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NATIONAL PARK CENTENNIAL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2019 |
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MICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
A view just before sunset from Powell Point along Hermit Road on the South Rim.
2019 marks big point along ancient timeline have been the first Europeans to see the canyon. Seeking a water source in 1540, the Spanish reportedly moved on after finding the river in the canyon’s depths to be unattainable. Mostly unexplored until the second half of the 1800s, Joseph Christmas Ives and John Wesley Powell brought the Grand Canyon into greater public view after their risky expeditions – Ives in 18571858 and Powell in 1869 and 1872. Following the explorers, prospectors and entrepreneurs began arriving to the canyon. Some of these included Dan Hogan, Louis Boucher, Pete Berry, Ralph and Niles Cameron, Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, John Verkamp and David Rust. The Fred Harvey Company and architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter have had a lasting impact on South Rim visitor services and accomodations.
NANCY WIECHEC
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Arizona Daily Sun
ne hundred years is a tiny speck along the ancient timeline of the Grand Canyon. Yet this year marks a significant point for the natural wonder—the centennial of Grand Canyon National Park. Known first to Native people and later to a few adventurous explorers and settlers, the Grand Canyon began to draw visitors in earnest at the start of the 20th century. The Grand Canyon Railway, completed in 1901, had much to do with making the canyon accessible to more people. By the time it was named a national park in 1919, the canyon was well on its way to becoming a much-loved destination. It was that year on Feb. 26 that our nation’s leaders set aside the great chasm “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” The act to reserve the Grand Canyon as a Visitors venture onto an outcrop for photos on the South Rim. public treasure was applauded by most, but it had its detractors, including some individuals looking to profit from the land and tourism. Still today, the landscape’s most pressing issues are protection from development and those looking to take advantage of cultural and natural resources.
Grand destination
NANCY WIECHEC
Canyon formation
The Grand Canyon is the result of geological events that began nearly 2 billion years ago. Volcanic activity, plate tectonics and erosion all played a role in its formation. Other forces, especially the Colorado River and its tributaries, have been carving the landscape for about 6 million years. The river has had the most recent influence on the canyon’s depth and width, creating a spectacle of carved rock with striking colors and shapes. With an average depth of about a mile, the canyon is 18 miles across at its widest and 277 miles long. It represents the earth’s best exposed example of geological history. But geology is only one
NANCY WIECHEC
piece of the canyon’s venerable A selfie is an essential keepsake. story. ple have lived in and around the Human history canyon for several thousand years. People have been part of the Up until the 1800s, the Grand Grand Canyon for 12,000 or more Canyon was known mainly to years. Archeological evidence Native tribes that lived in and points to hunter-gatherers pass- around its rim. Havasupai, Hopi, ing through, and Puebloan peo- Hualapai, Diné (Navajo), Zuni,
Paiute, Apache and Yavapai people have connections to the canyon. Havasupai members continue to live in the inner gorge in Supai, a village only accessible by foot, mule or helicopter. Spanish explorers are said to
During its first year as a national park, the Grand Canyon had 37,745 recorded visitors. Nearly a century later in 2017, Grand Canyon National Park saw a record 6.25 million visitor. The vast majority of visitors linger at viewpoints along the South Rim. In fact, according to park records, most tourists spend less than eight hours at the Grand Canyon. The same features that make the canyon awe-inspiring make a more adventurous trip out of reach for many. Backcountry trips and river expeditions require more advance planning, can be expensive and are regulated by the park service. In 2017, just less than 313,000 people camped in the backcountry of the Grand Canyon and even fewer — 25,000 — toured the canyon on the Colorado River by either commercial or private boat trips. Enthusiasm for outdoor activities and proximity to the canyon seem to put people at an advantage for a Grand Canyon adventure. Park statistics reveal Please see CENTENNIAL, Page A2
MICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE M 1
Visitors at Mather Point view the canyon during a spring storm.
NANCY WIECHEC
A cow elk forages on the rim near Pima Point.
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The canyon receives more than 6 million annual visitors.
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Mather Point is one of the most-visited points because it’s closest to the park’s southern entrance and visitor services.
Centennial From A2
the majority of people hiking or boating the wilds of the canyon are from Arizona, California or Colorado. The canyon’s North Rim is less of a destination than the South Rim because the North Rim is a much farther drive and only open from mid-May to mid-October. Still, it attracts about 500,000 people a year. Traveling from the South Rim to the North Rim is 220 miles by roadway. On foot, one can hike 21 miles rim to rim via the Kaibab trails, or take a longer trek from the Bright Angel Trail to the North Kaibab Trail or vice versa. Either way, a rim-to-rim hike takes planning, effort, endurance and time. An online forum, https:// www.rimtorim.org, recognizes and informs rim-to-rim hikers. Although the Grand Canyon is a destination for people worldwide, it’s not the most visited national park. That title belongs to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has more than 11 million annual visitors and much more easily accessible terrain. Grand Canyon National Park is the second-most visited, with Zion, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks following, each having around 4 The Pollen Trail Dancers have been giving canyon visitors a taste of Native history and culture for 18 years. million visitors a year. The economic impact of the Grand Canyon on northern Arizona, including the gateway cities of Flagstaff and Williams, is substantial. According to a 2018 National Park Service report, the more than 6 million recreational visitors to Grand Canyon National Park in 2017 spent $667 million in communities near the park. The report said the spending supported 9,423 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit of $938 million to the local economy.
