Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: January 19-23, 2026

Waterline Repairs Completed; Inner Canyon Water Restoration Underway

Over the last week, Grand Canyon National Park water utilities crews successfully repaired multiple pipeline failures along the North Kaibab Trail that temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two pipeline breaks near Manzanita Rest Area were fully excavated and repaired, followed by successful excavation and repair at the Xanterra mule corral site near Phantom Ranch. With all damaged sections addressed, the Transcanyon Waterline is now being repressurized.

Water service is anticipated to be restored in the Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground vicinity by tomorrow, Friday, January 23. As a result, Phantom Ranch and the Phantom Ranch Canteen are slated to reopen to guests on Saturday, January 24.

Due to the recent pipeline breaks and system impacts, the park has now entered Stage 2 water restrictions. Residents and staff are reminded that water conservation is especially critical during this period—please limit non-essential water use and follow all conservation guidance. Park utilities staff will continue to closely monitor the system as pressure is restored and operations return to normal.

2025 Weather Recap: A Drier, Less Snowy Year on the South Rim

According to the National Weather Service*, the South Rim experienced a slightly warmer and noticeably drier year in 2025 compared to long-term averages. The average temperature for the year was 52°F, about one degree above normal. Summer brought the hottest days, with temperatures reaching 92°F on both July 10 and 11, while the coldest temperatures dipped to 12°F on January 19 and 20. There were 12 days with highs at or above 90°F and 10 days where daytime temperatures stayed at or below freezing.

Precipitation for the year totaled 14.93 inches, which is about two inches below average. The wettest day occurred on August 16, when 2.60 inches of rain fell in a single day. In total, the South Rim saw measurable precipitation on 64 days throughout the year. While monsoon season brought some heavy rain events, overall moisture levels remained lower than normal.

Snowfall was also below average in 2025, with a total of 32.7 inches—more than 10 inches less than typical. The snowiest day was March 7, when 5 inches accumulated, and the maximum snow depth reached 8 inches on that same day. There were 19 days with measurable snowfall, including 10 days with at least one inch of snow. Despite fewer snow events, winter conditions still brought 126 days with overnight temperatures at or below freezing.

Overall, 2025 was a year of warmer temperatures, reduced snowfall, and below-average precipitation on the South Rim. These conditions continue to highlight the importance of weather preparedness and ongoing monitoring of climate trends that affect park operations, resources, and visitor experiences.

*All data collected from cooperative observer site at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim.

Scientists in Parks Internships Now Open for 2026

The 2026 Scientists in Parks (SIP) internship program is officially open, offering a unique opportunity to gain paid, hands-on experience while working in national parks across the country.

Here at Grand Canyon National Park, we are hiring two SIP positions for 2026. The Science Communication Assistant is a 52-week AmeriCorps position working within the park’s Office of Communications, Partnerships, and External Affairs. This role focuses on science storytelling, interpretive content, and public engagement, helping connect visitors and communities to the canyon’s cultural, historical, and ecological significance through high-quality communication across digital, print, and in-person platforms.

The park is also hiring an Ecology Assistant, a 36-week AmeriCorps position focused on advancing science-based strategies for managing wildfire, water, and climate-driven risks. This role helps translate emerging research into practical guidance for park staff, supporting informed decision-making around integrated risk management, restoration, and resilience in an era of increasing environmental extremes.

Applications for the Grand Canyon SIP positions are due Sunday, February 15, 2026. To learn more about all SIP opportunities, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, visit scientistsinparks.org. These positions are an excellent fit for individuals looking to blend science, service, and real-world impact in the National Park System.

More information can also be found in the attached flyer here.

I was born and raised in Arizona, mostly in the Phoenix area, and attended Arizona State University for Geological Sciences. As a student, I began working for a planetary geology research group both in an aeolian processes laboratory and a research library/archive and continued working there for nearly 10 years after graduating. After leaving ASU, I moved to Flagstaff to work for the USGS Astrogeology Center before eventually finding my way to Flagstaff Public Library which led me to my position here at GRCA.

