Fisheries Biologist Susan Wood, Fisheries Biologist Kurt Shollenberger, Park Ranger Hunter Hamm, and Small Craft Operator Jimmy Fulmer navigate turbulent waters in route to survey for native fish and smallmouth bass in Marble Canyon (September 2023). NPS/M. Jenkins.

Messages and Grand Canyon News-Week of October 2, 2023

We’re getting a new look!

Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform. The Wrap Up as well as news releases from our office will have a new layout and feel. If you are not receiving email communications from our office (through the Wrap Up or news releases), please check your junk email folder or email us directly at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.

Sign up for the Weekly Wrap Up Here

Superintendent’s Corner: Continuing Resolution averts lapse in appropriations

On Saturday evening, Congress passed a continuing resolution which was then signed by President Biden.This resolution will fund the federal government through November 17. It is good to be at work on a regular, routine, fully-funded day.

What that means is park and agency operations will continue as normal at least until November 17. We hope Congress passes a budget for the upcoming year within that time so we don’t have to repeat the experience planning for a possible shutdown, which was stressful for all of us.

The park worked with our colleagues in Region and the Washington office to develop a contingency plan for operating in the park during a lapse. That plan is based on past plans with an override of guidance we received this year, because guidance can change between the possible lapses.

While we hope we don’t have to implement that plan on November 18, if we do, we will now be better prepared to take care of our park, our staff, our partners, and our community as best we can. Thank you all for all of your work and your patience as we dealt with an uncertain and dynamic situation.

Desert View staff receive Interpretation & Resource Education’s 2023 Ron and Pat Brown Award

The Division of Interpretation and Resource Education have recently announced the recipients of the 2023 Ron and Pat Brown Award. The Desert View Team, including Dan Pawlak, Kelli Jones, Melissa Panter, and Jonah Dixon were nominated by their peers for their efforts in the creation and implementation of the Grand Canyon Speaks Program. The program launched in April 2023, and invited speakers from the 11 Associated Tribes of Grand Canyon to share their rich history and culture through singing, storytelling, presentations, and hands-on learning opportunities.

“The team worked collaboratively with tribal partners, artists, and demonstrators to challenge park narratives and perceptions of Grand Canyon” a peer said. “This collaborative and group effort highlights the importance of elevating inclusive interpretation and increasing the cultural knowledge and awareness of both Grand Canyon staff and visitors.”

Congratulations to Dan, Kelli, Melissa, and Jonah on this terrific accomplishment!

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebrated on Monday, Oct. 9

Indigenous Peoples’ Day is on Monday, October 9. Grand Canyon National Park looks forward to celebrating this important day to honor the heritages, traditions, stories, and cultural practices of Tribal Nations including the 11 Tribes who call the canyon home.

It is important for Indigenous people and tribal neighbors to feel welcomed at Grand Canyon National Park. There is much we need to do to heal historical wounds, and we are committed to this work because it is both necessary and right. We know that together, we can achieve these goals here at Grand Canyon.

Continuing to build these relationships with our tribal communities, both within and outside of the park, is integral to all the work we do. We encourage each of you to acknowledge and support the Indigenous presence, knowledge, and cultural practices which have existed here since time immemorial. Native voices continue to shape the present and the future of the park and we are thankful for the invaluable contributions First Voices provide as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Keep Wildlife Wild this Halloween season

Halloween is just around the corner, and carved pumpkins sitting outside may attract unwanted trick-or-treaters — like hungry javelinas, coyotes, deer, and squirrels looking for an easy meal.

Habituating wildlife to human food may lead to property damage and even potential injury to people or pets. In order to prevent wildlife encounters at your residence, it is recommended that if you have carved pumpkins, please display them indoors on windowsills and discard the pumpkins in a secure dumpster after use.

If you observe aggressive wildlife within the community, please do not hesitate to call dispatch at 928-638-7805 and an on-call wildlife staff member will help you.

Plateau Point Trail hard closure beginning Oct. 12

Beginning Thursday, October 12, the Plateau Point Trail will be closed due to Transcanyon Waterline construction. This anticipated closure will last through March 14, 2025.

Why is the Plateau Point Trail going to be closed for so long?

This is due to the fact the waterline is routed near the Bright Angel Trail from the Rim past Havasupai Gardens and along the Plateau Point Trail. Construction crews will need longer time working along the Plateau Point Trail area, as they’ll be transitioning from sliplining the water line to replacing it and installing underground three-phase power. Temporary power and water pipe must first be installed to provide services during the permanent replacement of the water pipe and underground power.