NANCY WIECHEC
Park partners
Grand Canyon Conservancy and the National Park Foundation are nonprofit groups that work in tandem with the National Park Service to educate, inform and care for the natural, cultural and historic treasures in Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to the park service itself, these organizations are great resources for visitors. To mark the park’s centennial, Grand Canyon National Park and the libraries of Arizona State Uni-
NANCY WIECHEC
The south entrance of the park takes in the majority of visitors. versity and Northern Arizona University have partnered on an online project to make thousands of historical documents and photos related to the canyon available to the public. The repository can be accessed at https://lib.asu. edu/grand100.
Also, Special Collections and Archives at NAU’s Cline Library is exhibiting “Splendor and Spectacle, the 100 Year Journey of Grand Canyon National Park” through September. It captures multiple perspectives on the park including scientific study and discovery,
MARK LELLOUCH, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Boaters run Lava Falls rapid on the Colorado River. A river trip through the Grand Canyon is an opportunity of a lifetime for most. exploration, river running, mining and tourism. A focal point is the display of two historic river-running boats. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular hours. The park and its partners will
celebrate the park’s centennial year with special programs and events throughout 2019. See pages 9-11 for a listing. It’s a grand moment to visit and learn more about Grand Canyon National Park.
MICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Hikers descend South Kaibab Trail. The formation in the foreground is O’Neill Butte, named after William “Bucky” O’Neill, a pioneer prospector and Grand Canyon promoter during the 1890’s.
NANCY WIECHEC
Most visitors to the Grand Canyon spend their time at South Rim viewpoints near the village.
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Conservancy partners with park for
PRESERVATION, EDUCATION GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY
An iconic American landscape, the Grand Canyon inspires art, music, poetry, love of nature and sheer awe for millions of people around the world. One of the crown jewels of the National Park System, the Grand Canyon is home to some of our nation’s most significant natural, historic and cultural treasures. It is a powerful and memorable experience for those who visit and a beacon for those who have not been yet. The Grand Canyon is among Facebook’s top 20 most “liked” destinations in the world, and visitors come from every state and more than 150 countries to view its shapes and colors and experience its wonder. Spanning 277 miles of the Colorado River and adjacent lands, Grand Canyon National Park is located entirely in northern Arizona. Most visitors choose to see the park from overlooks along the South Rim, which includes the historic Grand Canyon Village, Hermit Road and Desert View Drive. The South Rim is open 24-hours a day, all 365 days of the year. If you’re the more adventurous type, the North Rim is 10 miles across the canyon from the South Rim and is seen by only 10 percent of all Grand Canyon visitors. Driving from the South Rim to the North Rim by car is a five-hour drive of 220 miles. The North Rim has a shorter season, with lodging and restaurants open May 15 to October 15.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. The conservancy raises private funds, operates retail shops within the park, and provides premier guided educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Conservancy supporters fund various park projects in-
TERRI ATTRIDGE, COURTESY OF THE GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY
Kids take part in a Grand Canyon youth program offered by the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
Field Institute Offerings
TERRI ATTRIDGE, COURTESY OF THE GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY
Photography courses offered by the GCC Field Institute are quite popular. cluding trails and building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and habitat. Formerly known as the Grand Canyon Natural History Association and Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon Conservancy was formed as a cooperating association of Grand Canyon National Park.
Cooperating associations are private, nonprofit organizations whose missions are “to support museums, libraries, exhibits, publications, and other aspects of the interpretive, educational, and scientific research programs” of federally protected lands. Such associations date back nearly to the origins of the National Park Service, with the first, the Yo-
Day hike courses and tours
Multi-day rim courses and tours
One-day classes and tours are perfect for individuals, families, and small groups with limited time who want an engaging insider’s tour of the South Rim and its famous trails. Backpacking courses and trips
Multi-day rim classes and tours are for those seeking breathtaking views, rim walks, day hikes below the canyon’s rim, and in-depth instruction on a variety of intriguing topics.
Backpacking classes are for adventurous types. Trek to remote areas in the heart of Grand Canyon. See waterfalls, wildlife, geologic wonders and more.
To view a complete list of Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute classes and tours, and to sign up, visit www.grandcanyon.org/classes-tours.
semite Museum Association, now Yosemite Conservancy, established at Yosemite National Park in 1923. Grand Canyon Conservancy was founded by park naturalist Edwin D. “Eddie” McKee in 1932 as the fourth cooperating association in the United States. Marking the centennial of Grand Canyon National Park, the conservancy has launched a $15 million fundraising campaign for park improvements. The Grand Vision Campaign priorities include dark sky preservation at the canyon, restoration at the Desert View inter-tribal heritage site, trail upkeep, and discovery and exploration programs.
The conservancy’s field institute helps fulfill that last priority with hands-on educational events accommodating people from all walks of life. Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Field Institute serves thousands of visitors each year. Offering fun and informative educational courses and guided hiking tours, institute programs are perfect for everyone from seasoned backpackers to families with children on their first visit to the canyon. Courses include family backpacking, natural and cultural history, photography, art, yoga, wilderness skills, service-based classes, women-only classes and much more.
In the park GRAND slam.
