Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-Up Week of Aug. 14

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2023 • Comments Off

a group of people standing at an overlook on the rim of a canyon during sunrise

Messages and Grand Canyon News-Week of August 14, 2023

Sign up for the Weekly Wrap Up Here

an area of burned vegetation in an arid canyon

Kane Fire wrapping up

The Kane Fire, located about 13 miles southeast of Jacob Lake on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest, is currently about 2,854 acres and 84 percent contained.

The fire was detected on August 3 after a lightning storm, and fire managers immediately implemented a full suppression strategy. Ensuing precipitation over the next several days curtailed fire activity considerably, and a Type 3 team took over on Tuesday, August 15.

Current and expected fire activity is minimal, and crews are now focused on cleanup and suppression repair.

In the interest of public safety, a portion of the Kaibab Plateau area east of Highway 67 leading to the North Rim will remain closed. Highway 67 is open.

You can visit the Kaibab National Forest website or Facebook page, or InciWeb for more information.

Fire restrictions lifted on Kaibab and Coconino National Forests

As of August 15, the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests are no longer under any fire restrictions.Over the last few weeks, the area has received sufficient moisture and temperatures have dropped enough that fire managers are comfortable lifting restrictions.

All of the Coconino and most of the Kaibab national forests were under Stage 1 restrictions since June 29. Grand Canyon National Park is always under Stage 1 restrictions, which means wood and charcoal fires are only allowed within fire rings in designated areas.

Fire managers would like to remind you that regardless of restriction levels, it is always illegal to leave a campfire unattended.

Remember: if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave!

The Southwest Area Fire Restrictions website includes information on all state and federally managed lands in Arizona, including an interactive map.

Keep in mind that there are year-round fire and camping restrictions in certain areas across Coconino National Forest which can be found on the Forest Orders page.

For information about the Kaibab National Forest, contact any of our offices, visit www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab.

For information about Coconino National Forest, visit www.coconinonationalforest.us.

Pile burning along South Entrance Road

Starting today, August 17, Grand Canyon fire crews will be burning piles along South Entrance Road between the South Entrance and the Visitor Center.

If you are traveling through that area, be vigilant for any fire vehicles or personnel, and be prepared to stop.

Smoke will likely be visible through the weekend as fire managers take advantage of the monsoonal moisture by burning as many piles as possible.

Crews work through the year to thin the forest and then build piles with what they’ve cut. They then let those piles dry for months, and when conditions allow, they burn them to reduce fuel for any potential wildfires and to minimize overgrowth for the health of the forest.

To learn more about the park’s fire management policies and methods, visit our website for more information.

an illustration of a river running through a desert canyon

New Behind the Scenery podcast episode to air Sunday

The next episode of the park’s Behind the Scenery podcast is scheduled to air this Sunday, August 20.

Interpretation staff will chat with Daniel Bulletts. Daniel is the Cultural Resource Director for the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians and Director of the Southern Paiute Consortium.

In this episode, Daniel shares his connections to the Canyon, his role in tribal monitoring river trips, and some of his trademark humor!

This episode will be available to download and listen on nps.gov as well as Apple podcasts.

a smiling woman in front of a painting on a canvas next to the rim of a large canyon

2023 Celebration of Art coming soon

Since 2009, Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Conservancy have been hosting Celebration of Art.

Celebration of Art (CoA) brings artists from all over to paint the world-class scenery the canyon offers.

The artists stay and paint for a week, and for four months afterward, their work is shared and sold online and at Kolb Studio.

Living with a host family during the Celebration of Art is preferred by some artists, as they enjoy spending time with those of us that live at Grand Canyon. This is a special opportunity GCC has not been able to offer the last few years due to COVID.

This year’s event will kick off with an online auction on September 1, an on-site component September 9-15, and an exhibition and sale September 17, 2023, through January 15, 2024. We will be welcoming back some of our veteran artists and several new additional artists this year.

The artists will need accommodations from September 8- 18 in order to participate in the event. Artists are typically out of the home before sunrise and gone for the bulk of the day, busy painting the canyon, they may return around lunchtime and after sunset. Hosts are not obliged to provide dinner but may do so if they wish.

If you have a spare bedroom and would like to volunteer to be a host, contact Grand Canyon Conservancy.

Cultural Demonstrators at Desert View Watchtower

three young women displaying artistically crafted pots and cloth

Tuesday, August 22 and Wednesday, August 23, three young artists from the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project in New Mexico will be at the Desert View Watchtowerfrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cassandra Tsalate (L) creates Zuni Pueblo pottery, LaShea Harris (C), focuses on embroidery, and Chasady Simplicio (R) is a weaver.

LaShea and Chasady will also speak at the Desert View Ampitheater at 6:15 p.m.on Tuesday, August 22, and Cassandra will speak on Wednesday, August 23.

On Thursday, August 24, the three may be in our public schools demonstrating for our students.

To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project, visit their website at www.zyep.org.

three separate scenes of construction with a construction icon in the foreground

Operational Updates

Transcanyon Waterline

Interested in what’s going on with the Transcanyon Waterline project? Learn about the South Rim construction progress here.

