Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: November 17-21, 2025

This newsletter will be taking a pause next week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday and will resume on Thursday, December 4th.

Together Through the Shutdown

A message from Superintendent Ed Keable

As Grand Canyon National Park resumes normal operations following the lapse of appropriations, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the entire Grand Canyon community—residents, partners, and local organizations—who stood together during an exceptionally difficult time.

This government shutdown placed real strain on families, employees, and businesses here at the Grand Canyon. Yet even in the most challenging moments, the strength of our community was unmistakable.

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) played an extraordinary role throughout the shutdown, offering steady support when it was most needed. Their generosity provided community dinners, essential funding to sustain key park projects, and donations that directly supported local services relied on by many during this period. GCC’s commitment to this community is deeply appreciated, and we thank them for continuing to show up for Grand Canyon residents.

We also extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Grand Canyon Food Pantry and the Canyon Closet, both of which worked tirelessly to provide food, household essentials, and relief to families navigating uncertainty. Their compassion and dedication helped ensure that no one in our community felt alone. Inside the park, our Incident Management Team, along with excepted and exempted employees, kept essential functions operating with limited staff and complex restrictions. Their work ensured public safety, maintained critical systems, and helped position the park for a smooth reopening of all operations.

While uncertainties remain—such as budget decisions and ongoing hiring constraints—we move forward together. The reopening of the federal government allows us to return to the place and mission we deeply value, and the Continuing Resolution ensures that employees will receive their back pay.

This has been a challenging year, but the resilience, generosity, and unity shown across the Grand Canyon reminds us what makes this community extraordinary. Thank you for supporting one another, and for supporting this park we all care about so deeply.

Progress, Challenges, and What Comes Next After the Dragon Bravo Fire

The Dragon Bravo Fire caused significant and irreversible damage to the Grand Canyon Lodge complex and adjacent historic cabins on the North Rim this summer. While emergency stabilization and selective demolition work has been ongoing since September, the 43-day government shutdown prevented the NPS from sharing updates in real time. With operations now restored, we are providing employees, partners, and stakeholders with a detailed overview of the work completed to date and the considerations guiding these actions.

Why This Work Was Necessary

Following the fire, structural engineers, historical architects, and Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists conducted an intensive evaluation of the Lodge and surrounding cabins. Their findings made clear that selective demolition and immediate stabilization were required to address life-safety hazards, prevent collapse through winter storms, and protect what remained of the site’s historic elements.

Emergency actions were completed under a Categorical Exclusion for emergency stabilization, allowing the park to respond rapidly to protect the threat to property and cultural resources.

Extent of Losses to the Cabin District

The fire’s heat and intensity resulted in total losses across much of the Grand Canyon Lodge cabin area:

• All 64 Budget Cabins—standard and pioneer—were destroyed. The limestone foundations and structural elements were severely heat-damaged, eliminating any salvage potential. Limestone, unlike many other masonry types, loses flexural strength, compressive stability, and fracture resistance when exposed to extreme heat.
• Sixteen Western (Deluxe) Cabins and one historic linen cabin were or will be removed as total losses.
• Many limestone foundations and chimney stones were structurally compromised, though some chimney masonry from the Western Cabins was salvageable and has been retained for future use.
• Two burned Western Cabins remain temporarily in place. Positioned near a steep rim edge, they are currently providing short-term erosion control. All hazardous materials have been removed, and selective demolition will resume after winter.

Remaining structures/cabins:

• Seven Western Cabins and 25* Budget Cabins survived the fire. All seven Western Cabins and eight of the Budget Cabins experienced some damage as a result of the fire. All damage to the cabins is repairable. The North and South Motels located outside the historic Lodge complex did not burn.

*The Budget Cabin area originally contained 94 cabins (Utah Parks Company 1928 map revised in 1933). Removal of five cabins in the 1980s brings the current count of Budget cabins to 89 rather than the 91 stated in the National Register nomination for the Lodge.

Impacts to the Grand Canyon Lodge

While analysis is ongoing, preliminary estimates suggest that 25% or less of the Lodge structure remains intact.

Stabilization has involved a combination of protective and preventative measures:

• Removal of historic light fixtures that survived the fire to prevent additional damage and allow for preservation.
• Removal of steel roof beams, which were no longer structurally sound and posed a collapse hazard that could further damage surviving stonework.
• Selective demolition guided by a detailed structural engineering plan. Crews removed only masonry that could not be saved or that posed a risk of collapse. The goal throughout was to protect and retain every possible piece of original stone.
• Tarping and winterization of remaining wall segments to mitigate freeze-thaw damage.
• Perimeter fencing to prevent entry into structurally compromised areas.

Most of the remaining original masonry is located in the southern portions of the Lodge, though salvageable stone exists along all elevations.