The Grand Canyon is our backyard. flagstaffarizona.org
Pick up y your
FREE 2019 20 Visitor Guide
at the Flagstaff Visitor Center Route 66. 1 E. R M 1
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Tables
with a
view
PHOTOS BY NANCY WIECHEC
El Tovar waitstaff is attentive to details even as they serve around 500 visitors each day.
El Tovar celebrates tradition, elegance GAIL COLLINS
Cumin-cilantro olive oil complements the crab stack appetizer.
Northern Arizona’s Mountain Living Magazine
The best things in life change little. Honed by time and elements, their inherent value grows dearer. This is true of the Grand Canyon’s vistas and the fare served in El Tovar’s dining room, where the panorama from a coveted table may distract you from the favored French onion soup. The signature recipe has stood for nearly four decades. Though a typical room at the lodge cost $4 per night when it opened in 1905, the standards have remained as high as the “perpendicular mile from rim to river,” as recorded in the primer on El Tovar in the Princeton University Library Collection of Western Americana. El Tovar captivates guests with a grand entry. Its dark timber, Native American rugs and art, and array of wildlife on display matches the natural grandeur of its perch on canyon’s edge. “The Grand Canyon is the destination of a lifetime,” said executive chef Matthew McTigue. “El Tovar is on par with that.” McTigue interned in the kitchen before graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1995, and the job hasn’t lost its allure. While it’s challenging to recruit to a remote locale, dedicated staff has built a life there with careers clocking 20 to 40 years. Thomas Ratz has served guests for 38 years. His affection for the park extended to stenciling red deer on the dining room walls, redolent of pictographs on Bright Angel Trail, and collecting Fred Harvey memorabilia. Harvey was a talented visionary, who fulfilled the need for quality hotels and service for weary travelers heading West. “We are like a family,” McTigue said. “People have raised their kids here.” This tight community inhabits homes listed on the historic register, and some walk to work. The Grand Canyon attracts an international crowd, and El Tovar’s menu reflects a comparable continental cuisine with a Southwest streak. It is classic, yet seasoned. Tamales are made inhouse with tender, seasoned shreds of beef or pork chili and served with chipotle crema. Savory scallops float on mango puree with prickly pear syrup balancing a raw, lively pineapple-jicama slaw. Soup de jour invites ladling in the bacon-corn chowder, hearty with chunky potato and queso fresco or the heritage onion with sweet ribbons swimming in ro-
The canyon can be seen from several tables in El Tovar’s massive dining room.
The Mimbreño china used at El Tovar was originally designed in 1936 by Mary Jane Elizabeth Colter for the Santa Fe Railway and Fred Harvey Company. The china is now manufactured in Tucson by HF Coors with attention to authentic colors and patterns. bust broth. “It is deceptively simple,” admitted McTigue. The recipe can even be found on tea towels for sale in the gift shop. The crab stack is the chef’s creation piling lump meat with avocado and tomato plus cumin and cilantro olive oil and topped with hand-battered onion rings. The house salad boasts shredded jicama, goat cheese, berries, tomatoes and pine nuts for a gorgeous beginning to any meal. Spinach salad with gorgonzola, bacon and fried shallots on a wheel of Granny Smith apples and endive creates a complex flavor profile. Try the lively salmon tostada, layered with mixed greens, roasted corn salsa and crema with a side of black beans and rice. The New York strip is Arizona grown, crusted in a coffee-cumin rub, and served with a demi-glace crafted of New Belgium’s 1554 Black Lager and a side of pepper-jack potato wedges. The mixed grill includes filet mignon, semi-boneless quail and poached shrimp with brown-butter mashed potatoes to fill a belly decadently. The sea bass is moist with a roasted tomato and fennel sauce plus sprightly sweet drop peppers and bright snap peas. Cauliflower puree with saffron adds velvety appeal. An extensive list of mostly domestic wines and some local brews are
available to accompany the meal. To close, seriously sweet choices, such as fruit sabayon, a chocolate mousse taco, flourless chocolate cake with crème anglaise and strawberry sauce and seasonal crème brûlée tempt diners. “We want to serve people and make them happy,” said McTigue. “We are the entrance to the experience at the Grand Canyon.” Like the eternal canyon, meals come plated on timeless Mimbreño china. Crafted by architect Mary Colter with Native American-inspired images in black and grey, the china mimics that used in dining cars on the Santa Fe Railway, which once brought guests to El Tovar. On a busy day, the restaurant serves 500 guests, and it’s usually busy. “The atmosphere at the Grand Canyon is something to admire every day,” said McTigue. “We see it fresh through others’ eyes.” That includes an impressive guest list, such as Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and celebrities like Nicholas Cage, Al Pacino, Will Smith and Ron Howard. McTigue reminded, “Still, we are all made small by the Grand Canyon.” The chef’s stellar advice: After dinner, go out and look up at the night sky, where the stars seem brighter and closer than elsewhere. “It’s the best show on the planet.”
#AmericasObservatory www.lowell.edu | Flagstaff, AZ | (928) 774-3358
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Words can’t describe its beauty. Or what it means to Arizona. Happy Centennial to the Grand Canyon and thank you to the Grand Canyon Conservancy for your ongoing stewardship.
