Stage 2 Water Restrictions Enacted as South Rim Water Tanks Refill

Grand Canyon National Park has transitioned into Stage 2 water conservation measures as water reserves continue to recover following the recent Transcanyon Waterline break. Water utility crews continue pumping water to the South Rim, and water storage tanks are refilling. The continued recovery of the system is encouraging, allowing park managers to reduce restrictions.

Camper Services at Mather Campground will reopen on Friday, August 21. Water spigots at Mather and Desert View campgrounds have been turned back on as of this afternoon (Aug. 20), and fires are now allowed at both campgrounds.

Visitors, residents, and park staff are asked to continue practicing water conservation measures to help protect the park’s available water supply while the water system stabilizes.

Meet Camron Francis, River Operations Assistant

Caroline Grass, Science Communications Assistant

Camron Francis is supporting Colorado River operations at Grand Canyon this season as a River Operations Assistant. Placed through an Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps (ALCC) and AmeriCorps Individual Placement, Francis joined the team in May and is assisting with all things River Ops through October 2026.

Previously, Francis worked three seasons with ALCC based out of Gallup, New Mexico. He started as a crew member, became a crew lead, and in his third season led the crew leader development program.

“I really enjoyed working with multiple people in a crew and working with new people each season,” Francis said. “I think one of my favorite things about being a crew leader was seeing all the growth in all of the members I taught. Having them come in and not know what they’re doing and then at the end of the program they leave with new skills and tools in their belt.”

As a River Operations Assistant, Francis has spent time on the river, helped with driving gear, boats and crews to Lees Ferry, and is working on inventory and organization of the gear stored in the river operations warehouse, from tents and cots to waterproof gear and dry bags.

Francis said the river mission he went on earlier in the summer was a great experience as he learned from his boss and about plants and animals and the history of the canyon. Additionally, Francis said he’s enjoyed interacting with different departments around the park in his job.

“In the past, I’ve been working with groups of people; here I’ve really learned independence,” Francis said.

Originally from Crownpoint, New Mexico, Francis’ work with ALCC brought him away from his hometown for the first time. Francis said he’s not yet sure what he will do after this placement ends in the fall but knows that he really likes working in conservation.

“Looking forward, I think I would like to continue my career with the NPS. If not, [I might] get into Fish and Wildlife, get into wildland firefighting. There’s so many things I want to do, it’s really hard to pinpoint just one thing,” Francis said.

Special Performances by the Yavapai-Apache Nation

Next week two special performance featuring the powerful songs and dances of the Yavapai-Apache Nation will be held near the Desert View Watchtower. Led by Reba Franco, the performance celebrates Indigenous identity, cultural connection, and the importance of preserving language and cultural knowledge.

Dates: August 24 and 25 (Monday and Tuesday)

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Near Desert View Watchtower

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Music Festival 43rd Season Starts this Weekend

The Grand Canyon Music Festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.

All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday, August 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $20.

Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

The Grand Canyon Music Festival will kick off this weekend when the Manhattan Chamber Players take the stage on August 21 and 22. The group is a music collective of New York-based musicians who share the common aim of performing great classical works at the highest level. Performing this weekend:: Grace Park, Brendan Speltz, violin; Luke Fleming, viola; Abigail Monroe, cello; Kwan Yi, piano; with Connie Kupka, violin and David Speltz, cello.

Concert Repertoire – Friday, August 21 (7:30 p.m.) Robert Schumann – Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano in A Minor, Opus 105, Joaquín Turina – Scène Andalouse, Opus 7, Johannes Brahms – String Sextet No. 2 in G Major, Opus 36.

Concert Repertoire -Saturday, August 22 (7:30 p.m.) Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, K. 478, Maurice Ravel – Tzigane, Johannes Brahms Piano Quintet in F Minor, Opus 34.

Educator in Residence Continues Programming through August 24

Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Environmental Educator, Sidney Rainey, will continue presenting programs on the South Rim through August 24, with programs offered at locations including the Kolb Gallery, Yavapai Amphitheater and Mather Amphitheater. Program topics and times vary. Programs held outdoors may move to the Kolb Gallery in the event of inclement weather.

More information and program schedules can be found in the attached flyer here.

Janna Radarian, a teacher at Grand Canyon Unified School District #4 in Grand Canyon, has been named the 2026 Arizona History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

The annual recognition program, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute, celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories. It recognizes educators for their dedication, creativity, and effective use of primary sources.

“Mrs. Radarian is a model of excellence both in and out of the classroom,” says Grand Canyon School Principal Lori Rommel. “She is intentional with planning, instruction and supporting others. Her students and colleagues look up to her with utmost respect. The impact she has on students is life-long, and it’s been incredible watching her students grow from year to year. I am so grateful for all she brings to our school, and for taking our children to Washington, DC each year.”

Janna Radarian teaches at Grand Canyon School – the only K-12 public school in a National Park. She is in her eighteenth year of teaching middle school social studies to students in grades sixth, seventh, and eighth. She leads an annual capstone field trip to Washington, D.C. for all of her eighth grade students. She loves teaching government related topics because she believes that all students, no matter what they do in the future, need to know how they can be the change they wish to see in their communities. Janna spends her free time outside with her husband and son, either hiking or biking.

As the 2026 Arizona History Teacher of the Year, Radarian will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and educational materials from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition at a local ceremony. They will also join 52 other honorees as a finalist for the 2026 National History Teacher of the Year Award.

*New changes to operations are indicated in red.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-11 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, current hours are from 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)
• Fred Harvey 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

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10:30 a.m., dinner 5-9 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 6 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: 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily., Camper Services Grab n Go: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Clinic: 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Pharmacy hours: Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures Cafe and bike rentals: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Kolb Studio, Verkamps, and Yavapai Geology Museum: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., CLOSED Saturday and Sunday
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Summer Shuttle Bus Schedule (May 23 – Sep. 11, 2026)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 5 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Tusayan (Purple) Route: Every 45 minutes from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 4, 5, and 6 a.m.
• Fall Shuttle Bus Schedule (Sep. 12-Nov. 30, 2026)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6, 7, and 8 a.m.

Desert View

• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. with last stair access at 6 p.m.
• Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Desert View Gas Station & Service Station Retail, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with 24-hour pay-at-the-pump access

North Rim

• General Store (adjacent to the campground), open through Oct. 15 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Gas Station – 24- hour self-serve pay-at-the-pump; gas and diesel available. Open through Oct. 15.
• The North Rim Campground open through Oct. 15, 2026. Reservations are available for booking at rec.gov.
• The North Kaibab Trail from Redwall Bridge to Cottonwood Campground will close on Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m. to support Transcanyon Waterline construction. Traditional “Rim-to-Rim” hiking will not be possible after this date.

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

• Search and rescue training near Yaki Point this week (NPS Photo)
• Camron Francis, River Operations Assistant (Photo courtesy of C. Francis)
• Firefighter annual refresher training last week (NPS Photo)
• The Manhattan Chamber Players will kick off the 43rd season of the Grand Canyon Music Festival this weekend (photo courtesy of Grand Canyon Music Festival)

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