Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 8-12, 2025

Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Sept. 11

Significant progress continues on the Dragon Bravo Fire, which is now 86% contained at 145,504 acres with 617 personnel assigned.

Today at 6 a.m., the Kaibab National Forest reopened approximately 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District. This step was made possible thanks to extensive suppression repair work, including hazard tree removal and safety improvements along roads and trails. While more areas are now accessible, several roads remain closed. For the latest road status, maps, and closure information, visit the Kaibab National Forest Alerts page.

On Monday, September 8, J. Hank Hester, 70, of Priest River, Idaho, was actively supporting Dragon Bravo Fire operations when he suffered a cardiac emergency while conducting hazard tree removal work. Despite rapid response from line paramedics, resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful.

Southwest Area Incident Management Team 3 and all incident personnel deeply appreciate Hank’s dedication to his profession and the communities he served. “Our deepest condolences go out to the Hester family and friends during this very tragic time. Hank is a member of our wildfire family and will be deeply missed,” said Incident Commander Matt Rau. Support services are being provided to fellow firefighters and friends impacted by this loss.

For the latest fire information updates, please visit the CIMT Inciweb page here.

Elk Rut Safety Reminder – It’s That Time of Year Again!

From now through mid-October, male elk (bulls) are in a period known as the rut. During this time, they can be extremely aggressive as they compete with other bulls and attempt to impress and protect their group of females (cows).

Stay alert when walking on greenways, paths, and trails in and around the park. If you encounter a bull elk, try to keep a tree or other large obstacle between you and him. Please keep a safe distance of at least 100 feet, and never approach, water, or feed elk. If you see an aggressive elk in the community, call dispatch at 928-638-7805 so an on-call wildlife staff member can respond.

For more elk safety tips during rut season, check out the attached flyer here.

Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts conclude this weekend

The festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with jazz and blues.

All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation with a suggested donation of $20. Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

This Week’s Music Festival Concerts:

• Friday, September 12 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Quartet in Eb Major, K.493, David Amram Variations for Flute and Piano, Gabriel FauréPiano Quintet No. 1 in D minor, Opus 89
• Saturday, September 13 – Robert Schumann Piano Quintet in Eb Major, Opus 44, Franz Schubert String Quintet in C Major, D.956

Save the Date for the 17th Annual Grand Canyon Celebration of Art

Hosted each year by Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art is an annual event that includes 4 days of art related events (September 18 through 21) followed by a 6-month long exhibition in Kolb Studio on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

Park visitors and residents have the opportunity to watch a group of 22 artists paint “en plein air,” along the South Rim, as they seek to represent the shifting light and shadows, amazing landforms, and extraordinary colors of this vast landscape.

The schedule of events for next week can be found here.

Rob Billerbeck – Chief of Science and Resource Management

Written by: Leah Flake – Grand Canyon North Rim Scientist-in-Parks

Fated Encounters on the Frontier

On his first trip out west, Rob Billerbeck met the two greatest loves of his life – his wife and western national parks. At age 21, the Maryland native ventured to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. On his journey, he met his future wife stranded on the side of the road and helped change a flat tire. In addition to this fated first encounter, Rob was taken by the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Colorado and knew this was where he would establish himself in a career with state and national parks.

Collaboration: The Key to Successful Conservation

Though Rob would go on to spend 27 years living and working in Colorado, his legacy in the world of biology began on the East coast. Rob graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and an interest in invasive and rare species, as well as population biology. This fixation prompted his contributions to projects across the Americas from monitoring lemon sharks in the Bahamas to primate studies in Brazil.

After completing a master’s degree in conservation biology and sustainable development, Rob came to a pivotal realization that would shape the trajectory of his career. The true challenge in conservation lies not just in science, but in fostering collaboration among people.

Bridging Regions and Protecting Resources

Rob spent 13 years with Colorado State Parks before joining the NPS. His NPS journey included roles as the Colorado River Coordinator for 14 years and, starting in 2025, the natural resources division manager for the Intermountain Region. As of August 2025, he serves as the Chief of Science and Resource Management at Grand Canyon National Park, where he oversees programs spanning cultural resources, wildlife, geophysical sciences, fisheries, vegetation, and research permitting.

Even with his recent transition, Rob continues to carry responsibilities from his role as Colorado River Coordinator for the Intermountain Region—a testament that his commitment to conservation runs as deep and wide as the Colorado River!

Hawkwatch International Biologists Return to Present Fall Raptor Migration Programs

During September and October, a variety of raptors and other birds soar southward over Grand Canyon. Learn about their remarkable journey, and why we count them every fall.

When: September 12 through November 3, 2025 — every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. (30 minutes)

Where: Yaki Point on the South Rim. To access Yaki Point, park at the Visitor Center and take the Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route shuttle bus to Yaki Point. The buses run every 15 minutes from 6 a.m. until one hour after sunset. Vehicle parking is not available at Yaki Point —buses provide the only form of motorized transportation.

