Grand Canyon National Park is home to over 1600 species of plants, demonstrating some of the greatest biodiversity of any national park. Unfortunately not all of these botanical residents were invited guests. Non-indigenous plants (otherwise known as “exotics”) have increasingly become a disruption to the park’s natural balance. Plants such as Russian knapweed and tamarisk have frustrated the parks vegetation specialists for years as they continue to spread despite concerted efforts towards eradication.
It was recently announced that the latest initiative to battle these non-native plants, including the use of herbicides, will be extended through the end of the year. With a little luck, the National Park Service Vegetation Program will gain the upper hand on a few of these unwelcome guests.
Find out how you can help by following this link
http://www.gcvolunteers.org/
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Uranium Mines Proposed Within Sight of Grand Canyon
In recent years the mining industry has staged a dramatic comeback in the western states, driven primarily by rising oil prices across the globe. Natural gas exploration and drilling on public lands have perhaps garnered the most headlines, but the renewed hunt for uranium deposits holds the greatest consequences for the Grand Canyon region. A fifteen-fold increase in uranium prices in recent years has led to the filing of thousands of mining claims, many of which are within ten miles of the Grand Canyon itself. Environmentalists and like-minded politicians are mobilizing to exclude the lands adjacent to Grand Canyon from mining activities. The impending legal tug-of-war on the uranium issue has the potential to rival the high profile battle to prevent the damming of Marble Canyon in the 1950s and 60s. Read more by following this link, and let your voice be heard on the issue by contacting your congressional representatives.
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2008/2008-03-13-01.asp
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2008/2008-03-13-01.asp
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Hispanic Connection to Grand Canyon Grows
The first Europeans to lay eyes upon the Grand Canyon were Spanish soldiers under the command of Garcia Lopez de Cardenas. In search of safe passageways between Spanish missions in modern day New Mexico and California, the party reached the South Rim with their Hopi guides in 1540. Stymied by the expansive canyon, they abandoned their quest and eventually returned to Mexico where their quest began. It would be centuries before explorers, hunters, and prospectors would follow in their footsteps, ushering in the modern day fascination with the grandest of canyons.
The roots of the Hispanic connection to the Grand Canyon are about to grow even deeper as Grand Canyon National Park takes the first steps toward establishing a “sister park” relationship with a Mexican land reserve. An official gathering designed to strengthen this growing partnership between the National Park Service and their Mexican government counterparts took place at Grand Canyon National Park on February 25th. The “Shared Heritage, Shared Stewardship” conference represented another step toward strengthening ties between two countries that share common resources, such as the Sonoran Desert in the case of Grand Canyon, and environmental concerns.
The roots of the Hispanic connection to the Grand Canyon are about to grow even deeper as Grand Canyon National Park takes the first steps toward establishing a “sister park” relationship with a Mexican land reserve. An official gathering designed to strengthen this growing partnership between the National Park Service and their Mexican government counterparts took place at Grand Canyon National Park on February 25th. The “Shared Heritage, Shared Stewardship” conference represented another step toward strengthening ties between two countries that share common resources, such as the Sonoran Desert in the case of Grand Canyon, and environmental concerns.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Popular Hermit Road to Close for Repairs
Long term closures throughout most of 2008 are planned for Hermit Road, the seven-mile drive extending from Grand Canyon Village to historic Hermits Rest. Constructed by the Bureau of Public Roads and National Park Service in the mid-30s, this serpentine road with the big views is a favorite among visitors riding the park’s free shuttle bus, and hikers utilizing the adjacent Rim Trail.
Both road and trail have long been in need of structural improvements. To this end, a rolling rehabilitation schedule will begin in early April, and last through November. The park service will be diverting visitors to other points of interest during the construction period. One notable exception will be the morning shuttle for backpackers heading to the popular Hermit Trail. This user group will be allowed to descend the Hermit Trail, but will be required to exit the canyon by other routes such as the Bright Angel Trail.
If all goes as planned, the new and improved Hermit Road will be ready again next spring to host the thousands of visitors seeking the unparalleled beauty and relative remoteness of this breathtaking stretch of the South Rim.
