Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 26-30, 2025

Native Artisans Vendor Market Opens on North Rim

This past weekend, Grand Canyon National Park supported the Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Native Artisans Market on the North Rim which included 15 different Indigenous vendors over the course of four days. This was the first time the market was open on the North Rim.

In coordination with the NACA Economic Development program, Grand Canyon National Park continues its support for Indigenous artisans for the fourth consecutive year. The market contributes to Tribal economic revenue and provides a platform for artisans to showcase and sell their authentic, handcrafted arts and crafts, including jewelry, ornaments, pottery, sculptures, and more.

In addition to selling their work, participating artisans share their knowledge about local Native American heritage and their communities while connecting to the Grand Canyon. One Tribal community member who participated in the market at the North Rim commented, “The last time I was on the North Rim is when I was very young, returning here gave me a lot of emotions to remembering a time with my grandparents and their teachings. Even though I haven’t been here in a long time, the canyon feels very familiar to me.”

Market Hours:

• Tusayan Museum Site: Thursdays through Mondays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (April 1 – October 31)

• Grand Canyon Visitor Center:

May: Daily, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June: Daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• North Rim: Every third weekend of the month on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between June – September from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Note – The North Rim June market will occur Friday – Monday (June 20 -23) while the market in October will occur the weekend of October 10 – 13.

More information on tribal vending and demonstration opportunities can be found on the park website here.

Runway Rehabilitation Coming to Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan This Summer

A major runway rehabilitation project at Grand Canyon National Airport is set to begin July 14, 2025. Backed by a $13 million FAA grant and state funds, this project will address aging pavement and improve overall safety and efficiency for airport operations.

The airport’s only runway will undergo repair to restore the asphalt surface. Construction will require a full closure of the runway to fixed-wing aircraft from July 14 to August 10, with reopening planned for August 11. Helicopter operations from the ramp will continue as usual.

While the project won’t change the runway’s length or width, it will significantly improve safety and extend the life of this critical infrastructure.

What to Expect:

• Pre-construction work begins June 15, including nightly closures (five nights per week) through July 14.
• Full runway closure: July 14–August 10 (24/7).
• Project completion is expected in October 2025.

For more information, visit ADOT’s website here.

Did you know? Grand Canyon National Airport is the only state-owned airport in Arizona. Located in Tusayan, the airport sits on the site of the original Grand Canyon Airport, which opened in 1925. The current facility opened in 1965, with the terminal building dedicated in 1967.

From May 16–18, Grand Canyon Conservancy staff hosted Grand Gathering, a member event that brings together supporters from across the country who love the Grand Canyon. This years event was an overwhelming success, with GCC raising record donations to support park programs.

In addition to the incredible fundraising success, the event emphasized gratitude for park staff. GCC set up an “Appreciation Station,” where donors took time to write personal notes of thanks to rangers and employees across the park. These heartfelt messages will be shared with teams throughout the park in the coming weeks.

One donor’s comment on the final day summed up the spirit of the weekend: they were deeply moved by the positivity, professionalism, and dedication shown by everyone they encountered—especially those who worked closely with Ed Keable and supported the event, including Adam Gibson, Jim Landau, Jan Balsom, and others who led tours and engaged with participants. Despite the busyness of the weekend, staff were described as gracious, welcoming, and optimistic.

The GCC members ended the weekend with a standing ovation for the great work the GRCA staff do to preserve this special place and to make it available to the public.

Grand Canyon Incident Report Available

Grand Canyon Law Enforcement has combined significant incidents from all districts including the South Rim, Canyon District, and the North Rim.

See the latest Incident Report:

Grand Canyon Incident Report Ending May 27, 2025

June marks the beginning of Desert View’s summer programming, with cultural demonstrations taking place at the Watchtower. Demonstrators will be on-site from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday and Tuesday, as well as Thursday through Saturday, each week.

June 2 – Richard Graymountain (San Juan Southern Paiute/Basket Maker)

On Monday, June 2, Richard Graymountain, a San Juan Southern Paiute basket maker, will be demonstrating. Richard will also be featured in the Grand Canyon Speaks Sunset Talk at Desert View Amphitheater at 6:45 p.m. the same evening. Richard utilizes native materials like willow, yucca, and grasses to craft intricate and functional baskets. For him, each basket tells a story and serves not only as an artistic expression but also as a way to preserve and promote Southern Paiute culture and history.

June 1-2 – Michelle Silver (Diné / Navajo Clothing Designer)

On June 1 and 2, Michelle Silver, a Diné (Navajo) clothing designer, will be demonstrating her work from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Desert View Watchtower. Michelle’s designs are inspired by her deep appreciation for Pendleton blankets. Through her label, Dineh Couture, she blends Navajo traditions with modern fashion, creating pieces that are both elegant and contemporary. Her work highlights the female form, transforming the classic Pendleton blanket into wearable haute couture.

June 5-7 – Bobby Silas (Hopi/Potter)

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 5-7, meet Bobby Silas, Hopi potter. He has been creating pottery since he was 14 years old. His inspiration for his pottery designs comes from prehistoric Hopi wares dating back to about 500 years ago – known as Skiyatki polychrome. In addition to making pottery, he also is a basket weaver.

More information on the Cultural Demonstration Program can be found on the park website here.

