Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 21-25, 2025

On Saturday, July 19, we were honored to host Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly, and Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron at Grand Canyon National Park. Their visit underscored the Department of the Interior’s and National Park Service’s strong support for our ongoing response to the Dragon Bravo Fire and their commitment to the future of the North Rim.

Together, we surveyed the fire by air before visiting the Incident Command Post on the North Rim, where we received briefings on the fire response and met with Governor Katie Hobbs. The Governor expressed her support for the park and interest in working with us to address long-term recovery. Later, the delegation met with members of our Incident Management Team and North Rim employees to hear firsthand about their experiences and priorities. These conversations were both powerful and deeply meaningful.

The Department and NPS leadership expressed strong commitment to securing the resources necessary to rebuild the North Rim and support affected employees. They left impressed by the dedication of our team and the resilience of this community.

While the challenges remain significant, I continue to be inspired by the teamwork and unity on display. Thank you for standing with us as we work toward recovery and renewal.

-Ed

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update

As of this morning, the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim has burned an estimated 23,082 acres. The fire is 26% contained and is being managed under a full suppression strategy. There are currently 998 personnel assigned to the incident.

Current Fire Activity:

The fire remains active as hot, dry, and windy conditions continue. Firefighters are working to strengthen existing firelines and prepare backup options to protect key areas, including the Kaibab Lodge and park infrastructure.

Crews made progress northeast of the fire, holding lines near Forest Road 610 with support from helicopters and air tankers. In the northwest, teams used heavy equipment and hand tools to clear vegetation and improve fire barriers along Forest Road 223. Fire personnel are also working near the park entrance and historic lodge area to remove hazard trees and install sprinkler systems to help protect nearby structures. Air operations remain critical, with multiple helicopters, drones, and planes supporting ground crews in suppressing active fire areas.

Weather & Smoke Conditions:

Conditions will remain hot and dry with gusty southwest winds expected to reach 20-25 mph. Fire behavior will likely increase as fire weather conditions remain critical. Smoke will remain visible from surrounding areas, including the South Rim. Residents and visitors impacted by the smoke are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions at: outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

The CIMT distributes daily incident updates for the Dragon Bravo Fire. If you are not receiving these and would like to be included, please email: 2025.dragonbravo@firenet.gov.

Daily updates are also available on the Dragon Bravo Fire Inciweb page.

The Grand Canyon Historical Society recently recognized two sets of individuals for their lasting contributions to the Grand Canyon community.

Pioneer Award – Dr. Tom Myers

The Pioneer Award honors living individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the understanding and knowledge of Grand Canyon. Dr. Myers has served for over three decades as a physician, wilderness safety expert, historian, and author. He has influenced how both visitors and scholars understand the canyon. His books and work continue to guide hikers, heal patients, and preserve the canyon’s history for future generations.

Hall of Fame Award – Clarinda and John Vail

The Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the Grand Canyon community over many years. Clarinda is a lifelong resident, from one of Tusayan’s pioneer families, serves as mayor and manages town housing initiatives. She has a strong track record in education, wildfire safety, and working with regional partners. John has been a cornerstone of the community for decades and is an accomplished musician.

Kate Hensel (middle): I grew up in upstate New York, outside Rochester, and attended Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in Biology and Museum Studies. In 2019 I moved to the North Rim as the Scientist in Park intern. In 2020 I worked my first green-and-gray position in Canyon District Interpretation. As a seasonal I worked a few more summers in the canyon, a summer at Yosemite, and two winters at Death Valley. Last year I moved into the permanent Canyon District Interpretation position. In my off time I enjoy canyoneering, hiking, rafting, and playing video games.

Brendan Chittick (right): I’m originally from the Baltimore area but have spent the last eight years out west working in Yellowstone NP and Yosemite NP interpreting everything from bison and geysers to bears and sequoias. This is my first season working here at Grand Canyon NP and I’ve really enjoyed my work as an interpreter in the Canyon District. It’s such a privilege to work alongside some incredible rangers and with visitors as close to the resource as we can possibly get. When I’m not down at Phantom Ranch or Havasupai Gardens you can find me playing guitar, backpacking, snowboarding, or enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Cultural Demonstrator at Desert View Watchtower

Aaron White, Northern Ute/Diné Flutist

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday — July 24, 25, and 26 — 9 am to 4 pm.

PLUS concert special concert at the Desert View Amphitheater on Thursday, 7/24 at 6:45 p.m.

Aaron White is a Grammy-nominated musician and will be sharing his original work with visitors this weekend during the cultural demonstration program as well as a special concert on Thursday evening. All of his music will be played on his own handmade flutes. More information on the Cultural Demonstration Program can be found here.

