Crews excavate a new pump pit that will deliver water from Bright Angel Creek to the new Phantom Ranch Water Treatment Plant. Visible in the creek is the newly installed intake structure, currently protected with temporary plywood covers. All in-creek work was completed by March 1 to comply with seasonal restrictions protecting fish spawning. (NPS Photo/N. Powell)

New Podcast Episode Highlights North Kaibab Trail Recovery and the Work Ahead

A new podcast episode of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show was released this week featuring Trails Supervisor Adam Gibson, offering an in-depth look at the condition of the North Kaibab Trail following the Dragon Bravo Fire and outlining what recovery efforts may look like through 2026 and beyond.

In the conversation, Adam shares his firsthand observations from recent assessments of the burn-impacted upper trail. While lower sections remain in relatively good condition, the upper North Kaibab presents significant challenges. Post-fire debris flows, hydrophobic soils, and destabilized slopes have increased the potential for rockfall and flash flooding, particularly during heavy rain events. Adam emphasized that while the trail can and will be repaired, the work will be complex, labor-intensive, and measured in years—not months.

Throughout the interview, Adam highlighted two priorities: building a resilient trail for long-term use and ensuring that every crew member returns home safely at the end of each hitch. While uncertainty remains about specific reopening timelines for upper sections, the park is actively assessing conditions, coordinating across divisions, and dedicating substantial resources to restoration efforts.

We extend our sincere thanks to Adam Gibson and the entire trail crew for their leadership, craftsmanship, and commitment during this challenging recovery period. Their expertise, pride in their work, and focus on safety are instrumental in restoring one of the park’s most iconic corridor trails.

Interested in learning more about the North Kaibab’s current conditions and the work ahead? Listen to the full episode here.

On February 21–22, vegetation staff from Grand Canyon National Park worked alongside teams from River Operations, Interpretation, and Backcountry to plant 15 Goodding’s willow trees at Cardenas Camp along the Colorado River. The river mission also established experimental research plots to study invasive species in riparian areas.

The willow plantings are intended to help restore native vegetation that provides habitat for bird species in an area affected by changes to the river’s flow regime. This collaborative effort supports ongoing work to improve riparian habitat and better understand vegetation dynamics along the river corridor.

Employee Spotlight

Mark Descoteaux — Supervisor, Wastewater Treatment Plants (South Rim and Phantom Ranch)

Mark hails from Downeast Maine and grew up in Lubec, the easternmost town in the country. With more than 200 miles of coastline, Lubec embraces the cold, deep, pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where tides can reach up to 25 feet.

Mark’s next journey took him to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska—specifically Dutch Harbor, some 800 miles off the mainland in the Bering Sea. Because of this, Mark can claim to have operated both the easternmost treatment plant and the westernmost treatment plant in the country. In addition to Maine and Alaska, Mark has also worked in Micronesia, primarily in the Marshall Islands Atoll and on Wake Island, doing similar work.

Mark enjoys being at Grand Canyon and continuing his work helping replenish a vital life-supporting resource we all depend on: water. It is finite in supply and must be protected.

Mark holds a degree in Environmental Sciences, which supports the work he does and reinforces the importance of protecting water resources.

Mark has been at the canyon for about a month and has already begun exploring the incredible outdoors the park has to offer. “I have never lived in such a biologically and geographically unique area before—it’s fantastic,” he says. “I’ve lived in some very beautiful places before; however, this area writes a new chapter on beauty.”

Staff Spotlight & Special Program — March 5

We invite you to a special evening presentation featuring Jeremiah RisingBuffalo Maybee, Tribal Program Manager at Grand Canyon National Park. The program will be held Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

A member of the Northern Arapaho and Seneca Nations, RisingBuffalo leads government-to-government Tribal consultation for the park and works to elevate Indigenous perspectives across park initiatives. His presentation will share insights from his professional journey, highlight the importance of meaningful consultation, and explore how Indigenous knowledge and partnerships strengthen stewardship of Grand Canyon resources.