Catrina Whitton—Nursery Manager (Acting)

Hi! My name is Catrina. I am originally from Southeast Michigan where I had the privilege of studying environmental science and spending much time in the moisture rich outwash plains and pine forests of the lower peninsula. In 2020 I moved West to Hurricane, Utah to work on a conservation corps crew and worked on a variety of restoration and trails projects everywhere from Wind Cave National Park South Dakota to Oceano Dunes California, much of Utah as well as parts of Northern Arizona and Southern Nevada. Since then, I have worked all over Utah, and parts of Southern Arizona completing BLM AIM surveys, and spent two years as Lake Mead NRA’s Song Dog Nursery Crew Lead. I love the Mojave!

I enjoy gardening in the community garden, all sorts of arts and crafts, board games, taking beautiful walks in the park admiring all the green growing things, and baking and cooking at home. My favorite way to spend my time is with friends, no matter the activity. My most prized treasures are the people I have met and love dearly, scattered across the country, including right here at GRCA.

How long have you worked at GRCA? Where are you based out of?

Most recently, I was a seasonal on the Vegetation Restoration Crew in 2024 and moved into a permanent role in December 2024. I am based on the South Rim, and largely split my time between the Nursery and the Science & Resource Management building. Feel free to reach out if you would like to say hi or get involved at the Nursery!

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your job?

The goal of a Native Plant Nursery is to propagate native plant material, but there is a lot that goes into growing happy and healthy plants for the park. Managing a nursery is largely an interdisciplinary job, days can range widely from tasks you’d expect like weeding, watering, mixing soil, and sowing seed, to possibly less thought of ones like pest control, hose and irrigation repair, HVAC trouble shooting, and other equipment repair and management.

So far, I have spent a great deal of time working with folks from other work groups and divisions including Wildlife, IT, FMD, Property, and the Auto shop to plan and improve the Nursery’s function. Thank you to everyone who has and continues to contribute to the Nursey’s success! Keep a lookout for a GRCA community plant distribution sometime this summer/ fall!

What’s the best book, podcast, or show you’ve enjoyed recently?

I am an Audiobook gal and one I keep going back to again and again is the Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow.

What’s your go-to comfort food or favorite meal?

My go to comfort food/ favorite meal is Potato pizza and a homemade vinaigrette salad, simple, refreshing, and of course cheese and potatoes!

What are you looking forward to the most this spring season?

Doing good work in this beautiful place with great people! And of course, spending time exploring the outdoors, and eating good food with friends.

Tusayan Blood Drive this Saturday

The Tusayan Fire District will host a community blood drive with Vitalant on Saturday, May 31 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org. Vitalant is the supplier to 96% of Arizona hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Community Potluck on June 5 at Rec Center

A potluck for the Grand Canyon Community will be held on Thursday, June 5 at 6 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Rec Center. All residents are welcome and musical guest, Stone and Steel, will be featured.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

KLC Rummage Sale

The Kaibab Learning Center (KLC) is sponsoring a rummage sale fundraiser at the Grand Canyon Rec Center on Fri., June 6 from 4-7 p.m.and on Sat., June 7 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Household goods, clothing, camping gear, electronics, appliances, and much more will be available.

All proceeds from Rummage Sale will directly benefit KLC by providing essential funds for improved educational materials, and enhanced programs for the children in the Grand Canyon community.

If you would like to donate items to the event, please contact Denise at 928-699-0201 for more information. A full flyer for the event can be found here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-10 p.m. (food until 9:30 p.m.)
• Bright Angel Fountain, 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, (food until 9 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse – Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30 p.m.-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 9:30 p.m.)
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
• Fred Harvey Food Truck at Grand Canyon Visitor Center, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10:30 a.m., dinner 5-9 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Camper Services, daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Labor Day
• Canyon Adventures Bike Tours and Cafe: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamps, Yavapai Geology Museum, Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-8 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 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.
• Shuttle Bus Summer Schedule (May 24 – Sep. 7, 2025)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00 a.m.
• Tusayan (Purple) Route, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with service every 45 minutes
• Inner Canyon:
• CLOSED: River Trail east of River Resthouse to South Kaibab Trail junction: Oct. 21, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025
• CLOSED: Silver Bridge: Oct. 21, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post and ice cream and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with the last tower access at 6 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours), retail: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

North Rim

• North Rim Visitor Center (GCC), 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• NPS Backcountry Information Center, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m.
• General Store by campground, 7 a.m.- 8p.m.
• Guest Laundry and Showers, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. staffed, unstaffed from 7-10 p.m.
• Deli in the Pines, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Roughrider Coffee House, 5:30-10:30 a.m., Saloon, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Lodge Dining Room, breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner (reservations required) 4:45-9:45 p.m.

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

• Cliffrose in bloom at Maricopa Point on May 29 (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• NACA vendors on the North Rim (NPS Photo/K. Yazzie)
• Grand Canyon Airport overview (Photo courtesy of ADOT)
• Members at 2025 Grand Gathering event (GCC Photo/L. Cisneros)
• Baskets by Richard Graymountain (NPS Photo/D. Pawlak)
• Catrina Whitton, Acting Nursery Manager (Photo courtesy of C. Whitton)
• South Kaibab Trail below Skeleton Point (NPS Photo/C. Kraus)