Cultural Demonstrator next week at Desert View

Rose Ann Whiskers, an accomplished San Juan Paiute weaver, known for her exquisite coiled baskets, will be demonstrating at Desert View Watchtower from 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday, October 10, through Thursday, October 12.

Rose’s baskets are woven with precision and passion, creating intricate designs with up to 20 stitches and 7 coils per inch. Her favorite designs are Navajo ceremonial patterns that often feature butterflies. Her craftsmanship bridges generations, ensuring that this ancient craft thrives.

VIP Spotlight!

John Mollenhour – Kaibab Plateau Volunteer

John Mollenhour supports the North Rim Visitor and Resource Protection and Interpretation divisions by patrolling trails and backroads via foot and mountain bike. You’ll also see him at the Ranger Roost and assisting with emergency services. Check out this interview to learn more about one of our extraordinary park volunteers!

John, tell us about your background.

I served as a Lieutenant on the Atlanta Police Department for 30 years. In 2015, I retired to Arizona and began a new career as a volunteer. I volunteer with the Santa Catalina Ranger District in the Coronado National Forest, Arizona Trail Association, Tucson Community Food Bank, and Tucson Trail Runners.

What’s inspired your almost four decades of public service?

My father was a mentor and he told me, “If you can help someone, you should help them.” He is also the person who first introduced me to the outdoors by taking me hiking in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

This is your fifth season on the North Rim. What keeps you coming back?

In 2018, I came to the North Rim to run the Arizona Trail Half-Marathon in the Kaibab National Forest. At the finish line, I met Grand Canyon employees who encouraged me to start volunteering with the NPS. Volunteering on the North Rim has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done. I enjoy helping visitors with everything from providing simple trip planning information at the Ranger Roost to assisting folks in distress on the North Kaibab Trail. The NPS on the North Rim is a community of friends that help each other out and share a love for the outdoors.

You’re more frequently spotted running through the forest than the Kaibab squirrels. Talk to us about trail running.

Living in Georgia, I started running on roads but I switched to trails to lessen the impacts on my joints. I’ve now run over 100 trail races, 60 of which have been ultra-marathons.

Wow, wow, wow! Do you have a favorite race?

I’ve run the Leadville 100-mile race four times and I love this course because it’s so challenging. It starts at an elevation of 10,200 feet in the Rocky Mountains and just keeps climbing from there!

Do you have a favorite North Rim trail? After thousands of miles, what keeps you running?

I love the Widforss Trail because it has it all – from the corridors of wildflowers tucked deep in the drainage, to the smooth path across the ponderosa plateau, to its sweeping canyon views along the rim and out at the point. It’s the best of North Rim trail running! I hope to keep running trails as long as I can for four reasons: 1) the amazing friendships I’ve made in the trail running community, 2) getting to spend time outdoors in beautiful places, 3) the mental well-being, and 4) the physical well-being that trail running gives me.

Somedays in running and in life, putting one foot in front of the other can feel challenging. After all of those races, what advice do have for when the going gets tough?

Start off slow. Keep moving forward. When you think you can’t go anymore, you’ll be surprised at what you can still do.

Grand Canyon Community Corner

NPS Job Opportunity for Local Residents!

Are you a local within a 90-mile commuting distance of Grand Canyon or Flagstaff? The NPS Fire and Aviation Branch is currently seeking applicants for a Fire Program Assistant duty stationed either at Grand Canyon or in Flagstaff. This announcement is now open through Tuesday, October 18 on usajobs.gov.

Under the local hiring authority, only persons who have either lived or worked in or near Grand Canyon/Flagstaff for the past two years are considered eligible. For information regarding the application process contact: Lisa Salazar, HR Specialist-Wildland Fire and Aviation at Lisa_Salazar@nps.gov.

Canyon Closet hosts Halloween Costume event on Oct. 7

The Canyon Closet will once again be hosting its annual Halloween costume event by offering free costumes to the Grand Canyon community.

The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 3-5 p.m. inside the old Chase Bank building at Market Plaza. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Vaccine Clinic at Rec Center and Tusayan on Oct. 9

On Monday, October 9, Coconino County Health and Human Services will be offering vaccines at the Grand Canyon Community Recreation Center from 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Immediately following this event, the mobile team will have a vaccine event at the Tusayan Fire Department from 1-3:30 p.m.

Flu shots and COVID-19 boosters will be available at the event for those ages 6 months and above. No registration is required; however, residents are encouraged to arrive early based on past popularity of these events.

For more information on the Grand Canyon event, see the attached flyer here. More information on the Tusayan event can be found in the attached flyer here.