Handling and Storage of Materials

To ensure safety and compliance:

• All buildings were tested for hazardous materials. No asbestos or other special-handling materials were found, allowing debris removal to proceed efficiently.
• Unsalvageable debris was transported out of the park via roll-off dumpsters and haul trucks to approved landfills.
• All reusable stone has been collected and stored on the North Rim for potential future use.

Other Impacts and Ongoing Stabilization Efforts

Beyond work at the Lodge and cabin district, several additional North Rim stabilization projects are underway before winter limits access.

• Visitor Center Debris Cleanup – The Visitor Center site is being cleared of all fire-damaged materials to eliminate safety and environmental hazards. Crews are removing bulk debris—including tile, concrete, wood, steel—and clearing soot and ash. Remaining unstable wall sections are being taken down, leaving the area clean and safe for future planning.
• Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) Impacts – A preliminary review has been completed to determine how the fire affected current and planned LRF utility projects on the North Rim.
• BAER Contract – Facility Remediation: BAER-funded work is addressing fire impacts to the wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, damaged vehicles, and connex storage units. Cleaning efforts focus on deodorizing and removing soot, ash, smoke, and other contaminants. (Masonry demolition options in the contract were not exercised.)
• Fire Impact Remediation – NPS and Concession Facilities: Both NPS and concessioner facilities and residences are undergoing cleaning and recovery work to remove soot, ash, and heat-related damage and to dispose of unsalvageable materials.
• Winterization – Crews are winterizing remaining North Rim facilities to protect stabilized structures and utilities from freeze–thaw damage and ensure safe access for 2026 assessments.

Ongoing Collaboration and Looking Ahead

The park has continued to work closely with the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), whose staff visited the site and concurred with the necessity of selective demolition and emergency stabilization. Additional coordination continues with federal, state, and private partners to ensure all actions meet compliance and resource-protection requirements.

Emergency stabilization efforts were completed through the fall to get ahead of winter storms. Planning for the future of the North Rim will be addressed through a separate full planning and NEPA process, which will include public involvement and careful analysis of what reconstruction or rehabilitation options may be feasible. In the months ahead, employees, residents, and stakeholders will continue to receive updates as engineering assessments progress and as planning for long-term recovery takes shape.

In mid to late September—just before the government shutdown—Grand Canyon National Park’s wildlife team completed a highly successful bison collar recovery mission that will significantly advance ecological research and post-fire management.

With support from park leadership, Grand Canyon wildlife biologists recovered 11 GPS collars containing more than one million GPS and accelerometer data points. These datasets will inform USGS studies on bison foraging intensity and provide the first comprehensive look at bison behavior in wildfire-affected landscapes.

To overcome extensive fire-related access limitations, the team implemented a coordinated air-and-ground strategy—combining fixed-wing and helicopter telemetry with ground-based recovery and baiting techniques. In addition to collar recovery, the team successfully collared five bison to support continued monitoring in the coming years.

This work marks a major milestone for wildlife research at Grand Canyon and will play a critical role in guiding future fire recovery and bison management efforts.

Updated First Amendment Demonstration Sites at Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park recently completed the required NEPA/compliance review of all designated First Amendment Demonstration Siteson the South Rim. Based on this review, several changes were made to improve safety, accessibility, and suitability of locations.

These updates include:

• Removal of the site at Shrine of the Ages
• Removal of three sites in Market Plaza and addition of one new Market Plaza site
• Relocation of the Desert View DV2 site
• Expansion of the demonstration sites at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC)
• Closure of North Rim sites due to Dragon Bravo Fire impacts; new locations will be identified in the future

Updated South Rim Demonstration Sites

Grand Canyon Visitor Center – 8 South Entrance Road

• GCVC1: Shade shelter across from the Shuttle Bus Terminal (canyon rim side)
• GCVC2: Fifth shade shelter along the path toward the rim
• GCVC3: Fourth shade shelter along the path toward the rim
• GCVC4: Third shade shelter along the path toward the rim

Market Plaza – Parking Lot B

• MP1: Left side of the Grand Canyon Community Library entrance

Mather Point Amphitheatre

• Large group site on the Rim Trail east of Mather Point

McKee Amphitheatre – 20 South Entrance Road

• Large group site along the path behind Park Headquarters

South Rim Worship Site

• Along the Rim Trail, 0.25 miles west of the Hermit Road Transfer stop

Desert View – 901 Desert View Road

• DV1: Adjacent to brick wall at picnic area, northeast corner of parking lot
• DV2: Directly west of the main restrooms

Updated maps of these locations are available on the park website here.

