Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $905 million to local economy in 2024

In 2024, 4.9 million visitors to Grand Canyon National Park spent an estimated $905 million in local gateway regions while visiting the park. These expenditures supported a total of 8,780 jobs, $393 million in labor income, $698 million in value added, and $1.1 billion in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.

“Our parks are making a meaningful difference in local communities,” said Jessica Bowron, Comptroller, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the Director, National Park Service. “These communities are essential partners in creating memorable visitor experiences, advancing conservation goals, and strengthening the economic health of areas surrounding public lands.”

The National Park Service report, 2024 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, finds that visitors spent $29 billion in communities near national parks. This spending provided $18.8 billion in labor income and $56.3 billion in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $11.1 billion in economic output. Restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.7 billion in economic output.

An interactive tool is available to explore visitor spending, labor income, and total economic contribution by sector for national, state, and local economies. Users can also view year-by-year trend data. The interactive tool and report are available on the NPS website.

The Grand Canyon Trail Crew recently completed the installation of new benches at the Yavapai Amphitheater. The benches were crafted from locally sourced ponderosa pines harvested at the future site of the park’s new bus station.

Reusing these materials supports sustainable practices, improves visitor comfort, and maintains a natural look that fits seamlessly with the amphitheater’s surroundings.

Wildlife Crew Completes Major Fence Line Repairs to Protect Park Resources

After completing surveys of the park’s south boundary fence line in 2023 and 2024, Grand Canyon’s Wildlife Crew identified 271 breaches across roughly 50 miles of fencing. These gaps in the fence allowed horses and cattle to enter the park, where their presence can negatively impact vegetation, water sources, and other natural and cultural resources.

This summer, the Wildlife Crew worked alongside Grand Canyon Trust volunteers, Arizona Conservation Corps (AZCC) crews, and members of the NPS Vegetation and Trails teams to address the problem. Together, they successfully repaired 263 of the identified breachesalong the stretch of boundary spanning from Pasture Wash to the Highway 64 intersection near Desert View.

These repairs are a critical step toward preventing future livestock intrusions, helping to protect fragile habitats and preserve the integrity of park resources for both wildlife and visitors. A map showing the fence breaches as of May 2025 can be found here. A map showing current fence breaches as of August 2025 can be found here.

2025 California Condor Release

Saturday, September 27 at 11am MST (12 p.m. MDT)

The Peregrine Fund and the Bureau of Land Management Vermilion Cliffs National Monument are hosting their 29th annual condor release on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 27, by releasing five young California condors.

The event will be held in person at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and will also be livestreamed via the Peregrine Fund’s YouTube channel. Learn more about the in-person event and how to tune into the live stream by visiting the Peregrine Fund’s website here.

Astronomer in Residence Evening Programs

All programs start at 8 p.m. in the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Theater.

Friday, September 26 – 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 a laser-guided stargazing outdoors.

Saturday, September 27 – 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 just our planetary neighbors, but exotic planets hiding in Grand Canyon’s dark skies. The theater presentation is followed by a laser-guided stargazing outdoors.

Astronomer in Residence, Laura-May Abron, a French-U.S. astronomer, science communicator and artist from Paris, works at Griffith Observatory on asteroid research, and has had her science art featured by NASA, New Scientist, Spaceweather.com, and international galleries.

Hawkwatch International Raptor Migration Programs

When: September 12 through November 3, 2025—every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10:30 a.m. and 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. For more details, see the attached flyer here.

Cultural Demonstrations at Desert View Watchtower

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

➡️ Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 25-27

Gary Custer (Diné/Navajo) – A master of traditional tufa-cast silverwork, Gary’s jewelry is both elegant and deeply rooted in his Diné heritage.

Jessica Lomatewama (Hopi) – An expert in traditional Hopi basketry, Jessica uses natural materials and designs passed down through generations.

Justin Lomatewama (Hopi) – Known for his finely crafted kachina dolls, Justin brings cultural accuracy and artistic excellence to this important Hopi tradition.

➡️ Monday and Tuesday, September 29 and 30

Roman Skow (Diné/Navajo) – Roman interprets ancient rock art imagery in his own artistic style, bridging ancestral symbols with modern visual storytelling.

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

Making Impact through Music and Storytelling

We’re honored to welcome Nataanii Means, an internationally recognized hip-hop artist of Oglala Lakota, UmoNhoN (Omaha), and Diné Nations.

Raised in Chinle, Arizona on the Navajo Nation, Nataanii uses hip-hop to amplify the voices of his people—sharing personal stories, cultural truths, and powerful messages that inspire across generations.

🎶 Performance Schedule:

Sept 29 – McKee Amphitheater | 6:45 PM

Sept 30 – Desert View Watchtower | 5:30 PM

Join us in celebrating the impact of music, resilience, and storytelling through Nataanii’s work!

On September 18, 2025, nearly 100 students from Grand Canyon School participated in the annual Bike Rodeo, a fun-filled afternoon focused on bike safety and skills.

The event featured a bike agility course, helmet and safety education, bike maintenance lessons, and even free minor repairs to keep students’ bikes in top shape. For those without bikes, Canyon Adventure Bikes provided equipment so everyone could join in. The day was made possible through a collaborative effort between South Rim Patrol, EMS, PSAR, ISB, and Canyon Adventure Bikes, along with School Resource Officer Morris, who helped organize and lead the event.

Thanks to everyone who supported this important program!

Native Plant Giveaway for local residents continues through Sept. 26

The NPS Vegetation Crew is continuing its Native Plant Giveaway this evening (9/25) and tomorrow (9/26) from 4-6 p.m. These are pollinator-friendly plants that can attract bees, birds, and butterflies. Many are drought tolerant.

Plant pickup will be at the Grand Canyon Nursery located at 1402 Kennel Road. If you are interested but unavailable these dates/times, contact Catrina_Whitton@nps.gov.

More information on this event 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: 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: 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.

• View from the Ken Patrick Trail this week, approximately one mile south of Point Imperial on the North Rim (NPS Photo/A. Gibson)
• Sunrise from Mather Point in 2024 (NPS Photo/J. Baird)
• New benches at the Yavapai Point Amphitheater (NPS Photo/A. Leavy)
• Repairing of the South Boundary fence, summer 2025 (NPS Photo/A. Mueller)
• Condor 1221 leaves the pen at the 2024 annual condor release (Photo: Karine Aigner)
• Grand Canyon School Bike Rodeo collage (NPS Photos)