Elk Calving Season is Here!

It’s elk calving season, a time when adorable elk calves are born between late April and June. These little ones may only weigh around 35 pounds at birth, but they come with some very large bodyguards. Cow elk are devoted mothers and, understandably, don’t take kindly to anyone getting too close to their newborns. Even if you can’t see a calf nearby, mom might still be watching you.

Pregnant elk often seek out quiet, hidden spots to give birth—sometimes in places you’d least expect, like near your office, behind your porch, or along your favorite trail. So, whether you’re taking out the trash or heading out for a jog, keep your eyes open and give wildlife plenty of space.

Here’s how to stay safe (and on mom’s good side):

• Respect the “rule of thumb”: If you hold your thumb up and it doesn’t completely cover the elk, you’re too close.
• Never get between a cow and her calf.
• See a calf alone? Don’t panic or play hero. Mom is likely nearby and very much in charge.
• In case of a wildlife encounter that feels unsafe, call Park Dispatch at 928-638-7805.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this info with friends, coworkers, and any visitors who might not know that “cute” can sometimes mean “caution.”

For more details, check out the full flyer here.

This April 11-13, Luke5Adventures, a nonprofit organization specializing in adaptive hiking for individuals with disabilities, collaborated with staff from Grand Canyon National Park to enable a multi-day trek into the inner canyon.

Tim Doran, 31, from New Jersey, who lives with Cerebral Palsy and significant mobility challenges, was able to hike with his father and brother all the way to the “bottom and back.” The group spent two nights at Havasupai Gardens and crossed the Tonto Trail to South Kaibab to reach the Colorado River, supported by specialized equipment and dedicated volunteers from Luke5Adventures.

The organization uses adaptive hiking equipment and a team of volunteers to facilitate outdoor adventures for people with disabilities, aiming to open up natural spaces to individuals previously limited by physical challenges. This collaboration with Grand Canyon National Park exemplifies a shared commitment to making the park’s landscapes accessible to all visitors.

This was Luke5Adventures’ third trek into the inner canyon. A previous journey in 2024 was featured in the documentary To the Bottom and Back, which is available to watch on YouTube here.

THIS FRIDAY–A Walk in the Park: An Evening with Kevin Fedarko THIS FRIDAY

New York Times bestselling author Kevin Fedarko will be sharing stories from his newest book, A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon on Friday, April 25 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater.

Copies of the book will be for sale at GCC’s bookstore. This is your chance to get your very own signed copy! This event is free and open to the public.

More information can be found on GCC’s website here.

Hopi House Presents Kicks Off 2025 Season This Weekend

Hopi House Presents kicks off their cultural demonstration program this weekend with two talented Hopi artisans, Marvene and Nuvadi Dawahoya. They will be near the Special Events platform outside of the Hopi House on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and on Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Employee Spotlight!

Grand Canyon South Rim 2025 PSAR Team

Grace Hart

I’m thrilled to be returning for my second season at Grand Canyon. I grew up in Rockford, IL, and spent my childhood fishing all over the Midwest and southern Ontario which sparked my love for the outdoors. That passion led me to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where I majored in Biology and got involved with several local outdoor clubs and organizations. I also discovered a love for first responder work, joining my university’s ambulance crew in Minneapolis. I’ve been an EMT for about four years and absolutely love working as a first responder with the NPS. When I’m not on duty, you’ll probably find me backpacking, fishing, or birdwatching.

James Bartley

I was born and raised in Decatur, IL, but since then have lived and traveled all over the country doing various professions. I worked as an EMT at Abbott EMS in St. Louis for about three years, and have been with the NPS for the past two years at Rocky Mountain National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area working on trail crew and volunteering on search and rescue teams. In my free time I enjoy hiking, exploring new places, watching movies, and playing sports, particularly basketball.

Kacie Donaldson

I grew up in California and will be moving from Montana where I have lived for the past six years. This will be my first season at Grand Canyon and first time to Arizona. I love working outside and getting to meet so many people from different walks of life. In my free time I love to ski, climb, bake, and run.

Aria Mildice

I’ve spent most of my NPS career working in Carlsbad Caverns and Mount Rainier, with seasons at Gila Cliff Dwellings, Lincoln National Forest, and Mount Hood National Forest. I’ve worked in a variety of positions, starting off as an Interpretive Ranger, then a Wilderness Fellow, a Cave Technician for a few years, some trail work, and for the last few years as a Wilderness Ranger Lead. Outside of work I spend my time on caving expeditions in Mexico and throughout the U.S. I also love exploring new routes backpacking off-trail and traveling in the southwest.

Grand Canyon Fix-It Clinic at Rec Center—April 25

Delaware North and Xanterra will be hosting a Fix-It Clinic on Friday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Rec Center.

Bring your broken household items to the event where a team of “fixers” will try to repair it for you, free of charge, or give suggestions on how to fix it. Some ideas include: toys, jewelry, clothing, bikes, electrical items, furniture, small appliances, and vacuums. All community members are welcome and volunteer “fixers” are also needed.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Seasonal Kickoff Party at Rec Center​—April 25

On Saturday, April 26 from 5:30-9 p.m., come gather for a seasonal kickoff party at the Rec Center Ramada/Volleyball Court. Hot dogs, burgers, and veggie burgers will be provided but please bring a dish to share.

More information, including an RSVP, can be found in the attached flyer here.

Volunteer at the Local Food Pantry!

The Grand Canyon Food Pantry is looking for more helping hands.

Starting this week, you can sign up through their new volunteer website:

👉 GrandCanyon.hotfood.volunteerhub.com

(You’ll be directed to their partner’s site, Flagstaff Family Food Center. Just click Create Account in the upper right corner to get started.)

Training and support are provided during your shift. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to gcfoodpantryinc@gmail.com.

NPS Staff from the Special Projects Team work on roof replacement at the Verkamps Visitor Center bathroom on April 24 (NPS Photo).

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 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, 12-9 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, daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 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: Verkamps 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Yavapai Geology Museum-8 a.m.-7 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza-8 a.m.-7 p.m., Kolb Studio-8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The Verkamp’s Restroom and the adjacent parking area behind the Verkamp’s Visitor Center will be closed from April 14 to May 9, 2025, for roof replacement. During this time, parking will not be available at this location.
• 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 Spring Schedules (March 1 – May 23, 2025)
• 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.
• Inner Canyon:
• Bright Angel Trail from Havasupai Gardens to Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024, to May 14, 2025
• Silver Bridge, closed Oct 21, 2024, to May 14, 2025
• Bright Angel Campground, closed Nov 4, 2024, to May 14, 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 6 p.m. with the last tower access at 5 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours), retail: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

North Rim

• The Supai Tunnel Compost Toilet Facility, located 1.5 miles below the North Rim on the North Kaibab Trail, will be closed from April 6 to May 6 for maintenance and repairs.

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• View from the South Kaibab Trail on April 23 (Photo courtesy of L. Cisneros)
• A cow elk and her calf on the South Rim (NPS Photo)
• Luke5 Adventure volunteers and Tim reaching the river (Photo courtesy of Kevin Schwieger)
• Photos of PSAR seasonal staff (Provided courtesy of each respective employee)
• NPS Staff from the Special Projects Team work on roof replacement at the Verkamps Visitor Center bathroom on April 24 (NPS Photo) April 24 (NPS Photo).