Monsoon Season Returns to Grand Canyon

Monsoon season has returned, bringing the potential for thunderstorms, lightning, flash flooding, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions through September. Park staff are actively monitoring weather conditions and remain prepared to adjust operations, closures, and visitor access as needed to protect visitors, employees, and park resources.

This year, the National Weather Service has introduced a new daily Dragon Bravo Fire Scar Flash Flood Risk Forecast, providing visitors and staff with information about potential flash flooding and debris flows in areas affected by the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire. To help monitor changing conditions in the Dragon Bravo Fire scar, the NPS, in cooperation with USGS, has installed three stream gauges and three precipitation gauges on the North Rim and surrounding areas of the canyon. These gauges provide real-time data on rainfall and water flow that can help inform flood monitoring and response efforts. View current gauge data by visiting the park’s interactive map and selecting the associated stream or precipitation gauge here: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Lightning remains one of the park’s most significant summer hazards, with approximately 25,000 lightning strikes occurring within the park each year. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm, making it essential to seek shelter as soon as thunder is heard. Visitors should leave exposed viewpoints and ridgelines, move away from cliff edges and isolated trees, and seek shelter in a substantial building, hard-topped vehicle, or park shuttle whenever possible.

While monsoon storms may bring temporary relief from high temperatures on the rim, extreme heat continues to pose a serious risk in the inner canyon, where temperatures frequently exceed 100°F.

Employees and residents are also encouraged to sign up for Grand Canyon Everbridge emergency alerts to receive timely notifications about severe weather, road closures, power outages, and other emergency situations by text, email, or phone. Staying informed, remaining flexible, and being prepared to adjust plans are the best ways to stay safe during monsoon season.

Work continues on the rehabilitation of Lipan Point, with construction crews making steady progress on improvements that will enhance visitor access for many years to come. Since construction began in late June, crews have removed the existing asphalt and underlying material, completed extensive grading, and are now constructing retaining walls that will support the trail’s new sub-base and final surface. Two construction teams are working toward each other to build the retaining walls and keyways that will provide access to the canyon rim beyond the paved trail. The reconstructed trail will be 6½ feet wide.

Lipan Point and Lipan Point Road remain closed to all visitor use through December 23, 2026, while work continues. The project includes asphalt removal, trail reconstruction, and trail resurfacing to improve accessibility and help preserve the overlook.

Keeping Visitors Safe: Meghan Smith Featured on Hiking Podcast

Grand Canyon Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) Coordinator Meghan Smith was recently featured on the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, where she shared how the park’s PSAR program works year-round to help visitors make safe decisions on the trail.

Smith, who has worked at Grand Canyon National Park since 2011, discussed the importance of prevention through education, compassionate visitor interactions, and early intervention. She highlighted the park’s dedicated team of 70 PSAR volunteers and seasonal staff (pictured above), who patrol the corridor trails, provide hiking advice, assist visitors in distress, and often prevent emergencies before they happen.

The interview also highlighted the collaboration between PSAR volunteers, rangers, emergency responders, concessioners, and Grand Canyon Conservancy staff, all working together with a shared goal: helping visitors enjoy the canyon safely while reducing the need for emergency rescues. The full episode can be found here.

APS Foundation Commits $1 Million to North Kaibab Trailhead Improvements

This week, Grand Canyon Conservancy announced that the APS Foundation has committed a $1 million gift to support the rehabilitation and redesign of the North Kaibab Trailhead, a key investment in North Rim recovery following the Dragon Bravo Fire.

“We are incredibly grateful to the APS Foundation for this generous investment in the future of Grand Canyon’s North Rim,” said Superintendent Ed Keable. “The North Kaibab Trailhead is the gateway to one of the park’s most iconic experiences, and these improvements will make a tremendous difference for visitors while helping us better protect the surrounding landscape.”

The project will enhance safety, accessibility, and overall visitor experience through upgraded restrooms, shade structures, information kiosks, accessible pathways, improved wayfinding, expanded parking, enhanced pedestrian circulation, and upgraded utilities. The gift serves as the lead contribution to Grand Canyon Conservancy’s capital campaign supporting long-term restoration, infrastructure improvements, and resource protection on the North Rim.

