This week, an Extreme Heat Warning is in effect through Sunday below 4,000 feet, including Phantom Ranch. Visitors are advised to avoid strenuous hiking during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), and to drink plenty of water and eat regularly.

As of Thursday morning, drinking water is now ON at 1½-Mile and 3-Mile Resthouses along the Bright Angel Trail. Many thanks to the Water Utilities team for their hard work in restoring these critical water sources during extreme conditions. You can find the latest updates on water availability across the rim and inner canyon on the park’s Key Hiking Messages webpage.

Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) Coordinator Meghan Smith was featured in a recent Arizona’s Family news segment highlighting the early-season heat and increased spring break visitation. While March is typically considered a safer time to hike, temperatures in the inner canyon are already approaching triple digits. PSAR is currently operating with limited staffing ahead of the seasonal volunteer ramp-up in April, increasing the importance of proactive visitor messaging and outreach. With elevated temperatures and increased visitation, staff are emphasizing heat safety, preparedness, and informed decision-making.

Looking ahead, Trail Crew operations will continue to support safe access in the inner canyon. March 25 through April 1, crews will redeck the Black Bridgeto improve access for both hikers and mule operations. During this time, hikers may experience temporary delays while crossing the bridge as work is completed.

During the first half of March 2026, the Trail Crew completed significant maintenance work on the fourth bridge in the area known as “The Box” along the North Kaibab Trail.

The project included redecking the bridge, backhauling old stockpiled materials, patching spalling concrete on bridge abutments, and removing rockfall and debris in the surrounding area. The scope of work resulted in improvements to both the structure and the immediate trail environment.

This work was led by Crew Lead Kelsey DeVleer, with crew members Kacey Frisher, Leto Sracic, Allie Shedleski, Joe Zelman, and Myles Taylor, and additional support from Gavin Youngstrum and Adam Gibson. Their hard work and dedication ensured the project was completed efficiently and safely.

Storytelling and Songs with Radmilla Cody — March 20

Visitors and staff are invited to experience a special cultural program at Grand Canyon National Park on March 20 at 1 p.m. along the Rim Trail near Hopi House, featuring Diné singer and storyteller Radmilla Cody.

A GRAMMY-nominated artist and former Miss Navajo Nation, Cody is widely known for using music and storytelling to celebrate Indigenous culture and identity. Through powerful performances rooted in Diné tradition, she highlights themes of resilience, community, and cultural pride.

Programs like this continue the long tradition of cultural interpretation at Grand Canyon National Park, providing opportunities for visitors and the park community to learn directly from Indigenous voices and perspectives. For more information, see the attached flyer here.

Cultural Demonstrators next week at the Desert View Watchtower

Desert View Watchtower from 9 am to 4 pm.

Tuesday and Wednesday — March 24 and 25, 2026

Curtis Naseyowma (Hopi Kachina Carver) was born about 70 miles northeast of the Grand Canyon in Tuba City, AZ. He learned the art of kachina carving from his father and has been creating kachinas for more than 15 years. Many years before, Curtis attended art school and also worked for the Navy. He says those years in his early life allowed him to realize he can be a voice for the Hopi people. He enjoys talking with visitors about Hopi culture and the meaning behind his carvings.

Janet Yazzie is a Diné (Navajo) Painter who draws her influence from her childhood and time spent with her grandmother growing up. Using bright colors to depict the landscape of the Southwest and the Milky Way her memories come to life through her work.

More information on the Cultural Demonstration Program can be found on thepark’s website.

Special Program: Diné Storytelling Through Puppetry

Grand Canyon National Park staff and residents are invited to a special evening program on Thursday, March 26 at 7:15 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, featuring Diné (Navajo) puppeteer, filmmaker, and storyteller Pete Sands.

This unique performance blends puppetry, music, and film to bring language, culture, and traditional stories to life in an engaging and meaningful way. Pete Sands’ work highlights the importance of storytelling as a way to share cultural knowledge, inspire connection, and celebrate Indigenous perspectives.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Youth Fundraiser Bake Sale

The community is invited to support local high school students at an upcoming bake sale fundraiser benefiting a Grand Canyon Youth whitewater rafting trip.

Taking place on Saturday, March 21 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the General Store, this event will help raise funds for students from Grand Canyon High School to experience a once-in-a-lifetime river trip down the Colorado River.

All baked goods will be available by donation. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Community Blood Drive on March 25 at Rec Center

The Grand Canyon Rec Center will host a community blood drive with Vitalant on Wednesday, March 25, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit www.donors.vitalant.org.

Vitalant is the sole supplier to 96% of AZ Hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

*New changes to operations are indicated in red.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-9 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.)
• Bright Angel Fountain, 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
• 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 a.m.-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 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.-7 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—view the class schedule and learn more here.
• Shuttle Bus Spring Schedules (March 1 – May 22, 2026)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 a.m.; Departures from GCVC at 6:20, 7:20, and 8:25 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 Ribbon Falls trail junction to the North Kaibab Trailhead.

Desert View

• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. with last stair access at 5 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)
• Desert View Campground will reopen for the 2026 season on April 11

North Rim

• Reopening anticipated for May 15, 2026

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

• Sunset from the South Rim on Saturday, March 14 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Photo collage of bridge work along the North Kaibab Trail, March 2026 (NPS Photos)
• Three dimensional katsinas carved by Hopi artist Curtis Naseyowma. (NPS Photo)
• High Angle Technical Rescue training near Trailview Overlook (NPS Photo)

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