Grand Canyon community members who are veterans gather for a group photo at Mather Amphitheater in recognition of Veterans Day. Grand Canyon National Park thanks them and all veterans for their service and sacrifice. Wednesday, Nov. 11, is also a fee-free day for U.S. citizens visiting all national park sites. (NPS/M. Quinn)
Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
FLAGSTAFF — Portions of the Red Rock Ranger District – including several recreation sites and trails – are inaccessible due to severe flooding and are closed for public safety.
A current list of temporarily closed recreation sites and closed forest roads is available on the Coconino National Forest website.
Forest employees are conducting field assessments to evaluate the extent of the flood damage, and more information will be made available as assessments are completed.
There is no estimate as to when area roads, trails and sites will re-open. Further closures may be warranted, and existing closures will only be lifted when it is safe to do so.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
The guest speaker for this month will be Arel Meister-Aldama of Sorena Health.
Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park has rescinded Stage 2 fire restrictions on the South Rim. The restrictions were originally implemented due to limited water resources available for fire suppression. With water hauling operations continuing to supplement the South Rim’s water supply, the park is able to lift the additional restrictions.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Mayor Becky Daggett has signed a Declaration of Emergency in response to the impacts of the November 2026 flooding event in Flagstaff. The declaration enables the City to request assistance from the State of Arizona to support ongoing response and recovery efforts.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be closed Monday, Nov. 2 to allow emergency responders and employees to respond to the impacts of today’s flooding events. This includes City recreation centers, libraries, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center. The City of Flagstaff will reopen administrative offices and non-essential facilities on Tuesday, Nov. 3 and voting locations will operate as normal.
Road closures remain in effect around the community due to ongoing flooding. Emergency response crews are operating at capacity. To help keep resources available for emergencies and for your safety, please avoid travel.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Emergency Management Department on Nov. 1 ordered the activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) due to widespread flooding.
The EOC provides support and coordination to multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional emergencies impacting County residents, businesses, property and infrastructure.
A call center has also been activated for information about evacuations, sandbags and road closures at 928-679-8525.
The entire region is under a Flood Watch from the National Weather Service through 8:30 p.m. tonight. Roadways will be impacted so residents are encouraged to stay home. Current conditions include the closure of I-17, 89A and Sedona evacuation zones 8, 9 and 10 are in GO status.
The park remains on track to begin distributing treated water from the new South Rim Water Treatment Plant on Nov. 16, pending completion of required testing and startup activities. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has been on site this week to review water safety requirements, and there are no significant water quality concerns to report at this time. Routine water quality monitoring and monthly lead and copper testing in 30 housing units are also continuing.
For many people in Northern Arizona, wildfire season is something we watch closely from home. We check evacuation maps, follow road closures and wait for updates when smoke settles over the horizon.
For first responders, those same events can mean long days, dangerous conditions and repeated exposure to situations most people hope never to face – and it’s not just firefighters who are affected. They may be working directly on the fire line, but law enforcement officers, EMS personnel and other responders help with evacuations, road closures, medical calls and keep communities safe as conditions change.
Building Arizona’s rural healthcare workforce
More than $6.35 million in funding will help NAU students pursue careers in healthcare while addressing a critical shortage of health workers in rural, tribal and medically vulnerable areas of Arizona. The two awards to the College of Health and Human Services will provide more than $1.27 million in scholarships each year for the next five years.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Winter parking restrictions in the City of Flagstaff will begin on Nov. 1 and will remain in effect until April 1. During this time, parking on city streets and alleyways is prohibited from midnight to 7 a.m.
Winter parking restrictions allow the City to thoroughly plow the streets during snow events and remains in effect even if it is not snowing to aid in street sweeping. This ordinance is enforced by the Flagstaff Police Department. Cars that are parked in violation of the ordinance when it is not snowing will receive a ticket and those parked in violation during inclement weather will receive a ticket and could be towed.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Hikers can once again explore several inner-canyon trails. These trails have reopened following repairs after trail damage caused by recent flooding.