Grand Canyon Incident Report Available

Grand Canyon Law Enforcement has combined significant incidents from all districts including the South Rim and Canyon District.

See the latest Incident Report:

Grand Canyon Incident Report ending 6-30-2026

Special Performance with Musician Aaron White – July 19

Join Grammy-nominated musician Aaron White, Northern Ute/Dine (Navajo), for a special musical performance on the rim of Grand Canyon at Mather Point before sunset. The performance will be held on Sunday, July 19 from 7:00-7:45 p.m.

In the event of inclement weather, the performance will be moved indoors to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Final Weeks to Experience Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Astronomer in Residence

There are just two weeks remaining in Grand Canyon Conservancy Astronomer in Residence Dr. Logan Pearce’s residency. Before her time at Grand Canyon comes to a close, all are invited to attend a series of free evening programs at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Programs begin at 8:30 p.m. and explore a variety of astronomy topics, including the life cycles of stars, the story of Pluto, the history of the universe, the importance of protecting Grand Canyon’s dark skies, and a special presentation with Lowell Observatory’s Kevin Schindler on how Grand Canyon geology helped prepare Apollo astronauts for lunar missions. Each presentation is followed by a guided constellation tour under Grand Canyon’s internationally recognized dark skies.

See the attached schedule for program dates and topics.

Experience Zuni Culture Through Special Dance Performances – July 22

Employees and residents are invited to enjoy special performances by the Ha’ Dance Group, formerly known as the Ku (“Red Clay”) Dance Group, from Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico. Founded in 1998, the group has shared the rich cultural traditions of Zuni through dance and song at communities and events across the Southwest for more than 20 years.

Two performances will take place on Wednesday, July 22:

• 9:30 a.m. – Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza
• 6:30 p.m. – Rim Trail in front of Hopi House, Grand Canyon Village

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

The Pollen Trail Dancers Return to Hopi House — July 18 and 19

Hopi House is pleased to welcome back The Pollen Trail Dancers, featuring Brent Chase and family, on July 18 and 19.

For more than 26 years, the Chase family has shared Navajo/Diné culture with Grand Canyon visitors through traditional song, dance, storytelling, music, and artistry. As longtime artists and performers at Hopi House, they help create meaningful cultural connections while showcasing Brent Chase’s weavings and jewelry created by members of the family.

Stop by Hopi House on Saturday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Performances will take place at 12:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. on both days. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Community Library Schedule of Events

The Grand Canyon Community Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge continues through July 24, with activities and events for readers of all ages. Check out this week’s schedule of programs and activities here.

The Summer Reading Program concludes on July 24 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. with a Teddy Bear Picnic Storytime featuring stories, crafts, games, and more. Learn more about the event here.

Arizona Primary Election — July 21

The 2026 Arizona Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, July 21.

Park residents and employees registered to vote in Coconino County may cast their ballot at the Shrine of the Ages or Tusayan Town Hall, or at any Vote Center in the county on Election Day. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and voters who are in line by 7 p.m. will still be allowed to vote. For a complete list of Vote Center locations, visit Coconino County’s interactive polling location map.

Join Rangers for Coffee with a Cop – August 4

Stop by Coffee with a Cop on Tuesday, August 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. outside the Village Market.

This informal event provides an opportunity to meet Grand Canyon National Park Rangers, learn more about their work, ask questions, and enjoy a cup of coffee. Whether you’re curious about law enforcement in the park or simply want to say hello, everyone is welcome to stop by and connect with the rangers who help keep our community and visitors safe.

*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)
• 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): 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.-8 p.m. daily
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Beginning Saturday, 7/18 — Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 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—view the class schedule and learn more here.
• 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.

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.

• Volunteers and staff stand at Coconino Overlook along the North Kaibab Trail on July 12 (GCC Photo/C. Haines)
• Lightning over the Grand Canyon, 2017 (NPS Photo/D. Pawlak)
• Photo collage of work at Lipan Point, late June/early July (NPS Photos)
• North Kaibab Trailhead (NPS Photo)
• Coffee with a Cop event outside the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (NPS Photo)

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