Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 27-Dec. 1, 2023

North Rim transitions to winter operations; Hwy. 67 closed at Jacob Lake

Beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, November 30, the North Rim was closed to all vehicle traffic for the winter. State Route 67 and all services on the North Rim are expected to re-open on May 15th, 2024 (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 the South Rim Backcountry Information Center.

The Transcanyon Waterline project is progressing! Most of the construction has occurred on the South Rim for support facilities, but workers will begin some of the inner canyon waterline work soon.

To support the work, sections of the Bright Angel and Tonto Trails will be closed December 1, 2023-April 14, 2024. The Bright Angel Trail will be closed approximately ½ mile from the trailhead (at “Cinch Up”) to the Silver Bridge, and the Tonto Trail will be closed east of Horn Creek to the South Kaibab Trail junction. Plateau Point Trail is already closed and will be until March 14, 2025.

A new map is now available that can help visitors understand the closure areas and where to get more information on the park website. Feel free to print this map and help distribute this information to visitors and residents alike.

Taking advantage of recent moisture conditions, beginning Friday, December 1, the South Rim Wildland Fire crew will begin pile burning along the Hwy. 64 corridor between the South Entrance Station and Desert View Drive junction (mile markers 238-240). Additionally, the North Rim Wildland Crew will continue to treat 65 acres of piles in the North Rim developed area.

Prescribed fire plays a vital role in decreasing wildfire risks to life, resources and property by reducing available hazardous fuels. For more information on the role of fire within Grand Canyon, visit the park’s fire information webpage.

Winter Shuttle Bus and Campground Updates effective December 1

Shuttle Bus Updates

• Hermits Rest Route (Red Route) will be suspended for the season November 30 and will resume March 1, 2024. 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 7:30 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 29, 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 2024 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.

Christmas Bird Count slated for Sunday, December 17

You are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count! Sponsored by the National Audubon Society, the Christmas Bird Count is the longest running citizen science survey in the world.

Participants of all skill levels are welcome, though some basic level of familiarity with the canyon’s wintering birds is very helpful. Each participant should have a pair of binoculars and appropriate food/water/clothing for a winter day outdoors.

If you are interested in participating, please email Brian Gatlin by Monday, December 4, 2023 – brian_gatlin@nps.gov.

Employee Spotlight!

Aaron Zavesky

U.S. Park Ranger, Law Enforcement North Rim

Hi, my name is Aaron Zavesky, I just recently picked up a permanent position on the North Rim. I’ve been a seasonal with the NPS since 2016 working at Olympic, Sequoia, Bryce Canyon, Acadia, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.

I’ve always wanted to work at the Grand Canyon, my Grandparents spent 30 years on the South Rim working for the NPS, my mom went to school on the South Rim, and my grandpa is buried at the cemetery there. In my free time I enjoy skiing, trail running, and walking aimlessly around the desert with my dog Baxter.

If you get the chance to visit the North Rim stop by and say hi.

December Calendar now available for the Grand Canyon Rec Center

Check out all the exciting events happening at the Rec Center this December. A gingerbread house contest, caroling, cookie decorating, a Yule Ball, and much, much more! For the full schedule, see the attached flyer here.

Residential Holiday Lights Walk -December 1

Residents of Randy Thompson Circle and Bob Mahn Street are announcing the third annual Holiday Lights Walk. The event will occur on Friday, December 1 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 2

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 2. 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.

Kaibab Learning Center Christmas Ball fundraiser event -December 2

Help support children of the Grand Canyon community and the Kaibab Learning Center by attending the 2023 Christmas Ball! A fun night of live music, bowling, games, raffles, and a silent auction will be offered.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 2 from 4:30-8 p.m. at the Squire Resort in Tusayan. More information can be found in 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 3 through Saturday, December 9, community members can save 30% 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.

Angel Tree gift donations now being accepted for local children

Delaware North is once again is sponsoring an Angel Tree this holiday season. The Angel Tree will help local children in need and donations can be dropped off now through Thursday, December 14. Visit the Canyon Village Market customer service desk for more information on how you can help make this holiday season special for local children.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Santa Shack sponsored by the Town of Tusayan

From December 4-22, the Town will resume the annual Santa Shack. To schedule a time, please call Townhall at 928-637-4297 or email: tusayantownmanager@tusayan-az.gov.

Everyone is welcome to shop for the ones they love FREE of charge. Thank you to all the town’s partners and volunteers for their hard work and effort in putting this project together for the town.

A flyer for this program can be found here.

Tusayan Holiday Lights event announced for December 7

Join community members in Tusayan at the Tusayan Sports Complex (located off Long Jim Loop Road) as they light the entire park for the Holiday Season Festivities.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 7, and will also feature a special ribbon cutting ceremony, a mini drone show, and activities for the whole family. The holiday lights will continue to shine bright every evening in December after 5 pm.

For more information, call 928-638-9909 or see the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Food Pantry change of Wednesday hours

Effective Wednesday, December 13, the Grand Canyon Food Pantry is changing the Wednesday evening hours from 6-8 PM to 5:30-7:30 PM.

The pantry is solely operated by community volunteers and they are in desperate need of more help. Commitments are 2.5 hour time slots during open hours on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday as well as flexible stocking times to match your schedule.

Email gcpantryvolunteers@gmail.com for more information.

A flyer for the pantry’s new hours can be found here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Maswik Pizza Pub, 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
• Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Burger, Breakfast 7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., Lunch 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Dinner 4:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
• Arizona Steakhouse within Bright Angel Lodge, lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., dinner 4:30 to 9:00 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast, 7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., Lunch, 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner, 4:30-9:00 p.m., Lounge, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. (Food until 9:00 p.m.), Patio, closed until spring 2024.
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. daily.

Delaware North

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

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Café 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Visitor Center Plaza 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Kolb Studio, 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. (beginning December 13 hours will change on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.), Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Closet: Monday and Wednesday from 12-2 p.m.
• 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, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily (starting Sunday, Nov. 5, the GCC store and DV Watchtower will move to winter hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily)
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View Convenience Store (adjacent to gas station), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

North Rim

• Effective November 30 at 5 p.m., the North Rim is CLOSED for the season.

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

• A snowy sunrise on November 30, 2023 (NPS Photo/K. Besom)
• A North Rim Patrol vehicle along Hwy. 67 this week (NPS Photo/M. Krupp)
• Upper Bright Angel Trail infographic (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• Pile burning along South Entrance Road, 2021 (NPS Photo)
• Blue Route shuttle stop (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• A Northern Flicker on the South Rim (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• Aaron Zavesky, North Rim Patrol Ranger with his four-legged friend (Photo courtesy of A. Zavesky)