The South Kaibab Trail below The Tipoff and the entire River Trail, connecting the South Kaibab to the Bright Angel Trail, has reopened to hikers. The Bright Angel Trail between Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens has reopened to hikers only. This section will remain closed to stock use as crews continue to repair additional trail damage.
and their contractor, Kinney Construction Services, are proud to announce the completion of pedestrian crossing improvements in multiple locations along Soliere Avenue as part of the First Mile Last Mile Initiative. This initiative is a partnership between Mountain Line and the City to create safer pedestrian crossings at transit stops throughout the City, funded with a $5.5M Federal Transit Administration grant and approximately $1.4M in local match provided by the City’s local transportation tax.
SEDONA — West Fork and its trail will continue to be closed for the foreseeable future due to hazardous conditions resulting from flood waters. Trail work, possible rerouting, debris removal, and a consultation process with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) will need to be completed before the trail is reopen.
The canyon of West Fork has continued to receive a large amount of rain, which has moved large boulders and swept forest debris across much of the trail, making it hazardous and incredibly difficult to traverse.
The Health Start Program is an evidence-informed home visiting program that provides home-based education, support, and advocacy services to pregnant/postpartum people and their families in the northern region of Coconino County.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino National Forest, along with partner Ecoculture, will be hosting a community volunteer planting event, where tree planting will begin across various fire scars on the Flagstaff Ranger District.
Volunteers can sign up to help plant trees on October 25 by contacting Wade Gibson at wade.gibson@ecoculture.us. These plantings will take place in fire scars that include the 2010 Schultz Fire, 2000 Pipe Fire, 1996 Horseshoe and Hochderffer fires, and 1951 White Horse Fire.
Bright Angel Trail Closure Extended
Due to recent rockfall and ongoing trail work, Bright Angel Trail remains temporarily closed to foot traffic between the Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens. The closure will remain in place until further notice as crews continue clearing debris and stabilizing the area.
Stock traffic is expected to be delayed longer as trail work continues. Hikers should check the park’s Key Hiking Messages page for current trail status.
The survey will be used for asset mapping to identify the types of services and supports offered, the populations served, and overall agency capacity throughout Coconino County.
South Rim Water Treatment Plant Begins Testing with Bright Angel Creek Water
Big progress is happening on the South Rim. On October 15, we began bringing water from the Bright Angel Creek intake into the South Rim Water Treatment Plant for the first time. This is a major step toward a more reliable water supply for our community.
By Virginia Watahomigie • Executive Director,
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — I have been trying to find a way to explain and honor this work since I celebrated my 10-year anniversary with CCC&Y in September. But I write, erase, re-write and let it sit….let me explain how all of this amazing work is also tied to my own lived experience. This is a story of both celebration and sorrow. It is a story about my why.
First, I want to celebrate all the amazing successes and work we have done together, from conferences, symposiums, early childhood fairs, workshops, prevention strategies, lot’s of writing and reports and so much more. I am honored to have been invited to speak and listen in so many amazing spaces
I’m excited to share that United Way of Northern Arizona’s 2026-2027 Annual Campaign is officially underway.
This year, we’re working to raise $1.2 million to fund programs that increase youth opportunity, promote healthy communities, foster financial security, and strengthen community resiliency across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Our theme this year is Give Where You Live. United at Its Peak. It celebrates the power of local giving and what we can accomplish in northern Arizona when we come together.
Daily stress doesn’t always look like a mental health crisis. It can look like lying awake thinking about bills, losing patience with the people you love after a long day or feeling tired no matter how much you sleep.
Maybe you’re juggling work and family responsibilities. Maybe groceries and gas cost more than you expected again this week. Maybe someone you care about is struggling, and you have quietly taken on the responsibility of helping them, too.
Over time, those pressures add up.
On Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day reminds us to check in with ourselves and the people around us when life starts to feel a little too heavy. But how can you tell when it may be time for more support?
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council formally adopted the 2024 Suite of Building and Fire Codes during the Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6. This adoption updates the City’s construction regulations to align with the latest industry standards and includes local amendments that address Flagstaff’s unique conditions and priorities. These codes primarily apply to new buildings and are designed to benefit residents, builders, and the broader community.
A Message to Our Grand Canyon Community: Every Drop Counts
This community has met every challenge the canyon has thrown at it with grit and generosity. These past weeks have tested us, and you have answered with patience, cooperation, and care for one another. Thank you.
As the park scales back the temporary resident water services starting Friday, Oct. 9, we want to acknowledge what you’ve already accomplished. You have adapted your routines, supported your neighbors and worked together to conserve water during Stage 4 restrictions.
The Coconino National Forest is planning to conduct pile burns next week as conditions allow. Pile burns are a type of prescribed fire. Certified prescribed fire specialists will use these upcoming pile burns to help reduce unwanted fuels – notably by cleaning up debris left over from area timber sales. More information about the importance of prescribed fire is available on the Coconino National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/fire/management
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — The National Park Service invites the public to help shape the long-term recovery and future of the North Rim at Grand Canyon National Park by participating in a 30-day public involvement period beginning Oct. 6, 2026.
Following the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire and significant recovery work over the past year, recent flash floods have underscored the importance of resilient infrastructure, reliable utilities, public safety, emergency preparedness, and thoughtful long-term planning in this remote and dynamic environment.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families to food and shelter resources, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
To spread the word about these valuable information resources, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and links to a variety of additional resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s own recently updated Fall/Winter 2026 Page/Fredonia and Tuba City/Navajo Nation resource guides.
READ MORE
FLAGSTAFF — From astronomy to rocket science and everything in between, young people had a wide variety of hand-on activities to enjoy and learn from at the 2026 Snook Science in the Park presented on Sept. 26, 2026 by the Flagstaff Festival of Science.
More than 60 exhibitor booths crowded Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff as children had a wide variety of activities to choose from. Unofficially, more than 3,500 people attended the event, according to event organizers.
Some of the exhibitors ranged from The Arboretum, CCC&Y, Coconino Community College, the Coconino Astronomical Society, Coconino High School’s CocoNuts Robotics, Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, Flagstaff Fire Dept., Lowell Observatory, Meteor Crater Education Alliance, Momentum Aerial, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Riordan Mansion, Slide Rock State Park, Tynkertopia, to the U.S. Geological Survey.
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COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is offering vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia at our Walk-in Vaccination Clinics. These clinics are held at the CCHHS Health and Wellness Clinic, located at 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sept. 22 through Nov. 4. Appointments are not needed to receive your vaccination at these clinics.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park will begin modified fall operations at the North Rim on Oct. 15.
As part of this transition Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road will be temporarily closed from sunset Oct. 15 through sunrise Nov. 3, 2026, to accommodate critical road repair and rehabilitation work in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration. The closure is necessary to maintain a safe work environment for crews while they complete these critical repairs.
A trail to healthier communities
A trail that will connect Arizona from the border town of Douglas to Bullhead City will open the door to outdoor recreation, better health, stronger communities and potentially higher property values. With the help of NAU faculty and both undergraduate and graduate students, the Sun Corridor Trail is closer to becoming a reality.
Community Potable Water Tank Update
The Bright Angel Flash Flood Incident Management Team has updated the size and, in some cases, location, of potable water storage tanks throughout Grand Canyon Village in order to serve residents who have relied on the tanks during the current water emergency.
The potable water tank placement plan was developed with input from park leadership and based off usage reports. There are a total of 16 tanks at various locations, for a total of approximately 15,000 gallons. Although the total amount of water has been reduced, it still exceeds the average daily use of approximately 6,000 gallons per day.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Fire managers will be igniting piles in the Walker Hill and Kendrick Park area today, which will produce noticeable smoke to those in and around Flagstaff.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Anthony Garcia has notified the City of his resignation from the Flagstaff City Council, effective immediately. Mr. Garcia is stepping down to focus on his health and well-being.
The City thanks Mr. Garcia for his service to the Flagstaff community and for the time and commitment he dedicated to serving on the City Council.
Mr. Garcia shared “It has been a true honor to serve the Flagstaff community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to a city I care deeply about and to the residents who took the time to share their hopes, concerns, and ideas for Flagstaff. At this point in my life, I need to step back and make my well-being a priority.
WILLIAMS — With early forecasts signaling a potentially severe winter across northern Arizona, the Kaibab National Forest is encouraging visitors to obtain their personal‑use fuelwood permits and gather their wood as soon as possible.
Snow and winter storms can arrive quickly, and once conditions deteriorate, many wood‑gathering areas become difficult or impossible to access. Planning ahead now helps ensure both safe access and plenty of time to gather wood before winter weather sets in.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
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COCONINO COUNTY — In April, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) launched the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey to help identify the health priorities, community needs, strengths and risk factors within Coconino County. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to share their input, we’ve extended the deadline to take the survey to Saturday, Oct. 31.
Igniting a love of STEM in Tuba City
They say success is nothing without someone to share it with. That’s certainly true in Tuba City, a small community on the Navajo Nation: Whenever any of its citizens score a big win, the town always shows up to celebrate. That’s why, armed with $50,000 from the National Science Foundation, researchers at NAU’s Center for STEM Teaching and Learning aren’t just partnering with Tuba City educators to improve STEM learning opportunities. They’re also working with town leaders to brainstorm ways to celebrate the kids’ success, from public robotics challenges to parades.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2026 General Election is Monday, October 5, 2026.
“Registering to vote and participating in elections is an important civic right that ensures your voice is heard. Now is the time to check that your registration is up to date and that you are ready for the upcoming General Election,” County Recorder Aubrey Sonderegger said.
To register to vote, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, reside within Coconino County and have no felony convictions, unless civil rights have been restored.
Efforts to restore the park’s water supply are advancing at the delta, where contractors used excavators to establish the footprint for the new water intake project. A wastewater treatment operator was also brought to Phantom Ranch to test the wastewater treatment plant as crews prepare to return the system to limited service.
On the South Rim, the water treatment plant contractor is preparing to begin startup and testing once the new delta intake is able to provide raw water to the plant. The contractor is coordinating closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality as testing and the process to return the plant to service move forward.
ew year, healthier you
Campus Health Services isn’t just for students—it’s also for faculty and staff! Now is a great time to establish care at CHS, whether you’re looking to schedule annual physicals and immunizations, renew your prescriptions, explore preventive health resources or even access urgent care.
South Rim Water Update — September 11, 2026
The August 29 flash flood caused extensive damage to water infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon, including portions of the Transcanyon Waterline and the Bright Angel Creek intake. The South Rim remains under Stage 4 water restrictions and is relying on stored water while crews conduct repairs and advance temporary water-supply solutions. We know this has required significant adjustments in homes, workplaces and park operations, and we are deeply grateful to every resident, employee, business, partner and visitor who has helped conserve water during this difficult time.
WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this month, beginning with Moonset Pit as soon as September 20, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through October as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
There are numerous project areas across the forest in which crews may be working, including some in the Red Lake and Spring Valley areas, southeast of the Town of Tusayan, and the Jacob Lake and Demotte areas. Visit InciWeb for details and maps of planned burn areas.
COCONINO COUNTY — Students from dozens of local schools countywide participated in the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair held Sept. 4-7, 2026 at the fairgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff.
Public elementary, middle and high school; charter school and home-school students submitted a variety of entries, which filled the entire Schools exhibit building.