Town of Tusayan hosts astronomy events beginning Oct. 12

In partnership with the Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Town of Tusayan is hosting evening astronomy events from Oct. 12-20. On Monday, Oct. 16, Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence, Dr. Cameron Hummels will give a special evening program followed by a laser-guided sky tour.

For more information on these special events, please see the attached flyer here.

North Country Healthcare announces Health and Wellness Fall Festival

On October 19 from 4-6 p.m., North Country Healthcare is hosting a Health and Wellness Fall Festival at the Grand Canyon Rec Center. Fun activity stations, balloon artists, face painting, affordable health insurance assistance, behavioral health, free dental screenings and much more!

For more information, check out this flyer here.

Grand Canyon Trick-or-Treating planned for Sunday, Oct. 29

Local trick–or–treating on Park Circle is currently planned for Sunday, October 29 (Tusayan’s Trunk or Treat event occurring on Halloween, October 31). As in previous years, NPS Rangers will be present in and around Park Circle.

Park Circle will be closed to all non-residential traffic and suggested hours are from 4:30-7 p.m. for all trick–or–treating activities. These hours are suggested in order to ensure resident’s and children’s safety in periods of low light or darkness. A full flyer for the event can be found here.

COVID Updates

As of September 30, Arizona Department Health Services has stopped reporting weekly COVID cases in the state. As of October 3, we have 4 new COVID-19 casesreported in the park.

As a reminder, all COVID safety protocols outlined in DOI and NPS COVID Workplan Guidance are still required. Be sure to promptly report any illness, to include COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King at ronan_king@nps.gov, or 202-891-8599.

Operational Hours

South Rim Interpretation seasonal changes

Grand Canyon Visitor Center hours:

October 8 – October 21: Thursday through Monday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Exception: GCVC will also be closed on Monday, October 9

Beginning October 22, the visitor center will be open 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Village Interpretive Programming

Current schedule will run through Saturday, October 7
October 8 – October 21: no regularly scheduled programming will take place in the Village to accommodate seasonal training
7-day Village programming will resume beginning October 22

*Please note: new changes to operations are indicated in bold/italic

South Rim

Xanterra

Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 p.m.
Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fred Harvey Burger, Breakfast 6-10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Arizona Steakhouse within Bright Angel Lodge-dinner 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily, lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
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.-9:30 p.m., Patio (limited menu), 1 p.m. – 7 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 Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6:30 a.m. -3 p.m., The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7-10 a.m., dinner, 5-8 p.m.
Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Camper Services laundry and shower: 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Mather Camp Store: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Beginning October 8–Visitor Center Plaza 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Kolb Studio 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Verkamps and Yavapai Geology Museum 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
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 6-8 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
Canyon Closet: Monday and Wednesday from 12-2 p.m. (new location is inside the Community Library)
Canyon Community Yoga at Grand Canyon Rec Center: Mondays-6-7 p.m., Wednesdays-6:30-7:30 p.m. (full schedule available here, locals use discount code: GCLOCALS when registering)

Desert View

Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.- 7p.m. daily (beginning September 10, will transition to 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily)
The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Desert View Convenience Store (adjacent to gas station), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

North Rim

North Rim Visitor Center (GCC), 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
NPS Backcountry Information Center, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m. daily
General Store, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Service/Outfitter Station, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, gas pumps 24 hours
Shower/Laundry, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily
North Rim Lodge Café, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
North Rim Lodge Dining Room
- Breakfast – 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m., Lunch – 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Dinner – 4:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
North Rim Lodge Saloon
- Coffeehouse – 5:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., bar – 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Grand Canyon Lodge Gift Shop (Aramark), 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily

*Please note: all above concessions operations with the exception of the pay at the pump gas station will be closing after Saturday, October 15. More information on transitions to North Rim day use operations will be provided in next week’s Wrap Up.

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities. All NPS passes can be obtained or modified at any entrance station.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance)

Desert View employees Dan, Kelli, Melissa, and Jonah with two Cultural Demonstrators at the Desert View Watchtower-Janet Yazzie (left) and Florence Riggs (right) (NPS Photo)
Two javelinas enjoy carved pumpkins (Photo courtesy of AZ Game and Fish)
Plateau Point Trail (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
Baskets crafted by Rose Ann Whiskers (Photo courtesy of artist)
VIP Mollenhour (V6) in action at the Widforss Trailhead (NPS Photo)
Tarantula spotting near Mather Campground this week (NPS Photo/J. Baird)

Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

Grand Canyon National Park

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior