Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 25-29, 2025

Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Aug. 28

The Dragon Bravo Fire remains at 145,504 acres and 64% containment, with 654 personnel assigned. Crews continue to make progress removing hazard trees along Hwy. 67 and other roads, with an average of 15 truckloads hauled out each day. Suppression repair, mop-up, and patrols are ongoing, and no additional fire growth is expected.

With the fire stabilized, attention is turning to post-fire impacts. The DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is now on-site in the park, while the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team is working on the Kaibab National Forest.

On Thursday, August 28, Hwy. 67 partially reopened according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The highway is now open from the US 89A junction at Jacob Lake south to the Kaibab Lodge. Fire crews continue to work in the area and drivers should follow signage and instructions for the safety of crews and motorists.

Hwy. 67 remains closed south of the Kaibab Lodge and motorists will not be able to reach the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

For the latest fire information updates, please visit the CIMT Inciweb page here.

DOI Burned Area Emergency Response Team concludes post-fire assessment

The DOI BAER Team has completed a week of intensive, collaborative work at Grand Canyon, focused on post-fire assessment and recovery planning. Their accomplishments include comprehensive field evaluations across all critical resource areas—hydrology, vegetation, wildlife, forestry, recreation, and cultural resources—prioritizing sites with the greatest impact on park values and visitor safety. These findings are shaping site-specific recovery plans and treatment recommendations.

The team continues to work in partnership with Tribes, the U.S. Forest Service, and park staff to ensure decisions are science-driven and inclusive of multiple perspectives. Communication has been a priority, with updated maps, media briefings, and social media sharing the latest findings with the public.

Next steps include drafting treatment plans to address invasive species, watershed stabilization, forest health, and infrastructure repairs—actions that will help reduce erosion, protect drinking water, and enhance safety as the park looks ahead to reopening and recovery.

More updates and information on the DOI BAER Team’s work can be found on Inciweb here.

Park managers have reopened portions of the South Rim corridor trails that closed in July due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. Hikers can now use South Kaibab Trail from the trailhead to Tipoff, the Tonto Trail from Tipoff to Havasupai Gardens, and Bright Angel Trail from the trailhead to Pipe Creek Resthouse.

Several closures remain in place. The River Trail between Pipe Creek and the South Kaibab junction is closed through October 31 for waterline construction, and the Silver Bridge remains closed through November 26. Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground are tentatively scheduled to reopen November 1 with new safety measures in place. Plateau Point will also remain closed through May 15, 2026.

A new public closure map is available to help visitors navigate these changes.

Employees are reminded to stay aware of these updates and assist the public with the latest information.

Grand Canyon Music Festival Begins their 42^ndSeason this Weekend

The 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 29th) and running through Saturday, September 13, 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/

This Week’s Music Festival Concerts

• Friday, August 29 (5 p.m.) School of Rock Concert – Free— Grand Canyon School of Rock is a fast-paced, week-long education program providing local Grand Canyon students the opportunity to experience all aspects of band life. From intensive rehearsals and lessons focusing on rock and pop music theory, techniques and styles, to the culminating public performance Friday afternoon in Shrine of the Ages.

• Friday, August 29 (7:30 p.m.) The Bonfiglio Group— Start the season with an evening of blues, jazz, and more with harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio and guitarist Steve Benson, joined by the extraordinary pianist, composer, producer, conductor, music director, and arranger Mark Berman, and Grand Canyon local, John Vail on bass.

• Saturday, August 30 (7:30 p.m.) Nicholas Johnson and Friends— A talented group of young, adventurous musicians, presents an evening of groundbreaking contemporary music that explores the expansive range of the string quartet.

• Sunday, August 31 (5 p.m.) Native American Composer Apprentice Concert – Free— Experience original compositions by students from nearby Navajo and Hopi high schools, played by a professional string quartet. The project enables students to study music composition with established composers in focused three-week workshops, with the goal of empowering youth to express their voices through original works. Pathways into the world of classical and contemporary music are presented, while strengthening connections between Native traditions and new creative expression.

Fall Shuttle Bus schedule announced

The fall schedules begin on September 6 and run through November 30.

• Village (Blue) Route: first bus is at 7 am – last bus at 9 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: first bus is at 6 a.m. – last bus in Sept.: 7:50 p.m., Oct: 7:20 p.m., Nov: 6:35 p.m.
• The Hermit Road (Red) Route schedule is slated to remain the same. First bus is at 8 a.m. – last bus, one hour after sunset.
• Starting on Saturday, September 7, the Hiker Express bus will leave the village at 6, 7, and 8 am, each morning.
• The last day for the Tusayan (Purple) Route is this Friday, September 5. The route is scheduled to resume during summer 2026.

