Grand Canyon National Park
Key Messages – Week of June 7, 2021
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This week’s numbers at a glance:
- Arizona reported a new low of 374 new cases on Monday, which is the lowest number of cases per day reported since March 2020.
- Coconino County numbers continue to improve. Our county is now considered to be in “low” transmission. By the numbers, we see:
- 50.1% of county population is fully vaccinated
- 57.7% of those 12 to 18 have been fully vaccinated
- 60.6% of those 18 to 65 have been fully vaccinated AND
- 98.7% of those over 65 are fully vaccinated!
- As of this week, over 6 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Arizona and over 300 million vaccines have been administered in the U.S. Approximately 63.7% of the population now has received at least one vaccination. In total, nearly 140 million people have been fully vaccinated.
- Since the pandemic began, we’ve had 47 total positive COVID-19 cases in the park. To date, and as reported, none of the positive cases resulted from interaction with park visitors.
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Navajo Nation Information
- Wearing a mask in public is mandatory.
- The Navajo Nation is currently in a Shelter in Place order, which includes daily curfew hours from 11:00 P.M. MDT to 5:00 A.M. MDT.
- Specific guidance for the Navajo Nation can be found on the Navajo Nation website.
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Public Health Contacts
If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform your supervisor and our NPS Public Health Consultant. This is to ensure proper public health protocols are followed and that any exposure is minimized.
- Ronan King, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202) 891-8599
- Email: ronan_king@nps.gov
- For all email correspondence, please also cc: Chris Glime, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202)641-3518
- Email: christen_glime@nps.gov
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Local Vaccine Events
June 17-18
On Thursday, June 17 there will be a pop up event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Tusayan IMAX (no registration needed). More information and the flyer for this event can be found here. On Friday, June 18 the Grand Canyon Clinic will host a COVID-19 vaccine event. Registration is required ahead of time and the full flyer for the event can be found here. To schedule an appointment for the event or at any other time, call the clinic directly at 928-638-2551.
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Coconino County Vaccine Finder Tool
All residents of Coconino County 12 years and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. There are vaccination locations around Coconino County, some serving those 16 and older, others serving those 18 and older.
Visit the County’s ‘Vaccine Availability’ map for locating the nearest vaccine to your geographic area and get more details on special pop up events.
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COVID-19 Testing Details
- The Grand Canyon Clinic has testing available Monday-Wednesday.
- In Flagstaff, COVID testing is available at Coconino Community College at 2800 South Lone Tree Road, the NAU Fieldhouse at 1050 Knoles Drive and many other locations around town.
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Messages and Grand Canyon News
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CUA, Concessions & Partner Changes this Week
- Xanterra Taxi Service has resumed. The taxi is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visitors need to call the Xanterra switchboard to schedule a pickup (928-638-2631). The Xanterra taxi services the village and may drop off and pick up visitors in Tusayan.
- Xanterra Rec Center gym now OPEN
- The large room next to the front counter is now the Cardio Room (treadmills, ellipticals, etc.) and the Weight Room is the old workout room; they will accommodate 10 people at a time in each room. The two workout rooms are closed for a one hour cleaning several times a day.
- You can make reservations for a time slot up to two days in advance by calling 928-638-3389 or walking in.
- Thank you Xanterra for getting the gym safely up and running!
- Delaware North Camper Services is now open at the South Rim. Only laundry and showers are currently available.
- Shower and laundry, daily 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
- The last laundry load goes in at 11:30 a.m.
- The last shower is scheduled for 12:45 p.m.
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Grand Canyon Moves to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Friday
Due to warm and dry weather conditions and increasing fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions for the South Rim, North Rim and Inner Canyon beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021.These restrictions will remain in effect until significant precipitation falls and fire danger levels subside.
Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:
- All wood burning and charcoal fires, including campfires, warming fires, and charcoal barbeques are prohibited. The use of liquid petroleum or LPG fueled devices that can be turned on and off, such as stoves, lanterns, or heating devices are allowed if used in an area that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. This prohibition does not apply to the use of any type of fire for the purposes of lighting charcoal for cooking within the Colorado River corridor shoreline.