Water Filling Stations

Construction crews recently finished installing the GCC-funded new water filling stations with wildlife resistant enclosures at the Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trailheads!

APS Substation

Trenching work for the substation will transition from the north end of Clinic Road to Havasupai Street August 28. Trenching will occur for approximately four weeks along Havasupai Street to about 200 feet after the Havasupai and Barry Hance Circle intersection.

Construction Coordination Reminder

The Bright Angel Substation and Transcanyon Waterline South Rim construction sites are closed to the public and NPS staff. Please remember to liaise with the designated GRCA Project Management point of contact if you have any project information queries, concerns, or need site access. Only the designated Project Management POC should be interfacing with construction contractor personnel on project matters, per federal contract regulations, except in life or safety situations.

Contact Lucas Hill (Lucas_Hill@nps.gov) for Transcanyon Waterline coordinationContact Tony Figueroa (tony_figueroa@nps.gov) for Bright Angel Substation coordination

Community Corner

Tusayan Food Pantry opens

The Tusayan Food Pantry, operated by the Grand Canyon Food Pantry, opened it doors on Wednesday, August 16.

The next Tusayan Food Pantry event will occur on Wednesday, September 20 from 5-7 p.m. at the Tusayan Town Hall parking lot, located at 845 Mustang Drive.

All community members are welcome, and questions can be directed to gcfoodpantryinc@gmail.com.

Grand Canyon Community Library temporarily relocated

The Grand Canyon Community Library has moved to the old Chase Bank building located adjacent to the Post Office while the building at 11 Navajo Street is being repaired.

Fun fact: the library was built in 1916, and originally served as a schoolhouse.

Library hours will remain the same:

– 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

– 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

Free live music in Tusayan

Emmons Berry will be performing at the Squire Resort Poolside Bar on Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There is no cost for entry, and Emmons asks that you please don’t drink and drive.

COVID Updates

Arizona and Local Statistics

Total new COVID cases in Arizona reported for the week of August 10 through August 16 is 2,325—an increase of 289 cases from the previous week. The seven day rolling average is now 332 cases per day.

As of August 16, we have 3 new COVID-19 case reported in the park. The Park’s estimated number of cases since the beginning of the pandemic is at 498.

As a reminder, all COVID safety protocols outlined in DOI and NPS COVID Workplan Guidance are still required. Be sure to promptly report any illness, to include COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King at ronan_king@nps.gov, or 202-891-8599.

Current Operational Hours

*Please note: new changes to operations are indicated in bold/italic

South Rim

Xanterra

Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 p.m.
Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fred Harvey Burger, Breakfast 6-10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fred Harvey Food Truck 11:30 – 4 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.
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.-9:30 p.m., Patio (limited menu), 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The Grand Canyon Kennel is open seven days a week with hours from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Delaware North

Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6:30 a.m. -3 p.m., The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7-10:45 a.m., dinner, 5-9 p.m.
Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Camper Services laundry and shower is now open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily with the last laundry load at 8:30 p.m. and the last shower at 9:45 p.m.

Other

Grand Canyon Clinic: open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Café 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Grand Canyon Conservancy stores regular hours: Visitor Center Plaza, Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamps, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily., Kolb Studio has reopened with hours of 9-5 p.m. most days
The Grand Canyon Community Library is expanding its hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The schedule Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays will remain from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Mondays 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesdays 6-8 p.m., Saturdays 2-4 p.m.

Desert View

Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Desert View Convenience Store, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

North Rim

North Rim Visitor Center (GCC), 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
NPS Backcountry Information Center, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m. daily
General Store, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Service/Outfitter Station, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
- Gas pumps 24 hours
Shower/Laundry
- 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily (staffed)
- 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily (unstaffed)
North Rim Lodge Café, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
North Rim Lodge Dining Room
- Breakfast – 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
- Lunch – 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Dinner – 4:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
North Rim Lodge Saloon
- Coffeehouse – 5:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
- Bar – 11:30 a.m. – 11 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.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance)

Sunrise at Mather Point (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
A burned area in the aftermath of the Kane Fire (USFS Photo)
Visitors at Mather Campground (NPS Photo/K. Caldon)
Pile burning from August 17, 2023 along South Entrance Road (NPS Photo/N. Martone)
An artist at the 2010 Celebration of Art (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
Hikers descend the Bright Angel Trail (NPS Photo/M.Quinn)
An artist at the 2010 Celebration of Art (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
Cassandra Tsalate, LaShea Harris, and Chasady Simplicio (Photos courtesy Zuni Youth Enrichment Project)
A construction worker guiding concrete into foundation forms for one of the new raw water tank footings on the South Rim for the Transcanyon Waterline project (NPS Photo/L. Daniels)
The new Bright Angel Trailhead water filling station (NPS Photo/T. Figueroa)
A conduit installed in the trenching along (NPS Photo/T. Figueroa)
The temporary Grand Canyon Community Library location in the Chase Bank building (Photo courtesy Daniel Bell)

Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

Grand Canyon National Park

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

← Snowbowl Road to temporarily close Saturday morning accommodate the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event

Discover Flagstaff — The Mother Road Classic Route 66 Car Show returns to Flagstaff City Hall & Wheeler Park on Aug. 18, more events →