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1970
1906 John Verkamp opens first curio shop at the canyon
1908 President Theodore Roosevelt establishes Grand Canyon National Monument Jan. 11
1911
Trans-Canyon Pipeline is finished, carries water from Roaring Springs on North Rim to South Rim village
1975 Congress passes the Grand Canyon National Park Enlargement Act in which Marble Canyon to the west and Grand Canyon National Monument to the east become part of the park; Grand Canyon Village is designated a National Historic Landmark District
1979 Grand Canyon National Park is designated a World Heritage Site
1984 Grand Canyon Historical Society is founded in Flagstaff
1987
Grand Canyon Lodge is named National Historic Landmark
KOLB BROS., NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Theodore Roosevelt leads a group of men and women on mules down the Bright Angel Trail in 1911. MICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
1919 Congress creates Grand Canyon National Park Feb. 26
Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim is often the first prominent feature that visitors see, even before viewing the canyon. A long patio in back overlooks the chasm.
1922 Fred Harvey begins to construct Phantom Ranch at the same place at the bottom of the canyon where David Rust’s camp operated from 1907-1919
1924 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Map of Grand Canyon National Park circa 1940
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK TIMELINE OF KEY EVENTS
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COMPILED BY GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY AND THE ARIZONA DAILY SUN
he Grand Canyon has lured humans for millennia. Archeological evidence puts people in the canyon as far back as 12,000 years ago. European contact began in 1540, but up until the mid-
1800s non-Native people would refer to the canyon as “the great unknown.” Expeditions led by John Wesley Powell greatly expanded knowledge of the Grand Canyon and its people, and pioneer settlers began arriving to the rim in the 1880s. Of all the Native people that associate with the canyon, the Havasupai are the only ones who continue to live in the inner gorge as they have for centuries. The National Park Service has served as custodian of the canyon for the last 100 years. Its aim is to preserve the natural and
Construction begins on the South Kaibab Trail, which would later link to the North Kaibab Trail providing a rimto-rim route
1990
1927 Grand Canyon Lodge at North Rim opens
Grand Canyon Conservancy creates retail store and exhibit at Kolb Studio
1928
1993
Kaibab Suspension Bridge (also known as the Black Bridge) is completed; Bright Angel Trail is ceded to the National Park Service
1932
Edwin “Eddie” McKee creates Grand Canyon Natural History Association, now known as Grand Canyon Conservancy; Mary Colter designs Desert View Watchtower
2000-1000 B.C. Humans leave split-twig figurines in remote caves set in canyon’s Redwall Limestone
1869 Major John Wesley Powell and his crew successfully travel down the Colorado River
1994 2001 Grand Canyon Railway celebrates 100th anniversary
2009 Grand Canyon Conservancy hosts first Celebration of Art at canyon
2011
1893 President Benjamin Harrison names canyon a forest preserve
1900 Santa Fe and Grand Canyon Railway begins bringing tourists to the canyon
1901
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Thomas Moran paints Grand Canyon
Construction of the Desert View Watchtower circa 1932.
1903
KOLB BROS.
Kolb brothers, Emery and Ellsworth, establish their canyon photography business
A mule party makes its way down a steep portion of the Bright Angel Trail in 1909.
1935 Colter’s Bright Angel Lodge opens at South Rim
1936
ration of all people.
River Trail joins Phantom Ranch to Bright Angel Trail
1949 Grand Canyon receives its largest recorded snowfall – 60 inches – in one month MICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
KOLB BROS., LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
This photo shows a photographer, probably Emery or Ellsworth Kolb, dangling from rope in a crevasse and photographing a canyon wall as another man straddles cliff opening while holding the rope.
Originally to be named “Bright Angel Tavern,” by the time it was completed Jan. 14, 1905, it had been renamed El Tovar Hotel in honor of Pedro de Tovar, of the Coronado Expedition. The El Tovar cost $250,000 to construct and was considered by many to be the most elegant hotel west of the Mississippi.
MICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
MICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Mather Point and Grand Canyon Visitor Center improvements created much needed parking at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, a vehicle-free visitor experience at Mather Point, a new rim-side amphitheater and many informational and interpretive upgrades.
2013
1950
Grand Canyon Conservancy supporters renovate Bright Angel Trailhead
First commercial helicopter tour takes flight from South Rim
2014
1955 Bill Beer and John Daggett become first people to swim Colorado River through canyon without boat support
1956
Grand Canyon Conservancy supporters restore historic Kolb Studio
2016 Christine Lehnertz becomes first female superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park
Park receives record 1 million visitors; two planes collide over Grand Canyon in one of the largest commercial airline disasters
2017
1957
2019
Grand Canyon Visitor Center opens
Ellsworth L. Kolb and Emery C. Kolb played an important role in the early development of visitor services at the Grand Canyon. Ellsworth and Emery came to the canyon in 1902. They started out photographing parties going down the Bright Angel Trail. Because water supplies were limited on the rim of the Canyon, they would photograph the mule passengers then run 4.5 miles to Indian Garden, where they had set up a photographic lab. Water was available there for processing photographs. Then they would return to the rim of the canyon with the processed pictures ready for the mule passengers on their return. Kolb Studio was constructed on this site beginning in 1904. The building saw 23 years of expansion and alterations that brought it to its present-day appearance. The Kolb Studio was restored by Grand Canyon Conservancy and rededicated in 2014. It houses an exhibit space, retail store and information center.
“Running A Rapid” engraving by artist R.A. Muller illustrates the Second Powell Expedition through the Grand Canyon.
Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute offers its first park education program Park celebrates 75th anniversary
cultural resources for the enjoyment, education and inspi-
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
The view from the lodge patio in 1930.
