Planned Inner Canyon Water Outage Scheduled — June 4–11

A planned water outage is scheduled in the inner canyon from June 4–11 to support critical Transcanyon Waterline infrastructure work. Crews will tie in a new section of piping along the River Trail and complete additional work at the Havasupai Gardens pumphouse.

The outage will impact potable water service at Phantom Ranch, the Phantom Ranch Delta Restroom, Bright Angel Campground, Boat Beach, Cottonwood Campgrou`nd, Manzanita Rest Area, and Manzanita Day Use Area. Havasupai Gardens, as well as the 3-Mile and 1.5-Mile resthouses, will continue to have water available during this period.

While crews anticipate completing the work in less than the full outage window, visitors and employees should plan for the entire June 4–11 period. Following construction, additional time will be needed to flush, test, and repressurize the system before water service can fully resume. Inner canyon visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly by checking the park’s Key Hiking Messages webpage for water availability and carry sufficient water during this period.

Grand Canyon Backcountry & River Alerts System Helps Visitors Stay Informed

As monsoon season approaches, Grand Canyon National Park is reminding hikers, backpackers, and river runners about the Grand Canyon Backcountry & River Alerts System (GCRIVERALERTS), a free emergency alert system designed specifically for remote travel in the canyon. Now entering its third year, the system delivers critical alerts directly to satellite messaging devices and cell phones when service is available, helping visitors stay informed about flash floods, severe weather, river hazards, and other emergencies in areas without reliable communication access.

The alert system was developed through a partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey’s Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center, the National Weather Service, Coconino County Emergency Management, and the National Park Service. Visitors traveling in the canyon can subscribe by texting“GCRIVERALERTS” to 928-707-7842 from the device they plan to carry during their trip. Users should sign up before beginning backcountry travel and confirm they receive a welcome message to ensure successful enrollment.

The reminder comes as Grand Canyon continues to monitor increased flash flood and debris flow risks in several watersheds affected by the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire, including Bright Angel Creek and portions of the North Kaibab Trail corridor. In cooperation with the USGS, the park has expanded stream and precipitation monitoring throughout the Bright Angel watershed to provide earlier warning of changing conditions during storms.

While the alert system is a valuable safety tool, visitors are reminded that backcountry travel in Grand Canyon requires constant situational awareness and personal preparedness. Hikers and river users should closely monitor weather conditions, especially during monsoon season, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions in remote canyon environments. More information on signing up can be found in the attached flyer here.

Applications Open for Grand Canyon Conservancy’s 2027 Residency Programs

Grand Canyon Conservancy is now accepting applications for its 2027 Residency Programs, offering artists, astronomers, and environmental educators the opportunity to live and work at Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim for four to eight weeks. Applications are open through July 15, 2026.

The residency programs invite participants to connect their work with the natural and cultural landscapes of Grand Canyon while engaging visitors through art, science, education, and storytelling. Selected residents receive free housing within the park, a weekly stipend, travel assistance, supply funding, staff support, and promotional opportunities through GCC.

GCC is seeking applicants with a strong commitment to public engagement and environmental or cultural stewardship. The programs especially encourage applications from historically underrepresented communities, including Indigenous artists, educators, and astronomers.

For more information or to apply, visit Grand Canyon Conservancy Residency Program.

Remembering Dana Belcher

Former Grand Canyon National Park employee Dana S. Belcher passed away June 13, 2025, at the age of 61. Dana served for 13 years in the park’s Science and Resource Management division, where he was deeply committed to conservation, visitor education, and supporting fellow employees.

Known for his kindness, humor, creativity, and love for Grand Canyon, Dana contributed to numerous park initiatives, including employee events, sustainability efforts, and seasonal staff support. Colleagues remember him for his mentorship, generosity, photography, and enthusiasm for life—especially during Halloween season, when his costumes and spirit brought joy to many.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Shrine of the Ages in Grand Canyon Village, followed by a light lunch for attendees.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dana’s memory may be made to Grand Canyon Conservancy to support the future stewardship of Grand Canyon National Park.

Summer Village Ranger Programs

Join our rangers for a variety of free, engaging programs that dive into the park’s natural and cultural history. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that outdoor programs may be canceled due to inclement weather or lightning.

A flyer for these programs can be found here.

Apache Crown Dancer Performance—May 29

On Friday, May 29, the Dischii’ Bikoh (Cibecue) Apache Crown Dancers, led by Joseph Tessay, will offer a unique opportunity to experience and learn about Apache culture and traditions through dance and performance. This performance will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and again at 1 p.m. along the Rim Trail in front of Hopi House.

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

The Cultural Demonstration Program will welcome Diné artists Carol Hatathlie, Kaitlyn Mike, and McHale Alcott to the Desert View Watchtower June 1–2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors and residents are invited to stop by and learn about traditional and contemporary Diné artistry through live demonstrations and conversations with the artists. Carol Hatathlie and McHale Alcott will showcase silversmithing techniques, while Kaitlyn Mike will demonstrate traditional beadwork.

Live Reggae Music Performance—Friday, June 5

Visitors and residents are invited to a live reggae music performance featuring Casper Lomayesva (Hopi and Diné) on Friday, June 5 at 8 p.m. at the McKee Amphitheater. Casper blends Hopi and Diné roots with the uplifting rhythm of reggae, using music as a bridge for understand Native culture and lived experience.

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

TONIGHT! GCC Hosts Community Dinner Thursday, May 28

Grand Canyon Conservancy will host a Community Dinner on Thursday, May 28 from 6-8 p.m. in the Navajo Room at The Squire Resort. The complimentary dinner is open to all South Rim and Tusayan residents, including employees and families from the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy, Xanterra, Delaware North, Grand Canyon Unified School District, Forest Service, and local community businesses.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Tusayan Blood Drive on May 30 and June 9

The Tusayan Fire District will host a community blood drive with Vitalant on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be an additional blood drive at the Grand Canyon Rec Center on Tuesday, June 9 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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 (Tusayan) or here (Grand Canyon Village).

June Calendar of Events at the Grand Canyon Rec Center

See all the exciting things happening at the Rec Center in June. From the summer softball league, hikes, fitness classes, and trips, the Rec Center has something for everyone!

The full June calendar for the Rec Center is available 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, 12-10 p.m. (food until 9:30 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 7-10:30 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 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: 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.
• 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
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 4, 5, and 6 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

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 May 15 to September 7 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Gas Station – 24- hour self-serve pay-at-the-pump; gas and diesel available. Open May 15 to September 7.
• Campground currently CLOSED. Reopening date pending.

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

• Sunset from Yavapai Point on May 25 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Former Grand Canyon National Park employee, Dana Belcher (NPS Photo)
• NPS Fee Staff at the South Entrance Station this week (NPS Photo)

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