|
Messages and Grand Canyon News
Week of February 16, 2026
|
|
Winter Weather Update for Residents and Employees
Hello, winter! Yesterday’s winter storm brought 3-4 inches of fresh snow to the South Rim. As of this afternoon,Desert View Drive remains closed due to icy road conditions and is likely to remain closed for the remainder of the day on Feb. 19 due to incoming predicted snowfall. As of this morning, admin travel for Desert View Drive has been lifted—however, roads remain icy and snow-packed. For the latest road status updates, call the park roads line at 928-638-7496.
Winds today are expected to reach 25-30 mph, creating the potential for blowing and drifting snow. An additional 3-4 inches of snow is forecast overnight. Please use caution when traveling, allow extra time to reach your destination, and slow down—roads throughout the village remain icy and hazardous.
To stay informed about urgent weather, safety alerts, and road closures, residents are strongly encouraged to sign up for Everbridge notifications here. Everbridge messages provide timely updates to help you plan ahead and stay safe during changing conditions. |
|
Dragon Bravo Fire BAER Executive Summary now available
Following the Dragon Bravo Fire, a Department of the Interior Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team conducted rapid field assessments in August 2025 to evaluate post-fire risks to life, property, and natural and cultural resources and to recommend emergency stabilization measures.
The fire burned in a predominantly low- to moderate-severity mosaic pattern across park lands, reflecting both the fire-adapted nature of the landscape and the effectiveness of long-term fuels management. Most soils and root systems remain intact, and early vegetation recovery was observed across many areas. High-severity impacts were limited and localized, though these areas may face elevated erosion risk and potential invasive plant establishment.
BAER findings identified three primary areas of impact: natural and cultural resources, infrastructure and the built environment, and recreation resources. Natural systems largely demonstrated resilience, with most vegetation, wildlife habitat, and watershed functions expected to recover naturally over time. Some localized increases in runoff and debris movement are anticipated, but modeling indicates limited risk to major infrastructure or downstream values under typical storm conditions. The most significant impacts occurred within the built environment. Approximately 106 structures were lost, including cabins within the Grand Canyon Lodge Historic District, while other cultural resources were largely preserved. Recreation infrastructure experienced varying levels of damage, with approximately 73 miles of trail affected and several visitor-use assets requiring repair and stabilization.
The BAER team recommended a suite of emergency stabilization and rehabilitation treatments focused on public safety, water system protection, invasive plant management, hazard mitigation, and infrastructure stabilization. These actions represent the first step in recovery, bridging immediate post-fire risks with long-term restoration planning. Overall, the fire reinforced natural ecological processes while highlighting the need for targeted stabilization to protect people, resources, and infrastructure during recovery.
Read the full executive summary from the DOI BAER Team here. |
|
|
River Operations Assistant Opportunity Announced
Grand Canyon National Park River Operations Program is recruiting for a River Operations Assistant Individual Placement to support boat operations, river management, and public engagement initiatives during the 2026 river season.
This 26-week, full-time AmeriCorps service position runs May 4 through October 30, 2026, and offers hands-on experience supporting critical river operations. The selected individual will assist with river operations warehouse activities, including vehicle transport, boat logistics coordination, menu planning, food procurement and packing, and general operational support for river trips. Individuals from associated tribes, pueblos, and communities are especially encouraged to apply.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in river operations, logistics, and public lands stewardship while gaining valuable field and program experience in one of the park’s most dynamic operational environments.
To learn more or apply, see the attached flyer here or through this website. |
|
Updated Restroom Closure Notice — Bright Angel Trail
Due to weather impacts that prevented supply delivery, the 1½-Mile Restroom and 3-Mile Restroom closure has been rescheduled. It will now be closed Friday, February 27 through Sunday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, for compost evacuation.
Signage will be posted at the trailhead and at affected restroom locations to notify visitors during closures. Please plan accordingly and help share this information as needed. |
|
Free Live Music Event — Echoes of the Canyon
Community members are invited to a special free performance hosted by the Grand Canyon Conservancy on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Visitor Center Theater.
Echoes of the Canyon is a live, improvised musical experience blending Native flute and evolving soundscapes to reflect the canyon’s story through music. The performance features Elijah Jamal Asani, a composer and multidisciplinary artist whose work explores sound, memory, and landscape, and Aaron White, a Grammy-nominated Native American flutist and guitarist known for blending Indigenous music with contemporary acoustic styles.
