Where There's Smoke There's Fire

Visitors headed to the Grand Canyon for the Fourth-of-July weekend may find it hard to locate a non-smoking section; outdoors that is. Several sizable wildfires in southern Utah are responsible for the brownish haze in the air that is diminishing the world-class views for which Grand Canyon is famous. Wildfires are naturally occurring phenomena in the forests of the West, and are especially common in the hotter summer months during which humidity drops to single digits. Wildfires are typically started by “dry” lightning, and, unfortunately, by humans making careless use of fire. Due to the latter, there are often fire and use restrictions in national parks and national forests. Check out the following website to see if your desired destination is affected: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire/information/firerestrictions/az/restrictions_az.htm. Be safe, have fun, and please use extra caution when utilizing campfires or disposing of cigarettes.

Centennial for Grand Canyon's Most Recognizable Historic Structures

The El Tovar Hotel and Hopi House are enjoying their centennial celebration this year (http://www.grandcanyon-southrim.com/print/21.htm). Both were built in 1905 by the Santa Fe railroad which opened rail service to Grand Canyon Village in 1901. With their vision, architects Charles Whittlesley (El Tovar) and Mary Jane Colter (Hopi House) are largely responsible for the "look" of the historic Village District on the South rim. Be sure to visit these magnificent structures during your next visit!

Rare June Storm a Hair-Raising Event

Arizona has enjoyed unseasonably mild temperatures during the first two weeks of June, and Grand Canyon is no exception. A rare June thunderstorm this past weekend did its part to cool things down. I took the opportunity to look for rainbows at my favorite overlook, Yaki Point. While shielding my camera from a light rain, the metal stem of my umbrella began to spark and crackle due to the electricity in the air, and my hair stood on end. I made a beeline to my vehicle just before the lightning began in earnest, and found out later that two visitors had been struck a few miles away. My tempting of the gods did pay off with some great pictures, but I wouldn't advise such risky behavior as a rule. Its much safer to buy my prints and let me continue to take all the chances!

See you on the trail.

Grand Canyon -- Coming to a Cubicle Near You

So you're in your office cubicle in Kansas City, and wishing you were anywhere else. You reach into your desk and retrieve a well-worn photo of the Grand Canyon from your last trip. You study every cliff and slope until your daydream is shattered by a ringing phone and another angry client. If this is ritual sounds familiar, come to the park for a visit. If you can't afford to make the journey, do the next best thing, bookmark the park service Web cam and come back as often as you like! http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/webcams/parks/grcacam/grcacam.cfm

Getting High in Northern AZ

When most people think of great hiking destinations in northern Arizona, they typically focus on the Grand Canyon. Ask any local however, and they will likely mention the San Francisco Peaks outside Flagstaff--especially during the summer months when Canyon temperatures can reach triple digits. These ancient, dormant volcanic mountains are anchored by Humphreys Peak. At 12,633 feet, Humphreys is the highest point in Arizona. Check out this handy website for some helpful hiking tips: http://www.trails.com/activity.asp?AreaID=%7BC191BEA6-ED67-44C4-BAB0-02896CCAFA80%7D.

Too Hot to Hike? Think Fall...

With Inner Canyon temperatures reaching triple digits, those in the know are staying on the high ground for the remainder of the summer (unless, of course, you're going on a river trip where relief is just a dip away). Though too toasty to backpack, summer is the perfect time to plan your fall outings at Grand Canyon. Backcountry camping permits for the month of October are now available. Judging by the lines at the Backcountry Office yesterday, they're going fast. I was lucky enough to secure a rim-to-rim permit for the middle of October when I'll be taking my wife and a handful of unsuspecting friends on what's often referred to as the quintessential Grand Canyon trek.

Permits can be obtained from the Backcountry Office in person, by mail, or via fax. Check out Grand Canyon National Park's Web site for details on securing your hiking permit (http://www.nps.gov/grca/backcountry/permit_procedures.htm).