Coconino Fire burns close to park

On Thursday, July 27, a wildfire was reported approximately 5 miles southwest of Grand Canyon Village.

The Coconino Fire is a lightning caused fire first detected around 10 a.m. on the Kaibab National Forest.  The fire is currently estimated at approximately 118 acres.

Fire crews from the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park responded quickly and aggressively, with containment estimated at 40%.

An Incident Management Team was mobilized in the park in case an evacuation order was given.

At this time, fire managers are confident that the fire is under control.

For more information, you can check our Facebook page or call 928-638-7688 for the latest updates.

While this fire never materialized into a credible threat, it serves as a great reminder to review the Ready-Set-Go evacuation plans and procedures for you and your family.  We would also encourage Grand Canyon and Tusayan residents to sign up for Coconino County emergency notifications. Please help yourself and the community in becoming prepared and ready for a wildland fire.

Multiple small fires provide ecological benefits

Rainbow Fire – Park fire staff are managing another lightning caused fire on the North Rim on the Rainbow Plateau.  The fire is currently estimated at approximately 60 acres and is slowing burning in open Ponderosa Pine forests along the rim. Park managers anticipate positive benefits from this naturally caused fire as it slowly burns dead/down and duff on the forest floor.

Gold Hill Fire – A fire was reported late on July 27 near Gold Hill, east of Desert View within the Navajo Nation.  Bureau of Indian Affairs crews are working with park staff and local officials on management of the fire.

Excessive Heat Warning continues, monsoon season arrives

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for elevations at and below 4,000 feet in the Grand Canyon through Sunday, July 30.

Xanterra mule rides remain suspended until further notice.

However, there are chances for thunderstorms throughout the week, so hopefully, our seemingly relentless heatwave is winding down as monsoon season arrives.

Monsoon season brings with it welcome precipitation, but also brings the risk of flash flooding and lightning.  Here are some tips to stay safe:

Flash flooding

• Know the weather forecast for your area as well as areas upstream.
• Finish hiking in the morning and be out of canyons or away from washes before the afternoon.
• Be vigilant of falling rocks during and after storms.
• Do not camp overnight near streams and washes.
• Pay attention to water conditions. Leave the river area immediately if the water becomes muddy or begins rising.
• Stay out of flooded areas, as the water may still be rising and the current is swift.

Lightning

• Listen for thunder, watch for lightning, and observe the direction of storm movement.
• Avoid rock outcroppings, the rim, and tall trees or structures.
• If you find yourself in a dangerous situation with a thunderstorm approaching, take cover.
• When thunder roars, go indoors!

North Rim open for the season

On Sunday, July 23, the North Rim and all associated concessioners commenced operations for the 2023 season.

The North Rim itself had previously opened, but there were limited services while the pipeline was undergoing repairs.

Most commercial services will continue through October 15, and the rim itself will remain open until October 31.

Cultural Demonstrators at North Rim

The Cultural Demonstrator program has made its way to the North Rim!

Last week’s demonstrators were Zuni Pueblo silversmiths Benina Kallestewa and Daryl Shack.

This weekend, several demonstrators will be at the Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium as part of this year’s Heritage Days.

Intertribal Working Group meets on North Rim

This week, members of the Intertribal Working Group met with park staff on the North Rim to discuss a number of programs and initiatives including bison management, interpretive planning and First Voice opportunities, and previewed the new tribal welcome video being developed with the working group.  The film will be shown opposite the existing park orientation film at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Established in 2013, the Intertribal Working Group has collaborated closely with NPS on numerous projects including the strategic vision for the Desert View Intertribal Cultural Heritage Site project now under construction.

Through the generous support of the Grand Canyon Conservancy, Grand Canyon National Park hosts regular meetings with the working group to collaborate on First Voice interpretive programming and promote tribal partnerships.

This was the first time the group met on the North Rim. The North Rim field trip provided an opportunity for members to learn about the specific programs and projects on the North Rim and work directly with staff on development of interpretive projects.

Lionel Reliford Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life Event will be held for NPS Fee Supervisor, Lionel Reliford on Friday, August 4 from 5-8 p.m. at Shoshone Point.  

Lionel had been bravely fighting a terminal illness for quite some time, and despite the pain, he remained an instrumental part of the Grand Canyon Recreation Branch Team. We would love for any staff or those who were close with Lionel to join and share your stories and favorite memories. 

Dogs on leash are welcome — Parking is limited — Please carpool. If you have accessibility needs to drive to the point (high clearance recommended) or have other questions, please contact Grace Lilly at 360-989-6731. A flyer for the event can be found here. 

Butterfly count on the North Rim

On July 15, expert and amateur lepidopterists joined forces on the North Rim for the annual North Rim Butterfly Count.

Every summer, staff and volunteers from the NPS, along with Grand Canyon Conservancy supporters, spend time chasing butterflies – literally – to see which and how many types of butterflies are here.

This year, Joe Zarki, and Marilyn Lutz, retired rangers from Joshua Tree National Park and butterfly expert Scott Ellis from La Portal, Colorado traveled to the North Rim to help with the count.

During the day, participants identified 50 species of butterflies, which is exceptional.

“North Rim was amazingly animated with butterflies,” said Robb Hannawacker of Canyonlands National Park. “It was the most intense diversity and abundance that I’ve seen in other Colorado Plateau trips I have made this season.”

Butterfly counts help our local wildlife experts gauge the health of the land and how to better steward it.

Grand Canyon school year resumes next week

Grand Canyon Unified School District will begin the 2023-2024 school year on Monday, July 31.

If you’re traveling near any of our schools, please slow down and be alert for students, teachers, and parents crossing the road, particularly in the mornings and afternoons.