Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Sept. 26-30, 2022

The Weekly Wrap Up is getting a new look!

Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform called GovDelivery. This transition is necessary for us to meet the Department of Interior’s new policies for email distribution.

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.

Next local vaccine event slated for October 18 in Grand Canyon, October 25 in Tusayan

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team will be coming to the park on Tuesday, October 18 for the next vaccine event. The event will take place at the Grand Canyon Rec Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The team will also be in Tusayan at the Tusayan Fire Department on Tuesday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines will be available at this event (to include the new COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine) for those ages 6 months and older. See the attached flyer for the Grand Canyon event here and the Tusayan event here.

On Thursday, September 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Coconino County Community Level and it remains LOW. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. For the most up-to-date information check at the following website.

Total COVID cases in Arizona for the week of September 15 – 22 was 3,999, a decrease of 2,543 cases from the previous week. For the seven-day rolling average, the state is averaging 874 cases per day.

That is all good news, BUT, there were 13 new COVID-19 cases reported in the park this week. This week’s new cases bring the park total up to an estimated 386 cases, and currently no change in the 86023 zip code, which leaves us at 449 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Due to high number of new COVID cases in the park last week, we would like to remind our community to remain vigilant and consider what you can do to continue to keep each other healthy and safe.

Arizona Mountaineering Club (AMC) Over the Edge Cleanup Recap

Last weekend marked the 32nd consecutive year AMC has participated in the Over the Edge Cleanup event on the South Rim—and, for the first year ever, on the North Rim. AMC Volunteers rappelled over the edge of the canyon at popular overlooks on both rims to collect trash and debris.

On Saturday, September 24, AMC presented a donation to the Grand Canyon Conservancy from the cumulative total of coins collected by the club over the past five years. The check was $729.86, with most of the money coming from collected pennies below Mather Point.

Here is a brief overview on what the teams collected this year:

South Rim

• More than 80 pounds of trash total
• 6 ½ pounds of hats
• 13 pounds of coins
• Cell phone recovered from below Mather Point reunited with owner who lost it on August 15th

North Rim

• More than 28 pounds of trash total
• 1/2 pound of coins (majority collected from below Angel’s Window)

Thanks again to the AMC for their cleanup efforts this year in helping keep the canyon safe, clean, and enjoyable for our visiting public! Also, special thanks to John Furniss of the AMC for organizing as well as Meghan Smith, Thomas DeMasters, and Lauren Ohlson from PSAR who helped with logistical support for the team.

Parkwide water restrictions lifted

Effective, Tuesday, September 27, the park transitioned back to Level 1 water conservation measures. After several weeks of pipeline breaks and water restrictions, water in storage tanks on both North and South rims have now reached sustainable levels.

Visitors, residents, and businesses should continue to use basic water conservation practices and mindful water use. Water conservation tips for visitors and residents include turning off the water while brushing teeth or shaving, washing only full loads of dishes or laundry, and reporting leaks and wasteful water use to appropriate staff. Residents are also reminded to use reclaimed water for plants, lawns, and washing vehicles and refrain from filling large-capacity water tanks in the park.

The FMD Water Utilities Crew will begin repressurizing the Bright Angel pipeline beginning, Monday, October 3, with the hopes of having water delivery restored to Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile Resthouses as early as next week.

We would like to thank our partners, staff, residents and visitors for conserving water over the last several weeks, and for ongoing water conservation efforts.

Murray 2 Fire grows to 3,237 acres on the North Kaibab Ranger District

Fire crews on the North Kaibab Ranger District are managing a new natural-caused wildfire called the Murray 2 Fire.

This low intensity, slowly spreading natural fire is burning as anticipated through the 2006 Warm Fire area.  Currently at 3237 acres, the fire is located seven miles south of the Jacob Lake Inn along Highway 67. The 1 mile rerouted section of the Arizona Trail may be reopened this weekend as if conditions allow.

Smoke may be visible along Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake and Arizona Route 89A in the House Rock Valley area east of the North Kaibab Ranger District. No smoke impacts are anticipated to reach developed areas in the surrounding communities. A one-mile section of the Arizona Trail has been temporarily re-routed along a section of AZ 67 and will re-open once it is determined safe for use. More information on this fire can be found on the Kaibab National Forest’s website or Twitter account.

Join us this Thursday and Friday, September 29 and 30, at Desert View Watchtower – from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., to meet Charlotte and Eldrick Seoutewa, Zuni Petit Point & Channel Inlay Jewelers.

Charlotte is from the Pueblo of Zuni. She has been making jewelry since she was 14. Her desire is to continue the art of traditional jewelry and encourage future generations of Zuni artists. Charlotte’s jewelry specialties include Petit Point and Zuni Channel Inlay. She says her inspiration comes from those who taught her as well as our creator, who is watching over us.

Eldrick is from the Pueblo of Zuni. He has been creating his art for more than 40 years since he was 12. Eldrick was taught the basics of traditional Zuni jewelry making by his mother, Amy Seoutewa, and his dedication to that art form stems from his desire to keep his mother’s work alive. Eldrick began with the more traditional forms of jewelry and over the years transitioned to more contemporary inlay jewelry. His says his inspiration for his work, “comes from our creator who makes us who we are as Zuni people.”

