Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 20-24, 2026

The final section of new pipeline for the Transcanyon Waterline Project was installed this week just above the River Trail. (NPS Photo)

Messages and Grand Canyon News

Week of April 20, 2026

APS Public Safety Power Outage Impacts Grand Canyon Area – April 22

On April 22, Arizona Public Service (APS) initiated a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). The outage began at approximately 9 a.m. and impacted select locations in the park, including parts of eastern Grand Canyon Village and Desert View.

This proactive outage was implemented due to rapidly changing and extreme fire weather conditions. APS temporarily shut off power in targeted areas to reduce the likelihood of electrical equipment sparking or contributing to a wildfire. Residents and employees should be aware that, as fire weather conditions across northern Arizona continue to trend drier and more volatile, similar public safety power shutoffs may occur more frequently. These outages are a preventive measure designed to protect communities, infrastructure, and natural resources during periods of elevated wildfire risk.

Park residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared by signing up for emergency notifications through Everbridge (NPS alerts) and Coconino County Emergency Management. APS customers should also ensure their contact information is up to date to receive outage notifications directly.

A flyer describing the firewise cleanup initiative and how the cleanup will occur between April 18-26 with hauling of debris beginning April 27.

2025 Firewise Cleanup Continues Through this Weekend

 

Now through Sunday, April 26, residents on the South Rim are encouraged to pile woody debris and pine needles along residential roads in areas accessible to vehicles. Park staff will begin moving and hauling debris the week of April 27.

You can make a difference!

  • Clear dead woody debris around your residence up to 30 ft.
  • Rake pine needles and leaves (minimize collection of dirt and rocks, please!).
  • Move firewood away from structures (more than 10 ft. recommended).
  • Do not collect industrial lumber; this material will be left.

 

Comments, questions, or concerns? Please reach out to Michael Guarino at Michael_Guarino@nps.gov. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Southern Colorado Plateau Network Supports Science Across the Region

The Southern Colorado Plateau Network (SCPN) is one of 32 National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring networks dedicated to collecting and analyzing long-term data to support park management. The network works across 19 park units (including Grand Canyon) throughout the Colorado Plateau, helping managers better understand natural resources, track change over time, and make informed decisions.

Recent highlights underscore SCPN’s broad impact—from monitoring emerging issues like white-nose syndrome in bats to advancing research on birds, vegetation, and climate trends. The network also supports collaboration across parks, such as assisting with a new fossil exhibit at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument in partnership with Petrified Forest National Park.

The most recent issue of the SCPN newsletter for Spring 2026 can be found here.

 

Upcoming Programs

Live Music Under the Canyon Sky: Upcoming Evening Performances

Grand Canyon residents are invited to enjoy two upcoming Evening Park Ranger Programs featuring live music under the canyon sky.

On Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m., the sibling duo Sihasin will perform at McKee Amphitheater (located near Park Headquarters). Known for their genre-defying sound, Sihasin—meaning “hope” in Navajo—blends traditional Navajo influences with folk, world, and post-punk elements for a powerful and inspiring performance.

The following evening, Friday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m., Tha ‘Yoties will take the stage at McKee Amphitheater. This reggae-rock band, led by Tewa/Hopi artist and educator Ed Kabotie, brings an energetic performance rooted in advocacy for the people and lands of the Grand Canyon region.

Both events are free and open to all. In the event of inclement weather, performances will be moved indoors to the Shrine of the Ages. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Community Corner

Free Film Screening—Out There: A National Parks Story

Join Grand Canyon Conservancy for a special public screening of Out There: A National Parks Story on May 17, 2026, from 2:30–3:45 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater. This event is free and open to all employees, residents, and visitors.

This feature-length documentary follows a young filmmaker and his childhood friend on a 10,000-mile journey through America’s national parks. What begins as a summer road trip evolves into a seven-year exploration of the people, stories, and connections that define these treasured places. Through powerful storytelling, stunning cinematography, and an original musical score, the film offers a moving look at how public lands inspire reflection, resilience, and a sense of belonging. More information on this event can be found on GCC’s website here.

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, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
  • Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
  • Bright Angel Fountain, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
  • Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
  • Arizona Steakhouse, Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 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.-9:30 p.m. (food until 9 p.m.), Outdoor patio from 12 p.m. until dusk (weather permitting)
  • Food truck located at Grand Canyon Visitor Center shuttle bus bay: 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: CLOSED due to water conservation measures

Other

  • Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Canyon Adventures Cafe and bike rentals: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • 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)
  • Desert View Campground: OPEN for 2026 season (dry camping only)

North Rim

  • Reopening of Hwy. 67 at the North Rim Entrance Station will be at 6 a.m. on May 15, 2026
  • Reopening of the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Ribbon Falls junction on May 15, 2026
  • Reopening of Cottonwood Campground on 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)

  • The final section of new pipeline for the Transcanyon Waterline Project was installed this week just above the River Trail. (NPS Photo)
  • Fishhook cactus in bloom. Inventory and monitoring of vegetation communities are pivotal components of the I&M Program. (NPS Photo)
  • From the North Kaibab Trail on April 21, 2026 (NPS Photo/E. Shalla)
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.

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up for the Weekly Wrap Up newsletter here.

Facebook  Twitter  Youtube