members through the Interpretation Division. Kelli is passionate about her Native community and is dedicated to ensuring that more individuals feel represented in their ancestral territories.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

On Friday, April 4, Joseph Secody, a Navajo Hoop Dancer, Flute Player, and Storyteller will be presenting two programs, one in front of the Hopi House at 9 a.m. and the other at the Visitor Center Plaza at 1:30 p.m. More information on these programs can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Conservancy Welcomes Spring 2025 Artist in Residence, sTo Len

sTo Len is a mixed-media artist known for projects that connect deeply with specific places, landscapes, and communities. He collaborates with local groups and agencies to create art that reflects the history and culture of the area.

For his residency at Grand Canyon, sTo will develop a new version of his project “Office of In Visibility,” an interactive art installation inspired by the Grand Canyon region. The installation will explore how we collectively remember the canyon and how the land reflects its own record of time. Drawing from historical research, community stories, and insights from park staff, sTo’s project will invite visitors to engage with the canyon in a new and thought-provoking way. The installation will be located in the Sphere Room at the Visitor Center throughout the month of April. Additional details will be announced soon.

sTo Len served as the Public Artist in Residence at NYC’s Department of Sanitation from 2021 to 2023 and has worked extensively with waterways, incorporating pollution-based printmaking, underwater recordings, and coastal cleanups into his art. Based in Queens, NY, he has lived in New York for over 20 years and has roots in Vietnam and Virginia.

New Episode of Grand Canyon Speaks Podcast

In the latest episode of Grand Canyon Speaks, Marian Manyturquoise shares stories of her life growing up at Grand Canyon, her experiences at boarding school, and the importance of respecting everything around us.

Marian, a Diné employee of Grand Canyon Conservancy, works at Desert View Watchtower, where she helps connect visitors to the cultural significance of the area.

Listen and download on Apple Podcasts or NPS Podcasts:https://go.nps.gov/gc-speak (Scroll down to Season 2 – Episode 9).

Grand Canyon Speaks is dedicated to capturing the voices and stories of those who call Grand Canyon home, with a special focus on Indigenous perspectives and connections to the canyon.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Tuesday–Thursday, April 1–3, 2025

Iva Honyestewa (Hopi/Diné | Basketmaker)

Iva specializes in weaving traditional Hopi coiled (poota) and sifter (tutsaya) baskets, using natural materials such as yucca, willow, and three-leaf sumac. In 2014, she innovated the “pootsaya” basket, blending both techniques into a distinctive new style. Her artistry has earned numerous awards and recognition for its cultural significance.

Creighton Hawk (Hopi | Photographer)

Creighton, from the Hopi village of Shongopavi, captures portraits, landscapes, and wildlife, offering a unique perspective on the beauty of the Southwest. Through his photography, he seeks to deepen connections between viewers and the land, culture, and stories of the region.

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

Employee Spotlight!

William (Cole) Uphouse, Deputy Chief, Division of Visitor & Resource Protection

We are excited to spotlight William (Cole) Uphouse, our Deputy Chief of Visitor and Resource Protection, who joined the team in August 2024. In this role, Cole oversees law enforcement, EMS, structural fire, and search and rescue operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors and staff at Grand Canyon National Park.

A Missouri native, Cole grew up on a farm and worked in his father’s auto shop, where he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for service. His National Park Service (NPS) career began in 2010, and he has since held key roles at several national parks, including Gateway Arch National Park, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Before joining us, Cole served as Chief Ranger at Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where he also took on the role of Acting Superintendent for the last eight months.

In addition to his experience in Parks, Cole was a member of the Midwest Regional Special Event Team, contributing to high-profile missions. His work included managing security during protests and the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., supporting the Western Governors’ Conference and Fourth of July events at Mount Rushmore, and providing security at Lake Amistad National Recreation Area during border surge operations, among others.

Cole, his wife, and their young daughter are excited to join the Grand Canyon community. He is committed to supporting the park and the mission of the National Park Service, ensuring the preservation and protection of one of the nation’s most treasured landmarks.

McDonald’s Fundraiser for 8th Grade Washington, D.C. Trip

The 8th-grade class is continuing its fundraising efforts for their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C.! Visit McDonald’s on Friday, March 28, from 4–7 p.m., where a portion of the proceeds will support the students’ journey to our nation’s capital.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

North Country Healthcare Presents Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Event

On Monday, April 14 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., North Country Healthcare will sponsor a breast and cervical cancer screening event. All major insurances accepted, no referral needed for annual mammogram screening.

More information (in English and Spanish) can be found in the attached flyer here.

Town of Tusayan Events for April and May

The Town of Tusayan has released its programs and events for April and May 2025.

More information and a full list of upcoming events 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.

• Havasupai Dance Group, Guardians of Grand Canyon at Hopi House (Photo/M. Quinn)
• Supai Tunnel restroom facility (Photo courtesy of Rob Jones)
• Grand Canyon Speaks flyer (Photo credit: John Burcham – Arizona Highways Magazine)
• sTo Len, mixed-media artist (Photo courtesy of GCC)
• Iva Honyestewa’s hands, Hopi/Diné Basketmaker (NPS photo)
• William (Cole) Uphouse (Photo courtesy of W. Uphouse)