Special Film Showing, “A Cry for the Homelands” on July 28

Monday, July 28, 2025 – 8:00 pm – Grand Canyon Village McKee Amphitheater

“A Cry for the Homelands,” a film by David Wallace, explores the struggle of the Indigenous Nations of the Grand Canyon for social and environmental justice for their people and lands. The film features the voices of Carletta Tilousi, Dianna Sue Uqualla, Derrick Davis, Ryon Polequaptewa, Ernest Taho, and Ed Kabotie.

The screening will be accompanied by representatives from the Havasupai Tribe and Ed Kabotie. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Back-to-School Reminder for Grand Canyon Residents

The Grand Canyon Unified School District (GCUSD) returns to session on Wednesday, July 30. The school day runs from 7:50 a.m. to 4:02 p.m. and K-5 students are released at 3:52 p.m.

As the community welcomes students back, please keep the following safety reminders in mind:

Drive Carefully

• Obey all posted speed limits, especially near school zones.
• On Center Road, there are two school crosswalk zones marked with flashing yellow lights. The speed limit in these areas is 15 MPH during school commuting hours. These crossings experience heavy foot and bike traffic before and after school.
• Another high-traffic crosswalk is located on Albright Street just north of Mohave Street, where the speed limit is also 15 MPH.
• The intersection of Albright and Mohave is another busy area for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Boulder Street, home to the school’s main entrance, maintains a 15 MPH speed limit at all times (24/7/365).

Walk and Bike Safely

• If traveling by foot or bike, use crosswalks safely: stop, look both ways, and wait for vehicles to stop before crossing.
• A crossing guard may be present before and after school near Center Road and Albright Street to assist with safe crossing.

School Grounds Closed During the Day

Please remember school grounds are closed to the public during school hours (7:50 a.m. to 4:02 p.m.). This includes:

• The soccer field, track, playground, and basketball courts
• The softball field
• The former Fred Harvey Service Station on Center Road at Boulder Street
• Additionally, after-school athletics and activities may require fields and courts to remain closed beyond the school day.

Thank you for helping us keep our students and staff safe as we begin the new school year!

Community Barbecue on Saturday, July 26

Join members of the Grand Canyon community for a barbecue on Saturday, July 26 starting at 6 p.m. The event will be held in the backyard of 360 Sunset Drive. Parking is limited, so be sure to walk, bike, or carpool.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Movie Night Under the Stars—Thursday, July 31

The Kaibab Learning Center is sponsoring a food sale and movie night on Thursday, July 17. The food sale begins at 7 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Rec Center Ramada with the movie, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ starting at 7:30 p.m.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Arizona Trail Segment Steward Opportunity for Passage 42B

The Arizona Trail Association is looking for Trail Segment Steward for section 42B Summit Valley. Segment 42B is 7.2 miles long and extends from Government Tank to Winter Road.

Segment Stewards must monitor the condition of their segments at least twice a year, and it’s preferred they reside year‐round in the same region as the segment. For those interested in volunteering to steward any of these segments, or anyone with questions, please reach out to Forrest Radarian (Grand Canyon Regional Steward) for more information at Forrest.Radarian@gmail.com.

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 5-9 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 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, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Mather Campground Store, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Trailer Village Kiosk, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Labor Day
• 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, Visitor Center Plaza: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Kolb Studio: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., beginning Sunday, July 27: Yavapai Geology Museum 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Verkamp’s 8 a.m.-7 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-Sept. 30, 2025
• CLOSED: Silver Bridge: Oct. 21, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025
• CLOSED: South Kaibab Trail, North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens due to air quality concerns

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop, 8 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: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

North Rim

• North Rim visitor services will remain closed for the 2025 season.

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

• Sunrise on the South Rim on July 24 (NPS Photo/N. Horn)
• A flag hung over a rafter at the Grand Canyon Lodge on July 18 (NPS Photo/M. Jenkins)
• Susie Verkamp presented Clarinda and John Vail the Grand Canyon Historical Society’s 2025 Hall of Fame Award for Community Service. (NPS Photo), Wayne Ranney presented Dr. Tom Myers the Grand Canyon Historical Society’s 2025 Pioneer Award (NPS Photo)
• Photos of Erin Stepchuk, Kate Hensel, and Brendan Chittick, 2025 Canyon District Interpretation Staff
• Aaron White, Northern Ute/Diné Flutist (Photo courtesy of Aaron White)
• Ed Kabotie in “A Cry for the Homelands” (Photo David Wallace)