“We loved seeing student artwork from schools across FUSD on display at the Coconino County Fair this weekend!,” FUSD stated on its Facebook page. “A big shoutout to our talented student artists and the teachers who encourage their creativity every day. We’re so proud to see our students’ amazing work out in the community!”
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the significant August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search operations remain active, while crews continue infrastructure assessments, stabilization work and efforts to restore a reliable water supply to the South Rim.
The park now has a path forward to restore water service and, based on current progress, expects that work to take weeks, not months.
Crews are moving forward with construction of a temporary water intake at Bright Angel Creek to replace the intake destroyed by the flood. Engineers are in the canyon designing the temporary intake, the existing Transcanyon Waterline contract has been modified to support the work, and construction activities are beginning this week.
Bright Angel Flash Flood Response and South Rim Water Conservation
Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery efforts following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search, accountability, infrastructure assessment, and recovery work are ongoing under a Type II Incident Management Team.
Flash Flood Response and Search Efforts
At this time, 82 people have been rescued, two people have been recovered deceased, and one person remains missing. Search efforts for the missing hiker continue with park staff and partner agencies.
The flood caused extensive damage to trails, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure in the inner canyon. Early assessments indicate that approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline and five to seven miles of the North Kaibab Trail have been severely damaged. Four bridges in the Box were severely damaged or washed away. Assessments are continuing, and these estimates may change as crews learn more about the extent of the damage.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the destructive August 29 flash flood that caused significant damage in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.
Park staff and partner agencies are conducting damage assessments and beginning repair and stabilization work in areas where trails, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. Maintaining safe access for response personnel and keeping visitors out of hazardous areas is critical as this work continues.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Guest speakers this month include Austin Laster of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff and Sandra Quintanilla of Coconino County Juvenile Court, who will speak about “Children of Incarcerated Parents Day at the Park,” Flagstaff.
Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
READ MORE
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – The National Park Service has recovered the bodies of two hikers who were caught in a destructive flash flood Aug. 29 in Bright Angel Canyon. The hikers have been identified as John Guisti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, both of Granbury, Texas.
One member of the hiking group remains missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams continuing efforts to locate the missing hiker and account for anyone else who may have been in the affected area at the time of the flood.
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.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim beginning at noon on August 31 in response to the significant flash flooding that occurred along Bright Angel Canyon on August 29.
The flooding caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the inner canyon, including the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. The waterline is currently not operational, leaving the park with limited water reserves and requiring significant water conservation measures to ensure available supplies can be maintained.
On Aug. 31, communities around the world recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those lost to overdose and drawing attention to the importance of prevention. This year marks 25 years since the day was first observed in 2001, a reminder of the ongoing work to reduce overdose deaths, break down stigma and connect people with support.
For many people, the impact of substance use goes beyond their health. It also affects those around them, including family, co-workers and their communities. And when we see someone struggling, it is not always easy to know what to say or where to turn.
That is why prevention often starts with something simple: paying attention, talking openly and making sure people know that help is available.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health is reminding community members that eating at an unlicensed food vendor location can pose a high risk of serious foodborne illness. Consuming food from an unlicensed food vendor…
COCONINO COUNTY — Back-to-School events in Coconino County — including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals — will soon conclude, but local organizations are already planning for a variety of youth events this upcoming Fall.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to ease water conservation measures as water supply levels improve.
Water spigots in Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been turned on. Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public on Friday, August 21.
Fire restrictions at Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been lifted; however, campfires are only permitted in established campfire rings. Visitors and residents are reminded to use caution and practice responsible fire use at all times.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission announce the opening of applications for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants Program. The annual funding opportunity, will accept applications from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, 2026. The competitive grant program provides funding up to $7,500 for sustainability projects that strengthen community partnerships and environmental stewardship within Flagstaff city limits. Eligible applicants include community groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with projects that address key sustainability priorities. Priority focus areas include energy, community health and climate resilience, food, transportation, and waste reduction.
