Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 18-22, 2024

Key Updates to the 2024 Superintendent’s Compendium for Grand Canyon National Park

What is the Compendium?

The Superintendent’s Compendium is a vital document that outlines the specific regulations and policies governing Grand Canyon National Park. It serves as a supplement to federal regulations, allowing park management to address unique local conditions and issues. The Compendium is updated every year to ensure the park’s rules remain current and effective.

Key Updates for 2024:

• Vehicle Length Restrictions: Effective immediately, vehicles longer than 22 feet will no longer be allowed at Tuweep, including all park areas within Toroweap Valley, and all park areas on the Kanab Plateau.

• Colorado River Rafting Permits: New regulations clarify the requirements for non-commercial river trips, including specific restrictions on fee collection. These updates are designed to improve river management and ensure equitable access to rafting opportunities.

• Day Hike Permits: Updated guidelines now govern commercial and non-commercial groups conducting extended day hikes below the rim. The new rules include limitations on group sizes and specific permit requirements, ensuring safety and minimizing the impact on park resources.

• Designated Areas for Public Assemblies: Mather Point Amphitheater and McKee Amphitheater have been added to the the areas authorized for public assemblies, meetings, or sale or distribution of printer matter permits.

• Boating Regulations: New restrictions have been implemented for mechanically propelled personal hydrofoils (eFoils), motorized surfboards, and personal watercraft on the Colorado River within the park. These measures are aimed at preserving the river’s natural environment and enhancing safety on the water.

These changes are designed to protect the park’s resources, enhance the visitor experience, and address evolving concerns related to safety and park usage. To read the summary of changes, visit the park’s website here. The full 2024 Superintendent’s Compendium for Grand Canyon National Park can be viewed here.

Participants on the recent upper half of the Colorado River Management Plan (CRMP) river mission witnessed a significant geological event on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

A large rock slide occurred near Carbon Canyon (mile 65), crossing over the Beamer Trail. The event was captured on video from a vantage point above Espejo (mile 66.5), looking upriver. This dramatic occurrence serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing geological processes shaping Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon Conservancy Welcomes Diverse Talent for 2025 Artist and Astronomer in Residence Programs

The Grand Canyon Conservancy announces the selection of exceptional artists and astronomers for its 2025 Artist and Astronomer in Residence programs! These programs aim to inspire and educate visitors through unique perspectives on the park’s natural and cultural wonders.

The 2025 lineup includes:

• Stephen Hummel (February 1 – March 14): As the Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator for McDonald Observatory, Hummel brings expertise in preserving dark skies. He’ll offer public programs on astronomy without telescopes, dark sky preservation, and upper atmospheric lightning phenomena.

• sTo Len (March 19 – May 1): An interdisciplinary artist known for place-based collaborations, Len will develop a new iteration of his “Office of In Visibility,” an interactive installation inspired by on-site research and community interviews.

• Dani Kwan (May 15 – June 30): Kwan, an interdisciplinary artist and educator, will create an installation combining textiles with geologic systems, exploring new ways of understanding and connecting with the Earth.

• Nayda Collazo-Llorens and Patricia Villalobos Echeverría (July 5 – August 15): This artistic duo will engage visitors in participatory mapmaking, blending their unique perspectives on dislocation, migration, and transformation.

• Laura-May Abron (August 24 – October 23): A public astronomer and science communicator, Abron will create a series of monsoon and dark sky paintings while offering programs on lunar phenomena, solar activity, and planetary systems.

• Dr. Aomawa Shields (November 1 – December 15): An astronomer, astrobiologist, and author, Shields will work on her book “An Overachievers Guide to Joy” and present programs on lunar connections, exoplanets, and embracing darkness.

The Artist and Astronomer in Residence programs, made possible through the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s support, continue to enrich the park experience by fostering connections between creative minds, scientific expertise, and the awe-inspiring environment of Grand Canyon. To view the full lineup of 2025 Artist in Astronomers in Residence, see the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Incident Report Now Available

Grand Canyon Law Enforcement has combined significant incidents from all districts including the South Rim, Canyon District, and the North Rim.

Please note, this is NOT a complete list of all incidents within the given timeframe within Grand Canyon National Park. Incidents are selected to highlight the unique nature of cases, operations, resources, and responses of GRCA’s Visitor and Resource Protection Division.