Navajo Bridge Star Party Sep. 30 and Oct. 1

Join Glen Canyon Conservancy, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Coconino County District 5 Supervisor, Lena Fowler, this Friday and Saturday for evening events of stargazing, astronomy talks, and telescope demos as well as their Saturday event which includes a guided hike through Lonely Dell at Lees Ferry. Once the sun sets, the fun starts!

The evening programs start at 6 p.m. and will continue throughout the evening (George Rhee’s talks start at 8 p.m. and will include discussions of the Big Bang Theory and more). For more information, check out the attached flyer or visit Glen Canyon Conservancy’s Facebook page.

Elk Rut Safety Reminder

Please remember to be extra cautious around elk this time of year. From now through fall, male elk are in a period known as the rut (mating season). During this time, they become territorial and will attack if approached or threatened.

Please do not approach elk, stay a safe distance of 100 feet (30m) away, and never water or feed them for any reason. If you observe an aggressive elk within the community, please do not hesitate to call dispatch at 928-638-7805 and an on-call wildlife staff member will help you.

South Rim District Report Available

South Rim District Report for period ending 9/10/2022

Tusayan Fall Calendar of Events

The Town of Tusayan has recently released a calendar of events for Fall 2022. Check out the full flyer by clicking here or visit the Town of Tusayan website.

On November 5 the Town of Tusayan will be hosting an artisan craft fair as part of the Grand Canyon Half Marathon. Tables are available for $10. If there is a need, an individual can apply for a waiver from the fee. For more information, please see the attached registration form.

On October 27 from 4-7 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.

Kaibab Learning Center to Host Halloween Fundraiser Event October 29

On October 29 beginning at 4:30 p.m., the Kaibab Learning Center will be hosting a community fundraiser at the Big E Steakhouse in Tusayan. A costume contest, raffles, prizes, and live music will all be part of the event.

For more information, please see the attached flyer.

Xanterra

• Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Burger, breakfast 8:00-10:30 a.m., lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Arizona Steakhouse within Bright Angel Lodge is now offering dinner service from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily. Lunch service is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Kennel-daily from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge
• Breakfast, 6:30-10:00 a.m.
• Lunch, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Dinner, 4:30-9:30 p.m.
• Lounge, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Patio (limited menu), 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Food Truck has relocated to the Train Depot area Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (weather permitting)
• Maswik Pizza Pub, located inside Maswik Lodge, is open Friday through Tuesday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The pizza pub is closed weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Xanterra is now offering pizza delivery service from 4 to 8 p.m. Delivery is provided to Guest Rooms at Grand Canyon National Park Lodges Only.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-7 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Camper Services laundry and shower, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7 a.m.-10:45 a.m., dinner, 5 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (clinic is closed on weekends and holidays)
• Bright Angel Bikes
• Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Cafe-8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): Daily from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., operations now indoors. Beginning October 23, operations will transition from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Visitor Center Plaza, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamps, and Kolb Studio 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.,
• Kennel Operations: Overnight boarding is only available from Friday through Sunday nights. Pick-ups and day boarding are available on Mondays. Contact Xanterra Switchboard or Xanterra Fire and Security for afterhours pick-ups.
• Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Canyon Closet (located behind Community Library): Mondays 4:15-6 p.m., Wednesdays 12:15-2 p.m., Saturdays 3-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesdays 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., Saturdays 2-4 p.m.

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
• The Desert View Deli, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• The Desert View Service Station Retail Store, daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Information Table (staffed by NPS), 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (as staffing levels allow).

North Rim

• North Rim Lodge Dining Room, Breakfast: 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner: 4:30-9:45 p.m.
• In addition to regular breakfast service in the dining room, the Grand Canyon Lodge at North Rim is offering a breakfast buffet daily from 6:30-8:00 a.m.
• Deli in the Pines, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Roughrider Saloon, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Coffee Saloon, 5:30-10:30 a.m.
• North Rim General Store: 7 a.m.-8 p.m., planning on closing October 15, 2022 for the winter season
• North Rim Service Station (gas station), staffed 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• GCC Bookstore/Visitor Center, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Roaring Springs Kiosk information, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

*Please note: all above concessions operations with the exception of the pay at the pump gas station will be closing after Saturday, October 15th. 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.

• Fall collage series featuring photos by Lauren Cisneros taken on the North Rim this past week(North Rim Interpretation). Photo in upper left is NPS Photo of aspen trees outside of  NPS Management Housing.
• Thomas DeMasters presents a plaque on behalf of Emergency Services to John Furniss, AMC event organizer (Photo courtesy of Kurt Korpong).
• AMC Volunteers rappel over the south rim wall near El Tovar Hotel (Photo courtesy of Kurt Korpong).
• Murray 2 Fire burning in the burn area of the 2006 Warm Fire (USFS Photo via Twitter)
• Charlotte and Eldrick Seoutewa with their jewelry inlay art (NPS Photos)
• Chad Hunter during a search and rescue at Crater Lake National Park (Photo courtesy of Chad Hunter)