The Wrap Up will take a pause next week as we assist with North Rim reopening. The next issue will be delivered on Thursday, May 21.

Pipeline Break Successfully Repaired; Water Conservation Measures Remain in Effect

Grand Canyon National Park continues operating under water conservation measures following a break in the Transcanyon Waterline identified on April 29. Over the past week, the park’s Water Utilities Crew successfully repaired the pipeline, flushed the system, and repressurized the line. Pumping to the South Rim tank farm resumed on Wednesday, May 6 and water has now been turned back on at Boat Beach, the Phantom Delta Restroom, and the Bright Angel Campground.

Water conservation measures remain in place while staff continue monitoring pipeline pressure and evaluating water tank levels across the South Rim system. Residents, employees, and visitors are encouraged to continue conserving water whenever possible.

The National Park Service is pleased to announce the reopening of the historic Lookout Studio following completion of a major interior restoration project. This work represents the second phase of a multi‑year effort by NPS and Xanterra to preserve and revitalize one of architect Mary Jane Colter’s most iconic South Rim buildings.

The project focused on restoring the Studio’s interior to its period of historic significance, including cleaning and repairing original stone and log features, removing non‑historic partitions and finishes, and re‑exposing long‑concealed architectural details. Upgrades were also incorporated to improve visitor comfort, safety, and accessibility, including a modern climate‑control system, new lighting inspired by historic fixtures, and improvements to the accessible path of travel.

Throughout the project, Flagstaff-based Loven Contracting worked with great care to protect the building’s historic fabric and the sensitive natural environment that surrounds it. The result is a renewed Lookout Studio that remains true to its historic character while being better equipped to serve visitors for generations to come.

Visitors are once again invited to step inside, enjoy the restored interior, and experience the unparalleled canyon views that have made Lookout Studio a beloved destination for more than a century.

Summer Shuttle Bus Schedule Begins Saturday, May 23

The park’s shuttle bus system will transition to the summer schedule beginning Saturday, May 23 and run through September 11, 2026.

Buses on the Village (Blue Route) and Hermit Road (Red Route) routes will run every 15 minutes during the early morning hours, then every 10 minutes during most of the day. The Kaibab Route (Orange Route) to the South Kaibab Trailhead and Yaki Point runs approximately every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to one hour after sunset.

• The Village (Blue) Route begins service at 6:30 a.m. and runs through 9:30 p.m.
• The Hermit Road Route (Red) will begin service at 8 a.m. The last bus will sweep approximately one hour after sunset.
• The Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route begins service at 5 a.m. with service until one hour after sunset.
• The Hiker’s Express Bus (aka “Kaibab Express”), from Bright Angel Lodge and the Backcountry Information Center — to South Kaibab Trailhead will run with departures at 4, 5, and 6 a.m.
• The Tusayan (Purple) Route, with service from Grand Canyon Visitor Center to the Town of Tusayan, will run every 45 minutes from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors riding the bus from Tusayan into the park must present a valid park entrance pass when boarding the bus.

For more information on the shuttle bus routes and times, for the summer season, visit the park’s website here.

Now Hiring: Seasonal Fee Collection Positions at Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park is currently hiring for several seasonal fee collection positions at the South Entrance Station and Desert View for the 2026 season.

Three separate job postings are now open for 6–9-month appointments, including:

• GS-5 Seasonal Recreation Fee Technician
• GS-6 Seasonal Lead Recreation Fee Technician
• GS-7 Seasonal Lead Recreation Fee Technician

These positions are now open through Monday, May 11. Individuals interested in supporting visitor operations and fee collection efforts are encouraged to apply.

Grand Canyon National Park is excited to welcome the 2026 Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) team. Led by PSAR Supervisor Meghan Smith, this year’s team includes seasonal rangers and emergency medical personnel who will patrol park trails, staff ambulances, provide hiker education, and assist visitors throughout the busy summer season.