• Grand Canyon Incident Report ending 11-20-2024

Shauna Maresh, Grand Canyon Victim Advocate, Victim Witness Services for Northern Arizona

I am Shauna, your new community-based Victim Advocate from Victim Witness Services (VWS) for Northern Arizona. Prior to accepting the position as Grand Canyon Victim Advocate, I was with VWS for one year as a graduate intern, while completing my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. I have always enjoyed outreach and advocacy work, and have worked and volunteered in the field for about eight years. My experiences span from trauma and crisis response, to shelter advocacy, to prevention education outreach. I am passionate about my work in this field and enjoy working alongside people to identify strengths and provide support.

Outside of work, I share life with my fiancé and Golden Retriever, Moose. My fiancé and I met in the Canyon, and have shared many significant memories and milestones here. We are avid campers and enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Besides the Grand Canyon, our favorite places are Moab, UT and anywhere with an ocean.

What inspired you to join the Grand Canyon National Park/VWS team, and what drew you to your current role?

I have a deep love for our National Parks, and Grand Canyon is top of the list. I thoroughly enjoyed my internship with Victim Witness during my MSW program and found the work rewarding and meaningful. When the opportunity arose for me to continue with the agency full time, while also living in a place as special as the Grand Canyon, it was an easy decision to make!

As a newcomer, what has been the most surprising aspect of working at the Grand Canyon so far?

Beyond the ongoing shock of being able to work and live in such a spectacular environment, it is the close-knit community that has been the best surprise. I have gotten to recognize and connect with people much sooner than I had expected, which has made the area very quickly feel like home.

If you could instantly become an expert in any skill or field, what would it be and why?

I think it would be really impactful, not only professionally but also personally, to be able to expertly learn and understand languages from all over the world. Connection is an important part of the human experience, and being able to effectively communicate is a huge part of that. I have always struggled with learning languages, so being able to pick them up and exchange easily with others would be really neat.

Residential Holiday Lights Walk -December 1

Residents of Randy Thompson Circle and Bob Mahn Street are announcing the 4th Annual Holiday Lights Walk. The event will occur on Friday, December 6 from 6-8 p.m. and will feature holiday lights, hot cocoa, and more.

All residents are welcome and more information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Angel Tree donations now being accepted through Dec. 12

Delaware North is excited to announce the return of the Angel Tree gift donation program for this holiday season. This initiative aims to support local children in need, and DNC invites everyone to participate by dropping off gifts at the Canyon Village Market customer service desk.

Donations will be accepted now through Thursday, December 14.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Conservancy offers holiday discount for locals

Once again GCC is offering a holiday discount for community members. From Sunday, December 1 through Friday, December 15, community members can save 25% off their total purchase in-store at any GCC retail location.

This discount applies to the Grand Canyon Village Stores and the Desert View Watchtower. More information on this discount can be found in the attached flyer here.

Save the Date: Community Blood Drive on December 18 at Rec Center

The Grand Canyon Rec Center will host a community blood drive with Vitalant on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 9 a.m.- 1p.m. Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org.

Vitalant is the sole supplier to 96% of AZ Hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center. In appreciation for helping patients this holiday season, all donors will receive a $10 rewards gift card, and a free pizza slice and soda from Fratelli Pizza in Flagstaff.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Cafeteria, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 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 4-9 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 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 7-10 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 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 am to 4 pm.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental & Cafe: 10 a.m.-4 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.-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 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m., Beginning on 11/27, the food pantry will shift Wednesday hours from 5:30-7 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, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours)-pay at pump only

North Rim

• The self-serve gas station, including diesel, will be available for as long as State Route 67 is open. It will only accept credit and debit cards.
• Water at the North Kaibab Trailhead has been shut off. From now until the road closes, water will only be available from the faucet outside the North Rim Administration Building.

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• Full moon rising from Yavapai Point on Nov. 15, 2024 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Dorothy and Emerson Ami, Hopi-Tewa Potters (NPS Photo)
• Rock slide witnessed during CRMP river mission on Nov. 12 (NPS Photo)
• Shauna Maresh and her dog, Moose (Photo courtesy of S. Maresh)
• Trail closure in effect at the junction of Tonto East near Havasupai Gardens (NPS Photo/J. Baird)