Beginning on September 6, the full schedule can be viewed on the park’s website here.

Join us in welcoming Astronomer in Residence Laura-May Abron

From August 24 to October 23, we’re honored to host Laura-May Abron, a French-US astronomer, science communicator and artist from Paris. Laura-May, who studied at the University of London and Paris Observatory, has hosted science shows, works at Griffith Observatory on asteroid research, and has had her science art featured by NASA, New Scientist, Spaceweather.com, and international galleries.

Laura-May’s Evening Programs in the Visitor Center Theater

• Friday, August 29: The Sun at Maximum (8 p.m.) Discover our closest variable star as it reaches its peak in activity in over a decade. Join us to learn about and safely observe sunspots, prominences, and if you’re lucky, solar flares. An outdoor constellation tour will follow the theater presentation.

• Saturday, August 30: Not Just Stars…Star Systems! (8 p.m.) “Born too late to explore earth, born too early to explore the galaxy.”? Not quite. Join us as we discover not just our planetary neighbors, but the exotic planets hiding in Grand Canyon’s dark skies. An outdoor constellation tour will follow the theater presentation.

More information on upcoming night sky events can be found on our park website here.

Canyon Village Market Roof Replacement Begins Sept. 2

A major improvement project at the Canyon Village Market is set to begin September 2, with work expected to take about 90 days. The project will include a full roof replacement for the store, replacement of the covered walkway, and restoration of any rotted beams.

The market and deli will remain open during their normal business hours throughout construction. To ensure safety and minimize disruption, barriers are being staged now, signage will be posted to help guide visitors, and portable restrooms will be available near the exterior restrooms.

Naturalization Ceremony at the South Rim — Sept. 12

On Friday, September 12, Grand Canyon National Park will partner with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to host a special naturalization ceremony at the Mather Amphitheater.

Twenty-nine new U.S. citizens representing 13 countries will take the oath of allegiance with the Grand Canyon as their backdrop. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and will include a traditional welcome, musical performances, and keynote remarks from guest speakers. The Mather Amphitheater is located east of Mather Point near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Ashton (Ash) Bedford – Vegetation Biologist and Hazard Tree Coordinator for Grand Canyon National Park

Written by: Leah Flake – Grand Canyon North Rim Scientists-in-Parks intern

Deep Roots in Grand Canyon

Ash Bedford’s story is one of deep roots—quite literally. Born in Fredonia, Arizona, and then moving to Grand Canyon Village when he was a teenager, Grand Canyon National Park has always held a special place in Ashton’s heart. This is thanks to his love for hiking, the great outdoors, and the blissful absence of biting bugs in this area.

Today, Ash and his wife are raising their four children in Grand Canyon Village, where the kids attend the same local school Ash did growing up. His personal connection to the area runs deep, and so does his professional one.

A Career Cultivated in the Canyon

After earning a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a master’s in GIS and Remote Sensing from Northern Arizona University, Ash dove straight into work at Grand Canyon National Park. He began as a nursery crew lead, served as the physical science technician at the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center for a brief stint, then returned to vegetation work at the park as the nursery manager.

Just over a year ago, Ash stepped into his current role as the park’s Vegetation Biologist and Hazard Tree Coordinator. His work involves restoring native landscapes, identifying and overseeing the removal of hazardous trees, and supervising seasonal staff in the vegetation department. His intimate knowledge of the park’s unique ecological needs is the result of years spent studying and stewarding its environment.

Legacy in the Landscape

Ash reflects on his history with Grand Canyon and reminisces on growing trees that were planted at Granite Camp in the park over a decade ago. Visiting the site today and seeing those trees thriving is a powerful reminder of his long-standing commitment to Grand Canyon—a place where his roots, both personal and professional, continue to grow.

Cultural Demonstrators at Desert View Watchtower

Demonstrations take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Desert View Watchtower.

➡️Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 28-30

• Cory Ahownewa – Hopi Kachina Carver specializing in authentic figures rooted in Hopi ceremonial life.
• Gloria Quanimptewa – Hopi Basket Weaver creates a variety of sifter (tut’siya) and wicker (yungyapu) baskets.