Winter Shuttle Bus and Campground Updates effective December 1

Shuttle Bus Updates

The Hermits Rest Route will be suspended for the season November 30 and will resume March 1, 2026. From December 1–February 28, visitors will be able to use their private vehicles to access Hermit Road.

Beginning December 1, the Village Route will operate from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., and the Kaibab Route will operate from 8 a.m. until 7:20 p.m. The Hikers’ Express Bus will run at 8 and 9 a.m.

Mather Campground Winter Operations

During the winter season, December 1 through February 28, camping reservations are available at Mather Campground through www.recreation.gov. Visitors can make reservations on recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance for the 2026 season.

The Mather Kiosk (campground office) will be open to sell any remaining campsites not sold through the reservation system. Only the Sage and Pine Loops are open during the winter months.

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 October 20, 2025

Bridger Wright, U.S. Park Ranger, South Rim Patrol

Hello! My name is Bridger Wright, and I’m originally from St. George, Utah. Before joining the National Park Service, I spent eight years in wildland fire with the Arizona Strip BLM—an experience that shaped my career and even my family life. I met my amazing wife, Sahara, while we were both wildland firefighters. She continues that work here at Grand Canyon. We share our home with two wonderful dogs and love taking big adventures together, especially international trips. When I’m off duty, you can usually find me enjoying sushi, lifting weights, playing tabletop games, or diving into the occasional video game.

How long have you worked at GRCA and where are you based?

I’ve officially hit my one-year mark on the South Rim this month!

What might people be surprised to learn about your job?

I was genuinely surprised by the level of camaraderie within the ranger team here at Grand Canyon. The support system is incredible—you feel backed up by everyone, from your fellow officers to leadership. It’s a tight-knit team that truly looks out for one another.

What are you enjoying right now outside of work?

My wife and I have been watching Outlander, a fantastic show set in 1700s Scotland. We actually started it after recently traveling to Scotland for another ranger’s wedding—congratulations again to Max and Jamie!

Night Sky Programs Return This Week

Grand Canyon’s Dark Skies Program is kicking off a new season of night sky events beginning Friday, November 21, with programs continuing through the end of the year.

We’re excited to welcome our newest Grand Canyon Conservancy Astronomer in Residence, Dr. Aomawa Shields, an astronomer, professor at UC Irvine, and author currently working on her upcoming book An Overachiever’s Guide to Joy. Dr. Shields—and several returning Astronomer in Residence alumni—will be leading a series of indoor presentations and outdoor constellation talks.

Featured programs include “Gratitude and Healing in the Fall Night Sky” on Nov. 21 and Nov. 26 from 7–8:30 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater. Visitors will explore fall constellations and the restorative power of Grand Canyon’s dark skies.

Staff and residents are encouraged to display the reusable Night Sky QR-code flyer in buildings across the community to help visitors find the most up-to-date schedule. The QR code links to the regularly updated webpage of upcoming programs and celestial events.

Thanks for helping support Grand Canyon’s Dark Skies Program and sharing these opportunities with our community!

Yoga Nidra Community Series Offered at the South Rim

Community members and employees are invited to participate in a free Yoga Nidra series this month, offered by Dr. Aomawa Shields, Certified Daring to Rest Yoga Nidra Facilitator and current Grand Canyon Conservancy Astronomer in Residence.

Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice that brings participants into a state of deep relaxation between wakefulness and sleep. This restorative practice encourages rest, release, and reflection—an ideal reset during a busy season.

Sessions will be held at the Grand Canyon Community Recreation Center (2 Mohave) on the following dates:

• Friday, November 21 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.
• Monday, November 24 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.
• Monday, December 1 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.

Participants are encouraged to bring items that support comfort and full relaxation, including a yoga mat or blanket, an extra blanket for warmth, a bolster or pillow, an eye mask or scarf, and a journal for post-session reflections. Comfortable clothing and warm socks are recommended. This series is free and open to all South Rim and Tusayan residents, employees, and their families.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Conservancy and Squire Resort host Fall Community Gathering

Join the community for a Fall Family Festival on Saturday, November 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Squire Inn in Tusayan!

Celebrate the season with free food, games, activities, and family fun for all South Rim and Tusayan residents, employees, and their families. Enjoy an all-harvest meal, ice cream sundae bar, pool party, bowling, arcade games, face painting, and more.

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

Grand Canyon Conservancy hosts Community Dinners through Nov. 30

Grand Canyon Conservancy continues to sponsor weekly Community Dinners, bringing the Grand Canyon community together during a challenging time. Complimentary meals are served at Plaza Bonita and the Maswik Lodge cafeteria, available for all South Rim and Tusayan residents, employees, and their families.

These gatherings are open to anyone in the community impacted by the government shutdown, including staff from NPS, GCUSD, Xanterra, Delaware North, GCC, the Forest Service, and local businesses. Come share a meal, reconnect with neighbors, and enjoy a welcoming space to unwind and support one another.