1958
Grand Canyon National Park sees record 6.25 million visitors Grand Canyon National Park marks its centennial year
Yavapai Lodge opens
1963 Glen Canyon Dam is completed, Colorado no longer a wild river within canyon
1964 Apollo astronauts train in canyon for first moon landing
1905
1967
El Tovar Hotel opens its doors; Hopi House is completed FRED HARVEY CO., NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Visitors and Hopis stand in front of El Tovar Hotel circa 1922.
Electrical power is turned on at Phantom Ranch; California Condor is placed on federal endangered species list
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK MUSEUM COLLECTION
Split-twig figurines found in the Grand Canyon date back as far as 2000 B.C.
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SURVIVAL GUIDE How to navigate South Rim congestion at the park
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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
rand Canyon National Park has seen a dramatic increase in visitation over the last few years. The South Rim experiences crowded conditions during busy periods throughout the year, including spring break, summer, and holiday times during fall and winter. Visitors can expect long entrance station lines, long shuttle bus lines, limited parking near Grand Canyon Visitor Center and large crowds at popular viewpoints. However, there are ways to navigate and avoid some of this congestion to make the most of your time on the South Rim. Here are some tips:
Park in Tusayan and Ride Free Shuttle During the Spring Break and Summer, visitors can NATIONAL PARK SERVICE park in the gateway community of Tusayan and Visitors can avoid long lines at entrance stations by arriving early in the morning or taking the shuttle from Tusayan. ride the free Tusayan Route (purple) shuttle bus into the park. Riding the shuttle allows you to bypass the line at the entrance gate. Shuttles run every 20 minutes between 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. It’s a 20-minute ride to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. You must present a valid park entrance pass when boarding the bus. Buy an entrance pass online at https:// yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/park/grca. An online pass will admit everyone traveling with you. (Note: Out of service for winter, the Tusayan Shuttle reMICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE sumes March 1.) The Grand Canyon free shuttle service is a convenient way to get to the village and the viewpoints. Arrive Early in the Day If you drive your own vehicle into the park, arrive early, by 9 a.m. if possible. As you drive into the Village area from the South Entrance Station or from Desert View Drive (Highway 64), signs will direct you to the Visitor Center complex. Early arrival gets you close parking and out to the Rim COURTESY OF GRAND CANYON RAILWAY Trail more quickly. From the Visitor Center, you can Leave driving and parking issues behind. The Grand Canyon also take a free shuttle bus Railway is a fun and easy way to get to Grand Canyon around the village or out to National Park. scenic overlooks.
Prepare for Limited Parking after 10 a.m. When visitor center parking lots 1 through 4 fill, proceed to village lots A, B, C or D. Lots A and B are in the Market Plaza area and are closest to the visitor center. Lots C and D are in the village historic district. RVs and vehicles with trailers should park in lots B or D. The back section of lot D has dedicated RV and trailer parking. Lots A and C do not have room for RVs and trailers. RVs and trailers should not pull across multiple regular parking spaces. The Village Route (blue) shuttle bus stops are located in or near lots A, B, C or D. Rim Trail access is within walking distance of lots A, B, C or D.
Tour Scenic Hermit Road Hermit Road heading west from the village is closed to private vehicles between March and November. Ride the free Hermits Rest Route (red) shuttle to the viewpoints. The best time to tour this route is in the morning. By late morning shuttle bus boarding lines are long. A wait of 25-30 minutes is common throughout the afternoon. Try getting off the bus at one stop, enjoy a scenic walk along the rim, then get back on the bus at the next stop. The last outbound bus leaves the village transfer station 10 minutes before sunset. The last return bus leaves Hermits Rest one hour after sunset and stops at all bus stops on
the way back to the village.
Visit South Rim in 3 Hours or Less Park your car at Grand Canyon Visitor Center or parking lots A or B (depending on the time of day) and take a walk along the Rim Trail. Or, from the Visitor Center, take the Kaibab/ Rim Route (orange) shuttle bus to Yaki Point, away from the village congestion.
Visiting with 4 to 5 Hours to Spend Leave your car and shuttle buses behind and take a walk along the Rim Trail or cycle along Hermit Road. Bicycles are available for rent through Bright Angel Bicycles located near the Visitor Center. Another option is to take your private vehicle out along Desert View Drive. Grandview and Lipan points may be full, but there is typically parking available at some of the other viewpoints along this road. Desert View itself has a large parking lot and features broad, expansive views of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River.
Less Crowded Sunset Locations If you are riding the Hermits Rest Route (red) shuttle bus, watch the sunset from Mohave or Pima points. Or, from the visitor center, take the Kaibab/Rim Route (orange) shuttle bus to Yaki Point. Or, drive your private vehicle out along Desert View Drive, park at Desert View and watch the sunset from Desert View Point.
Ride Grand Canyon Railway Consider taking the historic train from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of Grand Canyon. Passengers disembark at the Grand Canyon Train Depot right near the historic El Tovar Hotel and other village amenities. For more information, visit http://www.thetrain. com.