➡️Monday and Tuesday, September 1-2

• Phyllis Coonsis – Master Zuni silversmith known for intricate inlay work and traditional designs, Phyllis continues a family legacy of fine jewelry making (photo pictured above).
• Cameron Nastacio – Recognized for his finely detailed Zuni fetish carvings, Cameron brings stone and animal spirits to life using traditional methods.

More information on the Cultural Demonstration Program can be found here.

The Diné Tah’ Dancers – Special Cultural Performances

Since 1993, under the direction of Shawn Price, the Diné Tah’ Dancers—a group of talented young performers—have shared traditional Navajo dances across the U.S. and abroad. Their program honors and maintains a deep connection to the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Navajo Nation.

Performance Schedule

·       Desert View Watchtower – Monday, September 1, at 6 p.m.

·       Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza – Tuesday, September 2 at 10 a.m.

·       Canyon Rim Trail near Hopi House – Tuesday, September 2 at 1 p.m.

Programs are free and open to the public, presented outdoors (weather permitting).

Grand Canyon Rec Center Announces September Calendar of Events

See all the exciting things happening in the month of September at the Rec Center! From Trivia Nights, to a Harvest Moon Hike, to Zumba, there is something for everyone.

For a full listing of events, see the September calendar here.

Community Blood Drives on Sep. 5 and 6 in Grand Canyon and Tusayan

The Grand Canyon Rec Center and the Tusayan Fire Department will host their own respective blood drives through Vitalant on Friday, Sept. 5 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Rec Center and on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tusayan Fire Department.

Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org. Vitalant is the supplier to 96% of Arizona hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Save the Date! Native Plant Giveaway for local residents Sept. 24-26

The NPS Vegetation Crew will be having a native plant giveaway on Sept. 24-26 from 4-6 p.m.These are pollinator-friendly plants that can attract bees, birds, and butterflies. Many are drought tolerant.

Plant pickup will be at the Grand Canyon Nursery located at 1402 Kennel Road. If you are interested but unavailable these dates/times, contact Catrina_Whitton@nps.gov.

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

Save the Date! Music Under the Stars to take place on October 3

The Grand Canyon Rec Center will once again host ‘Music Under the Stars,’ a night of live performances at the Rec Center ramada. This year’s event will be held on Friday, Oct. 3 starting at 6 p.m.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-10 p.m. (food until 9:30 p.m.)
• Bright Angel Fountain, 5:30 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.-10 p.m. daily, (food until 9 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.-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 4:30-8:30 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 11-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Deli 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Camper Services, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
• Mather Campground Store, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Labor Day
• Labor Day to Memorial Day, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 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: Verkamp’s & Yavapai Geology Museum: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (beginning 9/1 hours for VCP will be 8 a.m.-7 p.m.), Kolb Studio: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• 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.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.
• Shuttle Bus Summer Schedule (May 24-Sep. 7, 2025)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6:00 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 4, 5, and 6 a.m.
• Tusayan (Purple) Route, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. with service every 45 minutes
• Inner Canyon:
• CLOSED: River Trail east of River Resthouse to South Kaibab Trail junction: Oct. 21, 2024-Oct. 31, 2025
• CLOSED: Silver Bridge: Oct. 21, 2024-Nov. 26, 2025
• CLOSED: South Kaibab Trail below TipOff

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. with the last tower access at 5 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours), retail: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

• While conducting field assessments on Monday, August 25, 2025, the DOI BAER Team wildlife group observed bison near a bison exclosure along the Point Sublime Road. (DOI BAER Team Photo)
• A forestry machine with a large cutting attachment (a harvester or feller buncher) removing hazard trees on the Kaibab National Forest (CIMT Photo)
• Aerial imagery of the burn scar above Supai Tunnel along the North Kaibab Trail (DOI BAER Team Photo)
• DOI BAER Team members utilize spatial databases to inventory and map park values (DOI BAER Team Photo)
• Trenching work continues along the River Trail east of Pipe Creek (NPS Photo)
• Astronomer in Residence, Laura-May Abron (Photo courtesy of Laura-May Abron)
• DNC General Store stages construction barriers (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• Naturalization Ceremony in 2024 at the Mather Point Amphitheater (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Ash Bedford, Vegetation Biologist and Hazard Tree Coordinator at Granite Beach standing in front of the Ash trees he planted (Photo courtesy of A. Bedford)
• Zuni silver inlay pin by Phyllis Coonsis (NPS photo)
• Diné Tah’ Dancers (Photo: Ryan Williams, Museum of Northern Arizona)