- Outdoor smoking, except as specifically exempted within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- Using explosives or any incendiary device; fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
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Trail Crew Work Begins near Ooh Ahh Point
On Wednesday, June 9, NPS Trail Crew began trail rehabilitation on the South Kaibab near Ooh Ahh Point. The work is expected to run through September 2021.
Work zone signs will be posted at the top and bottom of the construction zones. No trail closures are anticipated with the exception of short-term closures of up to 15 minutes to move material into place. Trail guards will be posted at each end of the construction zones to facilitate any temporary trail closures.
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Grand Canyon School Fiber Optic Installation Update
As of May 24, all fiber optic pipe has been dug and laid to a depth of at least 18 inches. This week, contractors are continuing to hang aerial fiber within park boundaries.
We are continuing to meet our goal of improving telecommunications throughout the park.Be on the lookout for future updates and milestones as we continue to track the progress of our telecommunications plan.
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Excessive Heat Leads to Multiple Search and Rescue Incidents
This past weekend, the lower elevations of Grand Canyon National Park were under an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Temperatures at Phantom Ranch reached or exceeded 110 degrees in the shade each day. During that time, search and rescue teams at Grand Canyon responded to 6 heat related emergencies and conducted 33 hiker assists. Two of the incidents required short-haul evacuations and three additional incidents required helicopter evacuations.
On Saturday, June 5, a hiker was found unresponsive on the South Kaibab Trail in the mid-day heat, presumed to be suffering from heat stroke. Medics were flown into the scene and measured a core body temperature greater than 107 degrees! Emergency cooling protocols were initiated, the patient was short-hauled off the trail and flown to Flagstaff Medical Center in critical condition.
Rangers continue to advise visitors against hiking in the inner canyon when excessive heat warnings are in effect. The intense mid-day sun, lack of shade, and limited water combine to make the inner canyon an extremely dangerous place. Effective, Saturday June 12 through Thursday, June 17 the NWS has issued an excessive heat warning for elevations below 4,000 ft. For more information on weather conditions throughout Northern Arizona visit: www.weather.gov/fgz. Friendly Reminder from South Rim Patrol
South Rim Patrol has consistently received reports of speeding in the Pinyon Park neighborhood over the last couple weeks. Rangers plan to conduct increased traffic patrols in the area. Please remember to watch your speed in the neighborhoods and school zones!
Want to see what South Rim has been up to in the past week? Check out the latest South Rim District Report below:
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June is Pride Month!
The month of June marks Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride month. Grand Canyon—as well as all national parks—are commemorating the event with special social media posts and interpretive programming.
We encourage you to learn more about the NPS efforts to celebrate by visiting the NPS LGBTQ Heritage website. This month and always, let’s not only recognize and work to break down the barriers that still exist for LGBTQIA+, but let’s also celebrate the contributions they’ve made to advancing equality for all people in this country.
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Current Operational Hours
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South Rim
- Maswik Lodge Cafeteria: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Bright Angel Fountain and Coffee House, 7-10 a.m.
- Canyon Village Deli, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Bright Angel Bikes, Rentals: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Cafe: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Desert View
- Desert View Watchtower retail store (Kiva Room) open Friday-Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; only the ground level is open to the public; the tower itself remains closed until further notice
- Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Desert View Campground is open. Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov.
North Rim
- Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk, staffed from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
- North Rim Lodge dining, 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily
- Deli in the Pines, 5 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
- Rough Rider Saloon, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
The following park closures remain in place:
- All residential areas
- South Rim Visitor Center (indoors), information table staffed 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
- Headquarters Information Desk
- Kolb Studio
- Yavapai Lodge Restaurant
- Grand Canyon Kennel
- Maswik Pizza Pub, Arizona Steak House, and Fred Harvey Burger
- Xanterra bus tours (suspended)
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