Entrance Fees
Admission to Grand Canyon National Park is for seven days and includes both the North Rim and South Rim. Vehicle Permit: $35. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. (Organized groups are not eligible for the vehicle permit.) Motorcycle Permit: $30. Admits one single, private, non-commercial motorcycle and its passenger(s). Individual Permit: $20 per person. Admits one individual when entering by foot, bicycle, park shuttle bus, Grand Canyon Railway or private rafting trip. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge. An annual permit for admittance to Grand Canyon National Park can be purchased for $70. An annual National Parks Pass can be purchased for $80. Take advantage of the National Park Service entrance fee-free days this year: April 20, Aug. 25, Sept. 28 and Nov. 11.
northcountryhealthcare.org
North Country HealthCare is dedicated to creating healthier communities in northern Arizona through our direct services and community health programs. Thank You Grand Canyon Conservancy for your efforts in preserving Grand Canyon National Park for future generations.
Congratulations to Grand Canyon National Park on your Centennial.
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Forever Resorts Offers Rim Country Adventures Featuring unique lodging/RV/camping accommodations, on-site dining and clear access to hiking, biking, mule/horseback riding, winter snow mobile tours and equipment rentals.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Desert View cultural demonstration
JOIN THE CELEBRATION CELEBRATING GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK’s 100th ANNIVERSARY
Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim
Northern Arizona, south of Jacob Lake, AZ Day guests and over-nighters savor solitude at the North Rim’s historic Lodge, dramatically perched on the Canyon rim. Cruise beautiful Hwy 67 to the remote Lodge and experience the Kaibab Plateau and Northern Arizona’s extraordinary scenery. Lodge amenities include: • • • • • •
Accommodations in cabins or motel rooms (Resv. suggested.) Historic formal dining room with amazing Canyon views Evening buffet offered nightly On-site casual eateries and gift shops Fully-stocked camp store and gas station Ranger led activities and lectures; the Park Visitor Center is nearby • Open May 15 - October 15 annually
Centennial events and programs FEB. 26 FOUNDER’S DAY CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza | South Rim | 10 a.m.-4 pm. Kick off the 100th anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park with cultural demonstrators from Native tribal members, music, and speakers from Grand Canyon Conservancy and National Park Service staff. Free and open to the public.
FEB. 28-MARCH 1 MAPPING THE GRAND CANYON Arizona State University Library | Tempe, Arizona “Mapping Grand Canyon” is a two-day program of storytelling, transdisciplinary analysis, stateof-the-art geospatial and cartographic demonstrations, hands-on activities and community dialogue. Free and open to all. Register to attend at lib.asu.edu/mapping-grand-canyon-conference.
MARCH 30-31
APRIL 16 NATURALIZATION CEREMONY Mather Amphitheater | South Rim Grand Canyon National Park and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Phoenix field office will host a naturalization ceremony at Grand Canyon to welcome our newest citizens. Free and open to the public.
APRIL 16
Mogollon Rim, Northern AZ Check in and check out all the fun to be had around Flagstaff and in Northern Arizona. Our historic Lodge, on 300 acres adjacent to Coconino National Forest, offers yearround access to miles of off-road groomed trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. You can also take guided horseback riding trips directly from the lodge. Mormon Lake Lodge amenities include: • • • • • • • • •
Historic and new cabins with kitchenettes and porches Motel-style rooms On-site open-pit Steakhouse and pizza parlor On-site Saloon and seasonal entertainment Large full-service RV Park and campground Snow mobile tours, rentals and groomed trails Petting zoo and fishing pond Rodeo arena featuring calf roping and other seasonal events Catered on-site meetings, weddings, parties and corporate events
(Easy day trips include visiting Sedona and Flagstaff or legendary attractions like the Grand Canyon, the Lowell Observatory, Navajo Nation/Monument Valley, Mount Humphries, Oak Creek Canyon and Jerome.)
Lodging | Dining | Touring | Rentals Make Reservations at either property by calling:
877.386.4383
ForeverResorts.com /TravelForeverResorts Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim is operated by Grand Canyon North Rim, L.L.C., an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. Mormon Lake Lodge is owned and operated by Forever Resorts, L.L.C.
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required; visit www.azstateparks. com.
JUNE 22
MARCH 2-3 TUCSON SYMPHONY ‘GRAND CANYON STATE’ Tucson Music Hall | Tucson, Arizona | 4 p.m., Saturday and 2 p.m., Sunday The Tucson Symphony Orchestra presents spectacular footage of Arizona’s greatest natural treasure played along with Ferde Grofé’s “Grand Canyon Suite.” Tickets: $15 and up, visit www.tucsonsymphony.org. ARIZONA GAME AND FISH OUTDOOR EXPO Ben Avery Shooting Range | Phoenix | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop by the Grand Canyon National Park booth for park updates, trip planning and general information about Grand Canyon.
Mormon Lake Lodge
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Desert View cultural demonstration
GRAND CANYON: 100 YEARS OF STORIES Crescent Ballroom | Phoenix | 7-8:30 p.m. Five storytellers share true, first-person accounts of Grand Canyon adventure, conservation and community. Tickets: $8-$35, order at https://tickets.azcentral. com/e/100-years-of-stories-gcc.
Grand Canyon National Park junior ranger badge historian Michael F. Blake will take you on a ride to learn all about the conservation president, Theodore Roosevelt. Learn about the important role Roosevelt played in helping create Grand Canyon National Park. Free and open to the public.
MAY 10
JUNIOR RANGER DAY Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza | South Rim This day is a great way for kids to explore the national park, get some cool swag and maybe even a replica of a ranger hat. You’ll learn why national parks matter and how you can help keep the park healthy by becoming an official Grand Canyon Junior Ranger. Free and open to the public.
