Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 2-6, 2025

Ongoing Power Outage on North Rim

The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work with the North Rim concessioner to address the power outage affecting the North Rim, which began Sunday evening, June 1, due to an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power remains out at the Grand Canyon Lodge and surrounding concessioner facilities. Overnight reservations have been canceled since June 2.

What’s Open:

• Visitors can continue to access the North Rim Campground, Backcountry Information Kiosk, Ranger Roost info desk, Scenic Viewpoints, and the North Kaibab Trail. Evening programs are temporarily relocated to the North Rim Campground (ranger program flyer can be found here). The Grand Canyon Conservancy Store is expected to remain open.
• The gas station remains fully operational with credit card acceptance.
• Campground laundry and shower facilities continue to be available.
• The General Store is open but operating on a cash-only basis due to system limitations; however, it is fully stocked and has a working ATM.

What’s Closed:

• All other services within the lodge area, including lodging reservations, food and beverage, and lodge retail, will remain closed through Sunday, June 8.
• Aramark is actively managing customer communications and rebooking efforts, with updates provided on their website.

Repair Efforts:

• Efforts are in the early stages to source and install a replacement transformer unit, with logistics and specifications still being finalized.
• Coordination with a generator provider is ongoing; a temporary generator may be connected, but this will be a complex, phased process.

For the latest details on concessioner services and visitor support, please visit: www.grandcanyonnorth.com

South Rim Water System Flushing Scheduled for June 23–26

The park’s water system will undergo a flushing operation from June 23 through June 26, with different sections flushed each day over the four-day period. This work is necessary to prepare the system for a change in water quality expected once the new water facility comes online later this year, likely after October 2025.

During the flushing, residents may experience temporary water issues, including discoloration, air in the lines, low water pressure, or other fluctuations. These are normal effects of the process, which involves opening multiple hydrants to create enough flow to clear debris from the pipes.

Residents can also expect to see personnel in the roadways, managing hoses and equipment, and collecting system data. Please use caution when traveling through these areas. Additional updates will be provided as needed.

After a distinguished career with the National Park Service, Dave Worthington retired on May 31, concluding his service as Chief of Science and Resource Management at Grand Canyon National Park, a role he held since 2021.

Dave’s career has spanned parks and ecosystems across the country and the Pacific, from Guam and Hawaii to Capitol Reef, Lassen Volcanic, and Virgin Islands National Parks. His lifelong passion for the natural world—especially birds and bats—has shaped decades of conservation leadership and mentorship across the agency. Known for his love of hot sauce, strong coffee, and the outdoors, Dave brought dedication, curiosity, and humor to every role he held.

We thank Dave for his years of service and wish him all the best in retirement—whether he’s biking, birding, or savoring a well-earned cup of coffee!

1956 Grand Canyon Midair Collision 69th Anniversary Flower Laying Commemoration

at the South Rim and in Flagstaff

On June 30, 1956, two commercial airplanes tragically collided over the Grand Canyon, resulting in the loss of all 128 passengers and crew aboard both aircraft. This disaster was one of the deadliest aviation accidents at the time and led to significant advancements in air traffic control and aviation safety regulations.

To honor the memory of those who perished, the 69th Anniversary Flower Laying Commemoration will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025, with ceremonies at both the South Rim Pioneer Cemetery and the Citizens’ Cemetery in Flagstaff. The event serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the ongoing commitment to safety in our skies.

Monday, June 30, 2025

• South Rim Pioneer Cemetery, 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.; Moment of Silence at the Time of the Collision: 11:30 to 11:40 a.m. Followed by Lunch Break and Drive to Flagstaff
• Citizens’ Cemetery, 1300 S. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ at 2:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Tom Sulpizio will conduct these two flower laying ceremonies. All are welcome to attend at either or both cemeteries and contribute to the commemoration of this solemn event. Contact: Tom Sulpizio at tsulpizio@att.net

Desert View Announces 2025 Summer Programming— June 2 through October 4, 2025

Cultural Demonstrators are scheduled to be in the watchtower from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, then a second set on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, of each week.

• This Thursday through Saturday, June 5-7, meet Bobby Silas Hopi potter (pictured at right). He has been creating pottery since he was 14 years old. The inspiration for his pottery designs comes from prehistoric Hopi wares dating back to about 500 years ago – known as Skiyatki polychrome.
• Next week, on Monday and Tuesday, June 9 and 10, Noreen Simplicio – Zuni Potter, Davis Coonsis – Zuni Furniture Maker and Kaitlynn Mike – Diné [Navajo] Beader will be sharing their culture and showcasing their art.

Monday and Wednesday

• Sunset Talk (1 hour before sunset) at Desert View Amphitheater

A 45-minute Ranger led program with a stunning view of the canyon before sunset. Explore the layers of Grand Canyon’s history, ecology and geology. Talk ends with enough time to take pictures and enjoy the view.

Tuesday and Thursday

• Grand Canyon Speaks (1 hour before sunset) at Desert View Amphitheater

Join us on the rim of the canyon for a 45-minute Grand Canyon Speaks interview with Tribal members. They share their rich history, culture, and personal connections to Grand Canyon, through storytelling, singing, and hands-on-learning.

More information on Desert View programming for the 2025 summer season can be found on our park website here.

Film Screening Highlights Indigenous Voices and Environmental Justice—June 9

On Monday, June 9 at 8 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater, community members are invited to a special screening of “A Cry for the Homelands,” a film by David Wallace that explores the Grand Canyon’s Indigenous Nations’ fight for social and environmental justice.