For more information click here http://www.nps.gov/grca/parkmgmt/hermit.htm
Both road and trail have long been in need of structural improvements. To this end, a rolling rehabilitation schedule will begin in early April, and last through November. The park service will be diverting visitors to other points of interest during the construction period. One notable exception will be the morning shuttle for backpackers heading to the popular Hermit Trail. This user group will be allowed to descend the Hermit Trail, but will be required to exit the canyon by other routes such as the Bright Angel Trail.
If all goes as planned, the new and improved Hermit Road will be ready again next spring to host the thousands of visitors seeking the unparalleled beauty and relative remoteness of this breathtaking stretch of the South Rim.
For more information click here http://www.nps.gov/grca/parkmgmt/hermit.htm
Friday, June 22, 2007
New & Improved Yavapai Observation Station Opens
The National Park Service recently rededicated the historic Yavapai Observation Station (YOS) upon the completion of major interior renovations. Newly-installed interpretive exhibits focus on the geology of the Grand Canyon, and demonstrate the powerful geologic processes responsible for the carving (past and present) of the fabled chasm. Others serve to make the canyon’s ancient rock strata, nearly two billion years old by most accounts, comprehensible to both the scientific and lay audience alike.
Originally built in 1928, what was then called the Yavapai Point Trailside Museum was designed by architect Herbert C. Maier. In the tradition of the famed architect Mary Jane Colter, Maier took pains to blend the structure with the surrounding landscape. Located on the South Rim at the outer edge of Grand Canyon Village, YOS has since been visited by countless park visitors. Parking and admission are free, and a small bookstore operated by the Grand Canyon Association can be found within.
In a press release issued by the NPS, park superintendent Steve Martin said, “We are extremely excited about the renovation of Yavapai Observation Station, along with the new exhibits that tell the story of Grand Canyon’s geology. This is but the first step, as we continue to forge opportunities for connections between our park visitors and the incredible Grand Canyon.”
Originally built in 1928, what was then called the Yavapai Point Trailside Museum was designed by architect Herbert C. Maier. In the tradition of the famed architect Mary Jane Colter, Maier took pains to blend the structure with the surrounding landscape. Located on the South Rim at the outer edge of Grand Canyon Village, YOS has since been visited by countless park visitors. Parking and admission are free, and a small bookstore operated by the Grand Canyon Association can be found within.
In a press release issued by the NPS, park superintendent Steve Martin said, “We are extremely excited about the renovation of Yavapai Observation Station, along with the new exhibits that tell the story of Grand Canyon’s geology. This is but the first step, as we continue to forge opportunities for connections between our park visitors and the incredible Grand Canyon.”
Thursday, June 21, 2007
“The Man Who Walked Through Time” Reaches the End of the Trail
Another Grand Canyon hiking legend has passed away. In recent years canyon enthusiasts bid farewell to George Steck and Harvey Butchart, two intrepid backcountry travelers that wrote at length about their respective experiences. Joining them in that great wilderness in the sky is Colin Fletcher, author of “The Man Who Walked Through Time.” Fletcher’s account of his 1963 walk from one end of Grand Canyon National Park to the other fired the imaginations of readers at a time when camping and backpacking were gaining popularity across the country.
Perhaps ironically, Fletcher was severely injured in 2001 when he was struck by a car while crossing a rural road. These injuries plagued him until his death on June 12, 2007, at the age of 85. Since his Grand Canyon trek in 1963, the park has been expanded dramatically by absorbing Grand Canyon National Monument and Marble Canyon National Monument. End-to-end hikes are as rare now as they were in Fletcher’s time, with only a few dozen people having accomplished the feat. He will be missed.
Perhaps ironically, Fletcher was severely injured in 2001 when he was struck by a car while crossing a rural road. These injuries plagued him until his death on June 12, 2007, at the age of 85. Since his Grand Canyon trek in 1963, the park has been expanded dramatically by absorbing Grand Canyon National Monument and Marble Canyon National Monument. End-to-end hikes are as rare now as they were in Fletcher’s time, with only a few dozen people having accomplished the feat. He will be missed.
