Grand Canyon closed until further notice
Grand Canyon’s visitor facilities, trails, and roads including Highway 64 are closed until further notice. These closures will be in effect 24-hours a day/7-days a week.
A concession employee was confirmed with COVID-19 on March 30. On April 1, the NPS received a letter from the Health and Human Services Director and Chief Health Officer for Coconino County recommending the full closure of Grand Canyon National Park.
Upon receiving this request from the local health department, acting Superintendent Mary Risser, with the support of the NPS Deputy Director, Operations, David Vela and Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, made the decision to immediately close the park until further notice.
For the latest updates, visit Grand Canyon National Park Public Health Update.
Activities for Staying at Home
It’s spring, and normally many of us would be on the trail gazing at Grand Canyon’s remarkable vistas. Still wanting your Grand Canyon fix? I’ve got a few suggestions to help you stay connected to the “Big Ditch.”
Wayne Ranney Talks Geology
Wayne Ranney, the well-known geologist and author of Carving Grand Canyon and Ancient Landscapes, will be conducting a Facebook Live Session on Grand Canyon Geology on Thursday, April 9. The session is being hosted by the blog site, Learning Geology.
I got this notice too late to notify everyone in time to attend, but it will be recorded and available for viewing at a later time. Learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/geologylearn/. The live session video will be available to watch on Facebook and YouTube. The event link is https://www.facebook.com/events/2004919089654687/.
Oral Histories Online
Grand Canyon has a rich and interesting history. From Native people to river runners and recent residents; they all have a story to tell.
The Grand Canyon Historical Society has compiled a list of audio and video oral histories that can fill hours of listening and viewing pleasure for any Grand Canyon aficionado.
- Grand Canyon Historical Society Oral Histories – There are currently 192 oral history interviews available, many with transcripts.
- Grand Canyon River Runners Video Project – A unique repository of river running history of the Colorado River through Grand Canyon.
- Voices of Grand Canyon – Five Native voices set the tone for the next era of Grand Canyon National Park in this collection of stories about cultural identities, histories, and ties to the Grand Canyon.
Stay safe and healthy. Until next time, happy trails.