Featuring voices such as Carletta Tilousi and Ed Kabotie, the film sheds light on the impact of uranium mining on sacred lands. Representatives from the Havasupai Tribe will be present to share firsthand perspectives. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the lived experiences of those protecting their homelands.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Upcoming Virtual Outing: Brighty of the Grand Canyon—June 10

Join the Grand Canyon Historical Society for the next Virtual Outing webinar on Tuesday, June 10, at 6 p.m. (Arizona Time). This program, titled “Brighty of the Grand Canyon,” will be presented by Kevin Schindler and will dive into the story of one of the canyon’s most iconic and endearing figures.

Sponsored by the Grand Canyon Historical Society, this free webinar will be livestreamed on their Youtube Channel and also available on demand afterwards.

Cory Ahownewa Demonstration at Hopi House

Cory Ahownewa, traditional Hopi Katsina carver will be demonstrating outside of the Hopi House on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Sunday, June 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Radmilla Cody Performance & Presentation—June 20-21

Join us on June 20-21 for THREE special performances with Radmilla Cody (Diné)—GRAMMY nominee, international performer, and advocate. A former Miss Navajo Nation and co-founder of the Shimá Storytelling Literacy Program, Radmilla blends music and activism to challenge colonial structures and promote healing. Her “Strong Spirit: Life is Beautiful not Abusive” campaign raises awareness about teen dating violence. Don’t miss this inspiring event featuring one of NPR’s 50 Great Voices.

Performance Lineup:

• Thursday, June 20 at 8 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater
• Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m. at the Rim Trail in front of the Hopi House
• Friday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the Rim Trail in front of the Hopi House

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Mike Guarino—South Rim Fire Management Officer

I’ve worked in Wildland Fire for… a few decades. I started my fire career with the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon working on Hotshot Crews. Worked in NPS Fire for the last 17 years in the SER, NER and IMR and most recently was the FMO for the NW Colorado Parks based in Dinosaur, CO. I also completed the Fire Management & Ecology Certificate from NAU.

I really enjoy hiking, biking, and really any time spent outdoors; hockey and football (not the American kind) but most importantly spending time with my family; my wife, daughter and two sons, including my two grandsons.

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

I started at GRCA at the end of February of this year, and I am based out of the Wildland Fire Operations building at the Helibase off Shuttle Bus Road.

Can you share a memorable or rewarding experience you’ve had while working in fire?

There are two for me; the amazing and beautiful locations that you are able to travel to and experience. Either at your home unit or on fire assignments, we visit so many places that very few have had the pleasure to experience. One of my many favorites was spending 21 days “spiked out” in the Boundary Waters Wilderness in Minnesota. We were transported in by a float plane with canoes strapped to the landing gear, and we canoed to the fireline daily. One of my favorite locations is the Frank Church Wilderness in Idaho.

One of the most rewarding things about working in wildland fire is the camaraderie you build with the amazing people you work alongside, performing difficult, arduous and sometimes risky work.

What’s one piece of advice you would offer to anyone wanting to pursue your career field?

Some advice I have to offer to anyone wanting to pursue a career in wildland fire is to prepare physically and mentally for the job, make connections with people already working in wildland fire, and be resilient… it all pays off.

What’s the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

In my past I have worked on an ALS ambulance as an EMT; and as an Arborist, but my most interesting and first job ever was as a newspaper delivery person in upstate New York where I grew up.

KLC Rummage Sale this Friday and Saturday

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.

Grand Canyon Rec Center Announces June Calendar of Events

See all the fun events and activities planned for the month of June at the Grand Canyon Rec Center! From movie marathons to free popsicles, to trivia and bonfire nights, there is something for the whole family (including group fitness and clubs!).

For a full schedule of events, see the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Rec Center Blood Drive on June 10

The Grand Canyon Rec Center will host a blood drive through Vitalant on Tuesday, June 10 from 9 a.m.-1 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.

Grand Canyon Conservancy Sponsors Showing of Disney Pixar’s ‘Elio’—June 12

Grand Canyon Conservancy invites members of the Grand Canyon Community to a pre-screening of the new Disney Pixar film, ‘Elio.’

The showing will be held on Thursday, June 12 at 7 p.m. at the Harkins Flagstaff 16 theater located at 4751 E. Marketplace Dr, Flagstaff. RSVPs are required by filling out this form and spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The RSVP form will close out once capacity is reached.

NPS Education Launches Neighborhood Family Nature Series—June 20-August 8

Looking for fun and meaningful outdoor activities this summer? Join other Grand Canyon families with kids 11 & under for a free weekly nature program sponsored by the Grand Canyon NPS Education Program!

Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | June 20 – August 8, 2025

To sign up for this free program or learn more, email: Johanna_Mcalister@nps.gov

(Note: this is not a drop off program)

More information can be found in the attached flyer 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, 12-10 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, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
• Mather Campground Store, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Trailer Village Kiosk, 10 a.m. to 8 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: Verkamp’s, 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.-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.

• Kolb Studio webcam timelapse on June 2, 2025 (GCC Webcam, compiled by NPS/C. Kraus)
• Power outage and water faucet (Adobe Stock)
• Dave Worthington cutting his retirement cake last week (NPS Photo)
• GCHS board member John Hasha and current board president Tom Sulpizio placing the flowers at the United Crash Monument in Pioneer Cemetery on July 13, 2024 (Photo courtesy of T. Sulpizio)
• Bobby Silas, Hopi Potter (Photo courtesy of Bobby Silas)
• Brighty statue at the Grand Canyon Lodge (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• Mike Guarino, South Rim Fire Management Officer (Photo courtesy of M. Guarino)
• Canyon through the clouds this week (Photo courtesy of Kim Besom)