More information on this program can be found in the attached flyer here.

Cultural Demonstrators next week at the Desert View Watchtower

Jimmy Yawakia (Zuni Fetish Carver) and Duran Gasper (Zuni Inlay Silversmith)

Tuesday and Wednesday — March 10 – 11, 2026

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day at Desert View Watchtower

Jimmy and Duran will demonstrate their honed arts of Zuni fetish carving and intricate inlay silversmithing. Both artists use traditional stones found in the southwest, along with stones from across the world to enhance their award-winning work.

In addition to their handiwork demonstrations, they also answer questions and provide knowledge about the community of Zuni and their culture.

More information on the Cultural Demonstration Program can be found on thepark’s website.

Grand Canyon Historical Society Presents Next Virtual Outing — Pete Berry: Looking for Grandview

On Tuesday, March 10 at 6 p.m., join the Grand Canyon Historical Society for its next Virtual Outing featuring presenter Keaton Vanderploeg. Looking for Grandview explores the story of Pete Berry and the lasting impact he had on the history of Grand Canyon.

Like many early prospectors, Berry soon realized that mining was difficult and that tourism was the real “gold rush” driving interest and economic development at the canyon. In 1897, he opened the first true hotel on the rim, the Grandview Hotel.

The program will stream live on the Grand Canyon Historical Society’s YouTube page.

Canyon Closet March and April hours

The Canyon Closet, a FREE community clothing resource, has announced its March and April hours. The Closet continues to be open exclusively for students and their families on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:30 p.m. and every other Friday to the public from 9-11 a.m.

More details, including the schedule and location information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Rec Center February Calendar of Events

See all the fun events the Grand Canyon Community Rec Center has scheduled for the month of March! More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Community Library Events — March 9-14

The Grand Canyon Community Library has a full lineup of events for next week including storytime, adult lego, and crafts and coffee.

For a complete list of events and times, see the attached flyer here.

Interested in Becoming a Poll Worker?

Poll workers play a vital role in ensuring smooth, fair, and secure elections. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to support your community, consider serving as a poll worker—you can earn up to $295 per election day.

The Coconino County Elections Department is currently hiring poll workers for the July 21, 2026, Primary Election and the November 3, 2026, General Election. Positions are available at the Shrine of the Ages and Tusayan Town Hall voting locations.

Interested? Apply online here or see the attached flyer here.

*New changes to operations are indicated in red.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: 12-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
• Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: 6 a.m.-6 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.
• Beginning March 6: Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse – Lunch: Closed, Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• Beginning March 6: Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., 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.)
• Beginning March 6 – 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. (food until 9 p.m.), Outdoor patio 12 p.m. until dusk (weather permitting)
• Food truck located at Grand Canyon Visitor Center shuttle bus bay begins March 6: 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
• Canyon Food Cart (Rim Trail between Bright Angel and El Tovar Lodges: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (weather permitting)
• 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 and bike rentals: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with bike tours beginning Friday, March 6
• 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.-7 p.m. daily
• 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.
• Shuttle Bus Spring Schedules (March 1 – May 22, 2026)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 a.m.; Departures from GCVC at 6:20, 7:20, and 8:25 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 Ribbon Falls trail junction to the North Kaibab Trailhead.

Desert View

• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. with last stair access at 5 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)

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.

• Bright Angel Creek intake work (NPS Photo/N. Powell)
• Aerial image of the North Kaibab Trail post Dragon Bravo Fire (DOI BAER Team Photo)
• Gooddings Willow plantings at Cardenas between Feb. 21-22, 2026 (NPS Photos)
• Mark Descoteaux, GRCA Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor (Photo courtesy of M. Descoteaux)
• Work by Duran Gasper, Cultural Demonstrator and Zuni Inlay Silversmith (NPS Photo)
• Grandview Hotel (GRCA Museum Archives)

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