JUNE 22-29 CENTENNIAL SUMMERFEST June 22-29, 2019 | 9 AM—5 PM Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza | South Rim | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop by and explore Arizona food and brews, see cultural demonstrations by tribes native to the canyon and participate in fun Grand Canyon activities. Free and open to the public.
JUNE 22-29 RAILROAD DAY CENTENNIAL STAR PARTY Train Depot | South Rim Learn about the important role Grand Canyon Visitor Center | the railroad played in Grand Can- South Rim | 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Grand Canyon Lodge | North Rim yon history on the 150th anniversary of the transcontinental rail- | 8 p.m.-11 p.m. For eight days, park visitors and road. Free and open to the public. residents can explore the wonders MAY 17-19 of the night sky on Grand Canyon National Park with the TucGRAND GATHERING son Amateur Astronomy AssociGrand Canyon National Park The annual Grand Gathering is ation on the South Rim and with a Grand Canyon Conservancy sup- the Saguaro Astronomy Club of porters-only event that provides Phoenix on the North Rim. Amabehind-the-scenes views of the teur astronomers from across the park’s hidden treasures while of- country will volunteer their telefering an opportunity to meet the scopes and their expertise. Free people who make Grand Canyon slide programs will be offered one of the world’s most treasured and numerous telescopes will be parks. Learn more at www.grand- pointed at planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Free and canyon.org. open to the public. MAY 18
PETE MCBRIDE PRESENTATION Shrine of the Ages | South Rim | 7 p.m. Award-winning photographer Pete McBride, named Adventurer of the Year by National Geographic in 2016, tells the story of APRIL 18-20 his 750-plus-mile hike through the entire length of America’s iconic GEOSCIENCE SYMPOSIUM national park and discusses his reShrine of the Ages | South Rim This symposium honors 100 sulting book, “The Grand Canyon: years of geoscience education at Between River and Rim.” Free and Grand Canyon National Park and open to the public. 150 years of Grand Canyon geolMAY 19 ogy. The event will present upPOWELL SESQUICENTENNIAL dates on research and promote innovations in geoscience taking South Rim | 1 p.m. A commemorative event celplace at Grand Canyon. For more information, contact Karl Karl- ebrating the 150th anniversary of John Wesley Powell’s famous strom: kek1@unm.edu. 1869 expedition that marked the APRIL 20 first significant geo-scientific survey of the Colorado River and the FEE-FREE DAY Grand Canyon. Free and open to Grand Canyon National Park Honoring National Park Week, the public. Grand Canyon National Park will MAY 20 join national parks around the country in providing visitors free POWELL EVENING PROGRAM McKee Amphitheater | South Rim entrance. Emmy Award winner and hisAPRIL 20 torian Michael F. Blake will take you on a ride to learn all about EARTH DAY CELEBRATION Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza the John W. Powell and his adventures through the Grand Can| South Rim | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Demonstrations, games, infor- yon. Free and open to the public. mation on local and national enMAY 31-JUNE 1 vironmental initiatives and more. GRAND CANYON WILDLIFE Free and open to the public. DAY APRIL 21-23 Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza PREVENTATIVE SEARCH AND | South Rim Learn about the wildlife that inRESCUE SYMPOSIUM habit the Grand Canyon area and Shrine of the Ages | South Rim Learn about the important work the work of wildlife biologists. Free Grand Canyon PSAR rangers do and open to the public. on a daily basis to ensure fun and JUNE 20-23 safe visits to Grand Canyon NaFAMILY CAMPOUT tional Park. Mather Campground | South Rim MAY 3 No camping experience? No COWBOY PRESIDENT EVENING problem. Join Arizona State Parks staff and learn everything you need PROGRAM McKee Amphitheater | South Rim to know about camping and all the Emmy Award winner and fun of being outdoors. Registration
JULY 4 FOURTH OF JULY PARADE, FLAGSTAFF Flagstaff, Arizona | 11 a.m. Grand Canyon National Park rangers and Grand Canyon Conservancy staff will join over 100 floats, dancers, a marching band and much more as they parade down the streets of historic downtown Flagstaff. Free and open to the public.
JULY 4 FOURTH OF JULY PARADE, TUSAYAN Tusayan, Arizona | 3 p.m. If you’re visiting the park in the afternoon, come join Tusayan’s Fourth of July parade and celebration. Free and open to the public.
JULY 16-17 JOHN MUIR AND TEDDY ROOSEVELT EVENING PROGRAM McKee Amphitheater | South Rim Learn about two of the most important historical figures in park service history and about their trip to the Grand Canyon. Free and open to the public.
AUG. 8-9 NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAYS Various Locations | North Rim This event celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, the Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon. Stop by for special programs by tribal members and others on a variety of subjects, ranging from ethno-botany to American Indian flute playing and dance. Activities will take place in various locations throughout the North Rim developed area. Free and open to the public.
AUG. 25 FEE-FREE DAY Grand Canyon National Park In honor of the National Park
GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY
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ARIZONA DAILY SUN
MICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Native American Heritage Month celebration Service Founder’s Day, Grand Canyon National Park will join national parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance.
AUG. 30-SEPT. 2 COCONINO COUNTY FAIR Fort Tuthill County Park | Flagstaff Stop by the National Park Service booth to get updates, trip planning and general information about National Parks in Arizona. Meet with a ranger and plan your trip.