Outside of work you’ll find me hanging out with my cats, reading, playing tabletop games and cozy video games, and watching true crime documentaries while cross stitching or knitting.

How long have you worked at Grand Canyon, and what brought you to the Community Library?

Almost a year! I started my current position at the end of March 2025. What drew me here, besides the opportunity to live and work in Grand Canyon National Park, was the library. I’ve always enjoyed working in small, somewhat oddball libraries, but I craved the community-based aspect of working in a public library. Here I am able to continue working in a small library while offering space for and connecting with our community.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about what it takes to run a library in a remote national park community?

The amount of time and effort it takes to get new items to the library. Pretty much everything we order, even office supplies, is delivered to Flagstaff to be cataloged, processed, and collected before it is driven here by the County Librarian who visits about once a month.

Is there a particularly meaningful, funny, or memorable experience you’ve had while working at the library?

It sounds corny, but I genuinely enjoy meeting and getting to know our community through the library. I look forward to seeing our regulars and love welcoming new patrons. From the daily interactions to the feedback and engagement we’ve seen for our new programs, it’s all meaningful and I don’t take it for granted. I feel privileged to serve this community in this beautiful place, and I hope to continue to improve and expand our offerings for years to come.

What’s a book, podcast, or TV show you’ve enjoyed recently?

I have discovered a sudden and unexpected interest in hockey and am enjoying learning about the sport.

Burrito Sale Fundraiser for 8th Grade Washington D.C. Field Trip—Jan. 23

The 2026 8th grade class will host a burrito fundraiser on Friday, Jan. 23 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Grand Canyon School cafeteria. Dine in, take out, and delivery options are available.

This fundraiser supports the 8th grade Grand Canyon School field trip to Washington D.C. More information is available in the attached flyer here.

Volunteer Opportunity: Arizona Trail Segment Steward Needed on the Kaibab Plateau

The Arizona Trail Association is looking for volunteers to serve as stewards on the Kaibab Plateau! We are currently looking for someone to serve as Segment Steward on 42A: Government Tank, a 9.2 mile stretch at the AZT that goes from 89A to Government Tank. The goal for the steward is to ensure a positive experience for trail users on their portion of the Arizona National Scenic Trail by monitoring their section. Interested stewards sign on for a 3 year term with the ATA.

For more information on volunteering for this role, please reach out to Forrest Radarian at Forrest.Radarian@gmail.com.

Grand Canyon Library Calendar of Events—Jan. 26-31

The Grand Canyon Community Library has a full lineup of events for next week including game night, storytime Wednesdays, and storytime and crafts.

For a complete list of events and times, see the attached flyer here.

*New changes to operations are indicated in red.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-9 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-8 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. (food until 7:30 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse – Lunch: Closed until further notice, Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m., Lounge 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 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

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10 a.m., dinner 5-8 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 11-9 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: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Canyon Adventures Cafe: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., bike tours suspended until spring 2026
• 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.-6 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 provides trauma-sensitive yoga for our community. View the class schedule and learn more at www.grandcanyonyoga.com.
• Winter Shuttle Bus Schedule (Dec. 1, 2025-Feb. 28, 2026)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: Suspended (open to private vehicles)
• Village (Blue) Route: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 8 a.m.-7:20 p.m.
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 8 and 9 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 Clear Creek Trail Junction

Desert View

• Desert View Watchtower, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with stairs closing at 4 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), retail closed for the 2025 season

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

• Water geyser near Ribbon Falls on Jan. 21 (NPS Photo/C. Powers)
• The NPS Water Utilties Crew works to excavate a broken section of the pipeline this week near Manzanita Rest Area (NPS Photo/K. Brown)
• Library Supervisor, Amy Zink (Photo courtesy of A. Zink)

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