Fall Prescribed Fire Operations Begin on North Kaibab and North Rim

Beginning October 8, fire managers from the National Park Service and US Forest Service will initiate prescribed burns on the North Kaibab Ranger District and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. These operations, part of the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, will continue into December, depending on weather and fuel conditions.

Targeted areas for burning include Highway 67 near Jacob Lake, the Telephone Hills area, Demotte, and portions southwest of Forest Road 22 on the North Kaibab Ranger District, as well as areas near the North Rim Developed area and Cape Royal in the park.

Residents and visitors may notice smoke during ignition operations, especially along Highways 89A and 67. The Cape Royal Road will be closed from sunset on Oct. 13 through Oct. 18 while the road to Point Imperial will remain open.

A total of 25,371 acres on the North Kaibab Ranger District and 4,347 acres on the North Rim will be treated to reduce hazardous fuels and maintain the ecosystem’s natural fire processes. Fire managers will coordinate with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to mitigate potential smoke impacts.

Aviation Operations for the Transcanyon Waterline Project: What You Need to Know

As many of you may have noticed, there has been an increase in aviation activity related to the Transcanyon Waterline project, which has led to some concerns about noise from helicopter operations. We want to address these concerns while also highlighting the importance of these flights in supporting the project’s progress.

The aviation support for the Transcanyon Waterline project is critical for transporting personnel and materials into the canyon. Each flight is meticulously planned to ensure efficiency and safety. The larger helicopters, such as the Blackhawk, have wider blades, which can generate more noise compared to standard helicopters.

Upcoming operations include the Blackhawk helicopter, which will be in the park from October 7 to 17 and October 24 to 31. This helicopter will be moving materials, including pipe and equipment, from locations like 1.5 Mile, 3 Mile into the canyon in preparation for winter work. Additionally, a Bell helicopter will operate from November 7 to 21, continuing the transportation of materials.

To minimize disturbances, aviation operations are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, during these work cycles. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we undertake this essential project, which aims to enhance the infrastructure and services of the Grand Canyon area.

Thank you for your continued support as we work on this important project.

Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Grand Canyon!

Join us for a meaningful celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day at Grand Canyon National Park from October 12 to 14. This event series will engage visitors and residents in discussions, cultural performances, and a deeper appreciation of Indigenous heritage.

Presentation Day – October 12

Kick off the festivities at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Esteemed speakers Noah Collins, David Martínez, and Dr. Lyla June Johnston will share insights on contemporary Indigenous issues.

Panel Discussion – October 13

On Sunday, join us outdoors at the Visitor Center Plaza from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for a panel discussion with the same esteemed speakers. Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with the presenters, fostering an interactive dialogue about cultural representation and resilience.

Prayers & Dance Performances – October 14

Celebrate on the Canyon Rim Trail by Hopi House from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. with an opening prayer by Phyllis Kachinhongva at 12:15 p.m., followed by dance performances by ShanDien LaRance and the CBQ Apache Crown Dancers. The day will continue with additional performances at the Visitor Center Plaza from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., concluding with a closing prayer at 5 p.m.

Don’t miss this opportunity to honor and learn about the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples at Grand Canyon! More information on these events can be found in the attached flyer or on the webpage here.

North Rim Day-Use Operations Begin October 16

Starting October 16, 2024, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will shift to day-use operations. The Grand Canyon Lodge will close, and overnight accommodations, including camping, will not be available. Please remind visitors to bring enough food and water for their day trips.

A self-serve gas station that accepts credit and debit cards will remain open while State Route 67 is accessible. After October 31, water will be available only at the North Rim Administration Building. The entrance gate will close at sunset on November 30, 2024, or following the first major snowstorm. The North Rim Visitor Center will close on October 15, and the Backcountry Information Center will close for the season on October 31. The General Store, coffee shop, and gift shops will close at 11 a.m. on October 16.

As winter conditions can arise quickly, visitors should be prepared for snow and ice on the roads. For the latest road conditions, call Arizona Highway Information at 1-888-411-ROAD (7623). More information on these changes can be found in the news release here.

Grand Canyon National Park is part of a collaborative initiative with Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Dinosaur National Monument, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. This project aims to restore the Colorado River ecosystem, which faces threats from invasive species, particularly non-native smallmouth bass that disrupt the park’s aquatic balance.

To combat this issue, NPS uses techniques such as electrofishing to reduce smallmouth bass populations. Long-term strategies also focus on upstream water management to prevent future invasions, including recent efforts to utilize cold temperature flows that protect spawning areas for the threatened humpback chub.

The initiative combines established scientific methods with citizen science, encouraging community involvement in addressing invasive species. Public awareness is vital, as the NPS aims to mitigate the spread of non-native fish along the Colorado River and its tributaries. Additionally, Grand Canyon National Park is engaging local tribes by providing tribal youth opportunities to participate in fishing trips focused on controlling invasive populations.