SEPT. 1-30 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Grand Canyon National Park South Rim Railroad Depot The Grand Canyon has a rich history of Spaniards and Mexicans exploring, pioneering and working in the region. That history goes back more than 400 Naturalization ceremony at the Mather Point years to the arrival of part of the Coronado expedition in 1540. Led by García López de Cárdenas, these men were the first Europeans to set eyes on the Grand Canyon. Today, people of Hispanic heritage serve at every level in Grand Canyon National Park, the National Park Service and the Department of Interior, participating in and directing the day-to-day management and operation of many of our nation’s public lands. Events will include bilingual walks and programs, MICHAEL QUINN, NPS NATIONAL PARK SERVICE demonstrations of traditional Grand Canyon National Park Roosevelt and Muir in Mexican handicrafts and more. Star Party Yosemite, 1903 Free and open to the public.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Congratulations on this Grand Centennial
Here’s to the next
SEPT. 7-15 CELEBRATION OF ART Various Locations | South Rim The 11th Annual Celebration of Art provides a vibrant experience for visitors, a venue for artists inspired by the canyon, and a successful fundraiser to benefit a dedicated art venue at the South Rim. Learn more at www. grandcanyon.org. Free and open to the public.
SEPT. 28 FEE-FREE DAY In honor of the National Public Lands Day, Grand Canyon National Park will join national parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance.
OCT. 12
FALL SUSTAINABILITY FAIR Grand Canyon Visitor Center | South Rim SEPT. 28 Learn about all the ways you NATURALIZATION CEREMONY can travel green and help preserve and protect Grand Canyon. Mather Point | South Rim Grand Canyon National Park and This family-friendly event is free the U.S. Citizenship and Immigra- and open to the public. tion Services Phoenix field office OCT. 12 AND 13 will host a naturalization ceremony at Grand Canyon to welcome our CENTENNIAL PERFORMANCE newest citizens. Free and open to Ardrey Auditorium | Northern Arthe public. izona University | Flagstaff
In honor of Grand Canyon’s 100th Anniversar y, the U.S. Fi e l d A r my B a n d a n d We s t Point Glee Club will perform Hubert Bird’s “Of Time, Wind, and the River,” a piece highl i g ht i ng t h e u n i q u e n e s s o f Grand Canyon National Park. Details to come.
100!
NOV. 5-7 PUBLIC LANDS FOR ALL TRAINING Shrine of the Ages | South Rim Grand Canyon National Park will host an inclusivity training titled “Picture Yourself Here: Public Lands for All.” Join us for workshops, presentations and field trips designed to identify how public lands can be inclusive for all. More details to come.
DISCOVER
THE CULTURE, SCIENCE, AND ART OF THE GRAND CANYON
Monday-Saturday: 10 am-5 pm Sunday: 12-5 pm Children 9 and under FREE!
musnaz.org
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GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY
ARIZONA DAILY SUN February 24, 2019 | A11
NOVEMBER 9-10 NATIVE HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION Grand Canyon Visitor Center | South Rim | 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and 7 p.m. Special presentations and demonstrations will recognize the many accomplishments, contributions and sacrifices made by America’s first people. Grand Canyon National Park’s extensive Native American histories make it an ideal place for the public to learn about, acknowledge, and appreciate Native culture. Free and open to the public.
NOV. 11 FEE-FREE DAY Grand Canyon National Park In honor of the Veteran’s Day, Grand Canyon National Park will join National Parks around the country in providing visitors free entrance.
ALL YEAR DESERT VIEW CULTURAL DEMONSTRATORS Desert View Watchtower | South Rim | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Members of Grand Canyon’s traditionally associated tribes present programs and demonstrations about Native life and culture. 100 YEARS OF GRAND ONLINE EXHIBIT https://lib.asu.edu/grand100 The libraries of Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University have partnered with Grand Canyon National Park to produce “100 Years of the Grand,” an online centennial project to showcase archival materials around the early years of Grand Canyon. SPLENDOR AND SPECTACLE EXHIBIT NAU’s Cline Library, Special Collections and Archives | Flagstaff | through September Grand Canyon National Park Star Party “Splendor and Spectacle: the 100 Year Journey of Grand Canyon National Park” captures multiple perspectives on the park, including scientific study and discovery, exploration, river running, mining and tourism. A focal point is the display of two historic river-running boats. Free admission. View the online companion to the exhibit at nau.edu/special-collections.
MICHAEL QUINN, NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Updates on events and programs will be made available on the Grand Canyon National Park NANCY WIECHEC website: https://www.nps.gov/ Grand Canyon Celebration of Art grca.
PETE MCBRIDE
Grand Canyon Wildlife Day
An image from Pete McBride’s “The Grand Canyon: Between River and Rim”
Flagstaff • Statewide • Online
Celebrating the Grand Canyon National Park centennial anniversary and thanking Grand Canyon Conservancy for its ongoing commitment to protect and preserve the park for generations to come.
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GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY
Come, Be Inspired, and
GO GRAND
Join Grand Canyon Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, in celebrating 100 years of wonder, adventure, and stewardship. Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing premier guided educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our supporters fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. With your support, we will ensure that the canyon remains GRAND for another 100 years!
grandcanyon.org Photography courtesy Lear Miller, SKYGLOW, and Grand Canyon NPS M 1