This one-night-only collaboration offers a unique opportunity to experience music inspired by the canyon’s landscapes, history, and enduring presence. A flyer for the event can be found here. |
|
Cultural Demonstration 2026 Season Begins
Grand Canyon National Park, in partnership with Grand Canyon Conservancy, is excited to announce the start of the 12th season of the Cultural Demonstration Program, beginning next week. Inaugurated in 2014 by the Grand Canyon Intertribal Working Group, the program began with just four demonstrators and has since expanded to include over 200 participants.
Tuesday and Wednesday — February 25 and 26, 2026
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Desert View Watchtower
Lynn and Jayne Quam – Zuni Fetish Carvers – Lynn and Jayne have been creating traditional Zuni fetishes for over 30 years and have won multiple awards for their work. Lynn says. “I carve all kinds of animals. My favorite are buffalos and bears.” Stop by the Watchtower to watch them in action. |
|
|
Grand Canyon Community Corner
|
|
|
Bake Sale Fundraiser for GCY Whitewater Rafting Trip — February 21
High school students in the Canyon Outdoor Leadership Team club will be participating in their annual Grand Canyon Youth river trip in April.
To help support their fundraising efforts for the trip, come out and support their Bake Sale at the General Store on Saturday, February 21 from 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
Employment Opportunities at Grand Canyon School
The Grand Canyon Unified School District #4 is currently hiring for several positions serving the Grand Canyon community. Open opportunities include K–12 Art Teacher, K–12 Guidance Counselor, Accounts Specialist, Student Teachers, Substitute Teachers (including a Fall 2026 maternity leave position), and a Special Education Instructional Aide. These roles support the only K–12 public school located within a national park and offer a unique opportunity to serve local families and students in a close-knit community setting.
Residents interested in learning more or applying can visit www.grandcanyonschool.org. Additional details are available on this flyer. |
|
|
Current Operational Hours
|
|
| ❄️ Sign up for Everbridge emergency and road alerts using this form.
*New changes to operations are indicated in red.
South Rim
Xanterra
- Maswik Food Court, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
- Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-8 p.m.
- Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. (food until 7:30 p.m.)
- Arizona Steakhouse – Lunch: Closed until further notice, Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
- El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m., Lounge 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 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
Delaware North
- Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10 a.m., dinner 5-8 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
- The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Camper Services: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Other
- Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Canyon Adventures Cafe: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., bike tours suspended until spring 2026
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Kolb Studio, Visitor Center Plaza, Verkamp’s, and Yavapai Geology Museum: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
- Beginning March 1: Visitor Center Plaza, Kolb Studio, Verkamps, and Yavapai, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, Desert View, Tower 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily with last stair access at 5 p.m.
- The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Yoga—view the class schedule and learn more here.
- Winter Shuttle Bus Schedule (Dec. 1, 2025-Feb. 28, 2026)
- Hermits Rest (Red) Route: Suspended (open to private vehicles)
- Village (Blue) Route: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 8 a.m.-7:20 p.m.
- Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 8 and 9 a.m.
- Inner Canyon:
- CLOSED: River Trail east of River Resthouse to South Kaibab Trail junction through June 30, 2026
- CLOSED: Silver Bridge through June 30, 2026
- CLOSED: Plateau Point Trail through June 30, 2026
- CLOSED: North Kaibab Trail north of Clear Creek Trail Junction
- North Kaibab Trail will reopen from the Clear Creek Trail Junction to Ribbon Falls on Wed., March 4
Desert View
- Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with stairs closing at 4 p.m.
- Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- The Desert View Deli and Market, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- Desert View Gas Station (24 hours via pay at pump), retail closed for the 2025 season
North Rim
- Reopening anticipated for May 15, 2026
Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities. |
|
Photo Credits (in order of appearance
- West of Yavapai Geology Museum on Thurs., Feb. 19, 2026 (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
- Despite winter weather, the Grand Canyon Railway Train arrived at the depot on Wed., Feb. 18. (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
- The DOI BAER Team during initial field site evaluations, Aug. 2025 (DOI BAER Team Photo)
- Turtle carved from picasso marble with various stone inlays by Jayne Quam. (NPS Photo)
- 2024 GCY River Trip (Photo courtesy of Forrest Radarian)
|
|
| 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. |
|
|
|
|