Dates & Locations:

• Plaza Bonita: Sundays, Nov. 16, 23, & 30 (3–9 p.m.)
• Maswik Lodge – Santa Fe Room: Nov. 13, 19, & 26 (5–8 p.m.)

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Kaibab Learning Center to launch Virtual 5k and ‘Rim-to-Rim’ Challenge Fundraiser

Lace up your shoes for the Canyon Dash Virtual 5k and Rim-to-Rim Challenge, a fundraiser from Nov. 23- Dec. 6 benefiting Kaibab Learning Center, a non-profit childcare center located here in the park. Whether you run, walk, or hike your miles, you’ll be helping KLC provide high-quality early education and care for the families who live and work in the Grand Canyon community.

More details, including sign up information can be found on KLC’s website here.

Town of Tusayan Holiday Festival and Drone & Light Show

On Thursday, December 4, the Town of Tusayan will be hosting a Holiday Festival and Drone and Light Show beginning at 5 p.m. at the Tusayan Sports Complex located along Long Jim Loop Road. Santa will be present and hot chocolate and soup will be offered. The holiday lights will be on display each evening at the Tusayan Sports Complex from Thanksgiving to New Years.

All community members are welcome, and more information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Residential Holiday Lights Walk — Dec. 5

Residents of Randy Thompson Circle and Bob Mahn Street are announcing the fourth annual Holiday Lights Walk. The event will occur on Friday, December 5 from 6–8 p.m. and will feature holiday lights, hot cocoa, and more.

All community members are welcome, and more information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Christmas Bazaar Vendor Fair at Squire Resort — Dec. 6

The Grand Canyon Community Church is once again hosting its annual Christmas Bazaar market. The event will be held at the Squire Resort Navajo Room in Tusayan from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, December 6. Arts and crafts will be available for sale from local vendors here in the community.

All community members are welcome, and more information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Angel Tree donations now being accepted through Dec. 12

Delaware North is excited to announce the return of the Angel Tree gift donation program for this holiday season. This initiative aims to support local children in need, and DNC invites everyone to participate by dropping off gifts at the Canyon Village Market customer service desk.

Donations will be accepted now through Thursday, December 11. For more information, see the attached flyer here.

New Canyon Closet Hours for Nov. and Dec. announced

Canyon Closet, located in the High School building upstairs, has announced its November and December hours. The Closet continues to be open exclusively for students and their families on Wednesdays from 4:15-5:30 p.m. and every other Friday to the public from 9-11 a.m.

More details, including the schedule can be found in the attached flyer here.

Save the Date — Santa Breakfast at Grand Canyon School Dec. 13

On Saturday, December 13, join Santa at the Grand Canyon School cafeteria for a Santa Breakfast, sponsored by the Grand Canyon School. Breakfast is $5 per plate and all proceeds will benefit the 8th grade class field trip to Washington D.C.

A vendor market will also be occurring simultaneously as well as holiday crafts and a Toys for Tots pickup.

For more information, see the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-9 p.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 7-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9:30 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.- 9:30 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 7-10 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.), patio and beer garden closed until spring 2026
• 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, closed until spring 2026

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10 a.m., dinner 5-8 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 11-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 8 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: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., bike tours suspended until spring 2026
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from November 15 to 30
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Yavapai Geology Museum: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Kolb Studio and Verkamp’s: 8 a.m.-6 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.
• Grand Canyon Yoga provides trauma-sensitive yoga for our community. View the class schedule and learn more at www.grandcanyonyoga.com.
• Shuttle Bus Summer Schedule (Sept. 6-Nov. 30, 2025)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6 a.m.-7:50 p.m.
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 6, 7, and 8 a.m.
• Inner Canyon:
• CLOSED: River Trail east of River Resthouse to South Kaibab Trail junction through Dec. 31, 2025
• CLOSED: Silver Bridge through Dec. 31, 2025
• CLOSED: Plateau Point Trail through May 2026
• CLOSED: North Kaibab Trail north of Clear Creek Trail Junction

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. with the last tower access at 4:30 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), retail closed for the 2025 season

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

• Inversion over the canyon on Thursday, Nov. 20 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Pre and post demolition on the veranda of the Grand Canyon Lodge (October and November 2025) (NPS Photos)
• Photo collage showing bison collar recovery efforts on the North Rim in September (NPS Photos)
• U.S. Park Ranger, Bridger Wright (Photo courtesy of B. Wright)
• Performance during Native American Heritage Month Festival at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center on Nov. 20 (NPS Photo/D. Pawlak)
• Dr. Aomawa Shields, GCC Astronomer in Residence (Photo courtesy of GCC)