After their introductory talk, interested visitors may accompany the Hawkwatch biologists to the Raptor Monitoring Site, a short walk southwest of Yaki Point. You are welcome to stay for a few minutes or an hour for a guided spotting session. Learn about raptor ecology, and identification, along with HWI’s ongoing research efforts.

For more details, see the attached flyer here.

Astronomer in Residence Laura-May Abron’s Evening Programs

Presentations this weekend take place in the Visitor Center Theater at 8 p.m.

Friday, September 12 – The Sun at Maximum

• Discover our closest variable star as it reaches its peak in activity in over a decade. Join us to learn about and safely observe sunspots, prominences, and if you’re lucky, solar flares. The theater presentation is followed by laser-guided stargazing outdoors.

Saturday, September 13 – Not Just Stars… Star Systems!

• “Born too late to explore earth, born too early to explore the galaxy?” …Not quite. Join us as we discover not only our planetary neighbors, but exotic planets hiding in Grand Canyon’s dark skies. The theater presentation is followed by laser-guided stargazing outdoors.

A flyer with more information for both of these events can be found here.

Cultural Demonstrator at Hopi House – Saturday and Sunday, September 13, 14

It is with great pleasure that Hopi House welcomes back highly acclaimed Santa Clara fashion designer and contemporary painter, Michelle Tsosie Sisneros. Along with demonstrating her painting techniques, Michelle is bringing a wide assortment of her clothing designs for guests to choose from. Her prints and notecards will also be available.

“I am a painter and an Indigenous Clothing Designer. I have integrated other art forms into my professional art life such as jewelry and pueblo pottery; these mediums have served my creative process in many challenging ways such as form and technique. I paint in acrylic, watercolor, pastel, and various printmaking forms. My imagery reflects unique blend of traditional stories of spirit animals such as deer, buffalo, and birds in whimsical forms with colorful background landscapes as well painting the strength of women in our traditional and contemporary lifestyle settings.“

A flyer for this event can be found here.

Cultural Demonstration at Desert View Watchtower

Demonstrations take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Desert View Watchtower.

➡️ Monday and Tuesday, September 15 and 16

Patrick Yellowhorse (Diné/Navajo) – With meticulous craftsmanship, Patrick creates timeless silver jewelry often featuring turquoise and hand-stamped patterns.

More information on the Cultural Demonstration Program can be found here.

Special Cultural Performances with the Cellicion Zuni Dancers

The Cellicion Zuni Dancers are a multigenerational performance group from Zuni Pueblo that preserves traditional Zuni dance and songs. They’ve toured across the globe sharing cultural stories through rhythm, song, and movement.

Performance Schedule

• Desert View Watchtower – Monday, September 15, at 5:45 p.m.
• Visitor Center Plaza – Tuesday, September 16, at 10:00 a.m.
• Canyon Rim Trail near Hopi House – Tuesday, September 16, at 1:00 p.m.

More information on these Indigenous dances as well as upcoming special events throughout the month can be found in the attached flyer here.

Library hosts Game Night Tuesday, Sept. 16

The Grand Canyon Community Library will be hosting a Game Night on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 5-7 p.m. Bring your favorite board or card game to play or try one from the library’s collection. A Nintendo Switch and games will be available to play.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Kaibab Learning Center hosts Food Sale & Movie Night — Thursday, Sept. 18

Kaibab Learning Center will host a family movie night and food/bake sale on Thursday, Sept. 18 at the Grand Canyon Rec Center Ramada. A food sale and the bake sale will begin at 6 p.m. with the movie, ‘Bad Guys 2’ beginning at 6:30 p.m.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

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 4:30-8:30 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 11-9 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 6:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Deli 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Camper Services, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
• Mather Campground Store, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 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: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Visitor Center Plaza: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Kolb Studio: 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.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.
• 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: Oct. 21, 2024-Oct. 31, 2025
• CLOSED: Silver Bridge: Oct. 21, 2024-Nov. 26, 2025
• CLOSED: South Kaibab Trail below Tip Off through Oct. 31, 2025

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop, 7:30 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: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

• Known as the Corn Moon, this September moon has long been a seasonal marker for harvest time. As seen from Yavapai Point on Sunday, Sept. 7 (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Suppression repair work continues on the Dragon Bravo Fire (CIMT Photo)
• A bull elk spotted in the South Rim residential area on Sept. 9 (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• David Haskell Painting during the 2010 Celebration of Art (NPS Photo/M. Quinn)
• Rob Billerbeck, Chief of Science and Resource Management (Photo courtesy of R. Billerbeck)
• Patrick Yellowhorse turquoise inlay (Photo courtesy of P. Yellowhorse)
• Milky Way photo by Laura-May Abron, ASTiR