Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 25-29, 2024

Reminder: Vehicle Stickers Required for Local Residents at South Kaibab Trailhead

Due to the closure of the lower Bright Angel Trail, it is important that all local residents have vehicle stickers if they intend to park at the South Kaibab Trailhead. All vehicles without this proof are subject to fines and towing fees.

If you are a local and would like a vehicle sticker, please contact grcaremit@nps.gov and be prepared to provide your employer (if applicable), how many stickers you are requesting, and if you are a seasonal or permanent employee. A member from the NPS Fee Management program will be in touch with you for pickup details.

North Rim transitions to winter operations Nov. 30

Beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, November 30, the North Rim will close to all vehicle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open on May 15, 2025 (subject to change).

As in years past, the North Rim campground will be available for winter camping and is accessible via hiking inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing 45 miles from Jacob Lake. To camp at the North Rim during the winter months, visitors need a backcountry permit, which can be obtained in advance through www.recreation.gov.

Winter Shuttle Bus and Campground Updates effective December 1

Shuttle Bus Updates

The Hermits Rest Route (Red Route) will be suspended for the season November 30 and will resume March 1, 2025. From December 1- February 28, visitors will be able to use their private vehicles to access Hermit Road.

Beginning December 1, the Village Route will operate from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., and the Kaibab Route will operate from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Hikers’ Express Bus will run at 8 and 9 a.m.

Mather Campground Winter Operations

During the winter season, December 1 through February 28, camping reservations are available at Mather Campground through www.recreation.gov. Visitors can make reservations on recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance for the 2025 season.

The Mather Kiosk (campground office) will be open to sell any remaining campsites not sold through the reservation system. Only the Sage and Pine Loops are open during the winter months.

Cultural Demonstrator Next Week at Desert View

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, December 3, 4 and 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.stop by the Desert View Watchtower to meet Alphonso John, Diné (Navajo) jeweler. He will be showcasing his stunning handmade jewelry crafted with glass beads and leather.

As the son of a renowned jeweler, Alphonso carries on his family’s artistic tradition, and he loves sharing his skills and stories. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet him and see his beautiful creations!

Applications Open for the 17th Annual Celebration of Art

Applications to participate as an artist for the 17th Annual Celebration of Art, sponsored by the Grand Canyon Conservancy, are open now through January 15, 2025. The event is open to all artists 18 years and older with plein air experience and expertise in representing the Grand Canyon, desert Southwest, or National Parks in the Western U.S.

The Grand Canyon Celebration of Art is an invitational and juried event. A panel of three to five jurors will review all applications and will select four to six artists who, together with returning and invited artists, will comprise the participants in the 2025 event. Notification of acceptance will be emailed to each applicant no later than February 7, 2025. An online application can be submitted here.

Staci German, Victim Witness Specialist, NPS Investigative Services Branch

It’s been a “long strange trip”…The journey to get to the Grand Canyon working my dream job as a Victim Specialist with The Investigative Services Branch of National Park Service has been a long, strange trip indeed.

I’m a Philly girl, born and raised. I graduated from Villanova University with a BS in Accountancy. Balancing debits and credits were short-lived for me, and I returned to school to earn a Master of Education degree along with certification to teach elementary education.

I had the pleasure of teaching kiddos in kindergarten and third grade, before taking on life’s greatest challenge…motherhood! One of my greatest joys in life has been raising my 26-year-old twin boys, Sean and Drew. Returning to work, I landed a great gig at a local nature center as an environmental educator. I guided nature walks, led stream studies, and facilitated birds of prey programs for school children. It’s here where I fell in love with the outdoors and the beauty of the world all around me.

After relocating to Huntsville, AL for my husband’s job, I discovered the National Children’s Advocacy Center where I found meaningful work protecting and helping children heal following reports for suspected abuse.

Returning to suburban Philadelphia, I joined the team at The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, where I worked as a Prevention Educator developing and presenting programs such as: internet safety, child safety, and healthy relationships to children in grades k-12. With young adults and college students, I facilitated programs on Sexual Assault Awareness/Prevention. Additionally, I supported our Senior Adult community through outreach programs focusing on elder abuse issues and where folks can get help.

After spending years as a Prevention/Educator, I then moved into direct service as a Child Victim Advocate, serving as a liaison between child victims, law enforcement, The District Attorney’s Office, and Children, Youth, and Families. While working with child survivors of abuse for years, I earned certification as a child forensic interviewer. Supporting children through their abuse disclosures at our Child Advocacy Center, connecting children to counseling for healing, and advocating for a child’s voice in the criminal justice process has been rewarding beyond measure for me professionally.

I “just keep truckin on” spending time outside hiking, biking, and running. While inside, one of my favorite places to be is in the kitchen cooking for family and friends. You may bump into me on one of my daily walks with my yellow lab, Tripp; he’s our “long strange trip”. Or you may see my husband Doug and I heading out for a grand adventure in our Sprinter van, with the Grateful Dead tunes playing loudly, “going where the climate suits our clothes” knowing “the four winds will blow us safely home”.

What inspired me to work with NPS at the Grand Canyon?

How many people get to do the work that they love in one of the most beautiful places on earth? I believe that my education, skills, and varied life experiences led me to this amazing opportunity to work at Grand Canyon. As a Victim Specialist, I work with our Law Enforcement Rangers responding to incidents where a victim(s) has been identified. I provide crisis response, connect victims to appropriate resources, and help to navigate survivors through the Federal Criminal Justice System. I am one of four Victim Specialists within NPS who not only provide support at our home parks, but also provide in-person and virtual support to Rangers and Special Agents working cases with victims throughout the US.

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

The most surprising aspect of working at GRCA is that I can walk out of my office and in minutes be overlooking the South Rim…the view is ever changing and always takes my breath away.

Residential Holiday Lights Walk -December 6

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.

Christmas Bazaar Vendor Fair at Grand Hotel in Tusayan – December 7

The Grand Canyon Community Church is once again hosting its annual Christmas Bazaar market.

The event will be held at the Grand Hotel in Tusayan from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. Arts and crafts will be available for sale from local vendors here in the community. All community members are welcome and proceeds from the event will help benefit community initiatives.

A full flyer for the event can be found here.

Santa Breakfast and Market at GC School-December 7

On Saturday, December 7, join Santa at the Grand Canyon School cafeteria for a Santa Breakfast, sponsored by the Grand Canyon School. Breakfast is $5 per plate and all proceeds will benefit the 8th grade class field trip to Washington D.C.

A vendor market will also be occurring simultaneously as well as holiday crafts, Toys for Tots pickup, and a Canyon Closet clothing popup. 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.

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., Beginning on 12/1, the Visitor Center Plaza store will be open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, 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, 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.

• 2024 Fall Astronomy volunteers (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Snow at Mather Campground (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Alphonso John beadwork (NPS Photo)
• Michelle Condrat, GCC Celebration of Art Artist (Photo courtesy of GCC)
• Staci German, Victim Witness Specialist (Photo courtesy of S. German)
• New Transcanyon Waterline near Plateau Point (NPS Photo/S. Graham)