These efforts emphasize the park’s commitment to ecosystem management and cultural heritage. As projects unfold, they showcase the importance of adaptive management strategies to preserve biodiversity. Through scientific research and community engagement, Grand Canyon National Park is not only addressing immediate ecological threats but also setting a precedent for future conservation across the Southwest.

More information on this collaborative initiative can be found in the article here.

Flagstaff Man Sentenced for Arson in Grand Canyon National Park

In a recent judicial outcome, Dahntay Dunbar, 21, from Flagstaff, was recently sentenced to 20 months in prison for committing arson in Grand Canyon National Park. The incident occurred on May 17, 2024, when Dunbar unlawfully entered a cabin that belonged to his former girlfriend. After setting a fire that resulted in significant damage to the cabin, he was apprehended shortly after by National Park Service law enforcement.

In addition to his prison sentence, Dunbar will serve five years of supervised release and is required to pay $20,146.13 in restitution for the damages caused. This case underscores the importance of maintaining safety and respect within our community and our national park.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the National Park Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. If you have any concerns or need support, please reach out to local authorities or community resources. More information on this case can be found in this full news release here.

Jamie Rosenberg, Backcountry Visitor Technician

I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and went to college in Louisiana. I didn’t grow up particularly outdoorsy but I was privileged enough to go on a Colorado River rafting trip as part of a college course and fell in love with the Grand Canyon. That river trip changed the course of my life and is the reason I’m here today!

I moved to the Grand Canyon two weeks after graduating from college in 2016. I was an intern for two years (first with the volunteer program, then with the vegetation program on the North Rim) before getting my first official green-and-gray at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Colorado. I spent a few years working seasonally—REI in the winter, Grand Canyon Veg in the summer—before finally getting my first perm gig at the South Entrance Station. I then worked a brief stint in the Remit Office before moving to my dream job over at the Backcountry Information Center.

I have been stationed at the South Rim BIC for about 1.5 years now. I am lucky to have such an amazing group of coworkers and get to spend most of my work day talking to people about my favorite thing—hiking in the Grand Canyon!

When I’m not working, you can find me out walking my dog, Leo, backpacking around the Grand Canyon, or rock climbing in Flagstaff.

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Community Blood Drive Saturday, Oct. 5 in Tusayan

The Town of Tusayan will host a community blood drive with Vitalant on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.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. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Recreation Center Announces October Calendar of Events

See all the great spooky and fun events the Grand Canyon Rec Center has planned for the month of October! From pumpkin carving, to caramel apple making, to fireside smores and spooky crafts, there’s fun for the whole family this month.

To view the full schedule, see the attached flyer here.

Tusayan Community Gathering and Drone Show Slated for Oct. 10

The Town of Tusayan has rescheduled its Fall Community Gathering and Drone Show to Thursday, Oct. 10 starting at 4:30 p.m. at the Tusayan Sports Complex. Free food, games, live music, and giveaways will be offered.

More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Trick-or-Treating planned for Thursday, Oct. 31

Local trick-or-treating on Park Circle is currently planned for Thursday, Oct. 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.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Cafeteria, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30-10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Arizona Steakhouse, Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 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 p.m.), Patio closed until further notice.
• 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 7-10:30 a.m., Dinner 5-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m., Coffee Shop: 6:30 a.m. -5 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Deli, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Trailer Village Kiosk: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): Open daily from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., GCVC will be closed from Oct. 6-27 for winter seasonal staff training.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamps and Yavapai Geology Museum-8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, 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.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.

Desert View

• The last night to stay overnight at Desert View Campground is Sunday, October 13th. The campground closes for the season on Monday October 14th.
• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Last stair access at 4:40 p.m. with stairs closing at 5 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Desert View convenience store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

North Rim

• North Rim Visitor Center (GCC), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. (last day Oct. 15)
• Ranger Roost (located at the Roaring Springs Overlook), daily 10 a.m.- 4p.m. through Oct. 15
• NPS Backcountry Information Center, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31
• Camper Store by campground (Aramark), 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
• Guest Laundry and Showers, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. staffed, unstaffed from 7-10 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Lodge Gift Shop (Aramark), 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

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

• Bison in the meadows on the North Rim (Photo courtesy of L. Cisneros)
• Prescribed fire treatment in a ponderosa pine forest (NPS Photo)
• Dupkia Hoyam Hopi Dancers dancing at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza. (NPS Photo)
• Fall colors on the North Rim (Photo courtesy of L. Cisneros)
• NPS fish sampling along the Colorado River, June 2024 (Freshwaters Illustrated/David Herasimtschuk
• Jamie Rosenberg with sister and dog (Photos courtesy of J. Rosenberg)