PSAR staff play a critical role in helping visitors prepare for safe hiking in the canyon by sharing safety information, monitoring trail conditions, and responding to medical incidents and emergencies when needed. Please join us in welcoming the 2026 PSAR team to Grand Canyon! Learn more about the team and their unique skillsets by reading their attached bios here.

Upcoming Virtual History Program Explores John Wesley Powell’s Use of Art and Photography

Join the next Grand Canyon History program on Tuesday, May 12, at 6 p.m. MST (Arizona time), featuring presenter Alan Petersen discussing John Wesley Powell’s Use of Art & Photography.

The virtual presentation will explore how Powell used artwork and photography during his expeditions through Grand Canyon and Colorado Plateau to document the landscape, share expedition experiences, and promote the American Southwest to the public.

Petersen is a former South Rim employee, retired art history professor, and former Curator of Fine Art at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The program will stream live and remain available for later viewing on the Grand Canyon History YouTube channel.

The Cultural Demonstration Program will host artists from the Zuni Youth Enrichment Program May 12-14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Desert View Watchtower.

Vanicka Neha will demonstrate pueblo embroidery, Joseph Lucio will demonstrate pinch pot pottery (water jugs), and Tiyana Hallo will demonstrate acrylic painting.

Save the Date: Comedy Night at the Canyon – May 15

Grand Canyon community members are invited to a special evening of live entertainment. Mark your calendars for Comedy Night at the Canyon on May 15 from 8-9 p.m. at the McKee Amphitheater, featuring the comedic duo James and Ernie.

This program will be held outdoors, so dress warm! Additional details can be found in the attached flyer here.

Free Film Screening on May 17—Out There: A National Parks Story

Grand Canyon Conservancy is sponsoring a free film screening of the movie, Out There: A National Parks Story on Sunday, May 17 from 2:30-3:45 in the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater. Through intimate interviews, breathtaking cinematography, and a profound original music score, Out There uncovers a deeply human portrait of the parks – revealing them as places of reflection, resilience, and connection across generations and cultures.

GCC Hosts Next Community Dinner Thursday, May 28

Grand Canyon Conservancy will host its next Community Dinner on 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.

Community Invited to Public Works Open House—Wednesday, May 20

To celebrate National Public Works Week, the Facility Management & Engineering Division (FMD) will be hosting a community open house onMay 21 at the FMD Complex located at 1575 Shuttlebus Road. Exact times of the event will be shared next week.

FMD staff will have many equipment displays, and it is a great opportunity to meet your public works responders who do everything from snow plowing to trash removal.

*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.- 6 p.m. daily. Last laundry load at 5 p.m., last shower at 5:45 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.
• Spring Shuttle Bus Schedule (March 1 – May 22, 2026)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6, 7, and 8 a.m.; Departures from GCVC at 6:20, 7:20, and 8:25 a.m.
• 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
• CLOSED: North Kaibab Trail north of Ribbon Falls trail junction to the North Kaibab Trailhead through May 14, 2026

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, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with 24-hour pay-at-the-pump access

North Rim

• Reopening of Hwy. 67 at the North Rim Entrance Station will be at 6 a.m. on May 15, 2026
• Reopening of the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Ribbon Falls junction as well as Cottonwood Campground on May 15, 2026
• Reopening of Cottonwood Campground on May 15, 2026
• 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.

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

• Staff from the Planning, Environment, and Projects Division on a work project on the North Rim ahead of the May 15 reopening (NPS Photo/J. Balsom)
• The broken pipeline located along the North Kaibab Trail on April 29 (NPS Photo)
• Queue waiting for the shuttle bus (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• The interior of Lookout Studio post restoration (NPS Photo/V. St Clair)
• PSAR Photo Collage, photos provided courtesy of respective individuals
• Photo of John Wesley Powell in 1869 at age 35
• NPS Trails during an elementary school field trip, Feb. 2026

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