Park Visitation Trending Higher
The latest statistics show that Grand Canyon visitation is trending higher, bucking a trend at other National Park Service (NPS) units nationwide. Through April, official reports showed that 1,086,992 people visited Grand Canyon National Park year-to-date, a .35% increase vs. the same period in 2006.
The same report indicated that, system wide, the National Park System received 63.8 million recreation visits from January through April. This was a 3.6% decrease in recreation visits, or 2.4 million fewer visits than in 2006.
Approximately 50% of the nation’s park units reported a year-to-date decrease in visits. The lingering winter-like weather has affected the Midwest Region (-10% or -350,000 visits), National Capital Region (-13% or -1.8 million visits) and the Northeast Region (-5% or -500,000 visits).
At Grand Canyon, no statistics were immediately available on the place of origin of the myriad park visitors. But as a thirteen year resident of I have noticed a large increase in the annual influx of international visitors. In particular, the Europeans seem to be flocking to the park in greater numbers—no doubt aided by the weak U.S. dollar vs. cross-Atlantic currencies of late.
The same report indicated that, system wide, the National Park System received 63.8 million recreation visits from January through April. This was a 3.6% decrease in recreation visits, or 2.4 million fewer visits than in 2006.
Approximately 50% of the nation’s park units reported a year-to-date decrease in visits. The lingering winter-like weather has affected the Midwest Region (-10% or -350,000 visits), National Capital Region (-13% or -1.8 million visits) and the Northeast Region (-5% or -500,000 visits).
At Grand Canyon, no statistics were immediately available on the place of origin of the myriad park visitors. But as a thirteen year resident of I have noticed a large increase in the annual influx of international visitors. In particular, the Europeans seem to be flocking to the park in greater numbers—no doubt aided by the weak U.S. dollar vs. cross-Atlantic currencies of late.
Monday, May 14, 2007
The Rites of Spring: North Rim Opens for Visitation
The North Rim opened on May 15 for what promises to be another busy season. Due to historically heavy snowfall, the National Park Service closes the North Rim to visitation from mid-October through mid-May. Although more remote stretches of the North Rim remain open year round, the lofty plateau endures its harsh winter with little human fanfare.
The North Rim is a favorite for the savvy visitor looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the South Rim. Many canyon regulars feel the extra few hours of driving is worth the trade off in solitude and cooler temperatures. In fact, it’s often said that the North Rim is where residents of the South Rim go to vacation. As a South Rim resident chomping at the bit to visit the lush forest, and challenging trails on the far side of the abyss, I’d have to agree.
The North Rim is a favorite for the savvy visitor looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the South Rim. Many canyon regulars feel the extra few hours of driving is worth the trade off in solitude and cooler temperatures. In fact, it’s often said that the North Rim is where residents of the South Rim go to vacation. As a South Rim resident chomping at the bit to visit the lush forest, and challenging trails on the far side of the abyss, I’d have to agree.
Increased Funding Headed to the Parks
In his Fiscal Year 2008 budget, announced in February, President Bush proposed the an increase in operating funds for the national parks (a $258 million increase over Fiscal Year 2006, for a total of $2.4 billion) and called for three new $100 million components that could provide up to $3 billion over 10 years in increased philanthropic, partnership and government resources for national park programs and projects. These various initiatives represent the backbone of National Park Centennial Initiative, which will culminate in the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) in 2016.
“This is money above and beyond our regular budget,” NPS Director Mary Bomar said. “It includes $100 million of additional operating funds for parks each year and up to $200 million annually for special projects and programs paid for by a combination of $100 million in donations and a federal match of up to $100 million.”
“By the National Park Service’s 100th birthday,” Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne said, “the initiative will have provided significant resources to restore and better protect the parks’ natural, cultural, recreational and historic resources. There will be new and improved visitor centers, trails, campgrounds, and other facilities; more ranger-led programs; greater volunteerism and philanthropy. Visitors’ park experiences will be significantly enhanced. In short, our national park system will be prepared for its next century of excellence in conservation, preservation and enjoyment.”
“This is money above and beyond our regular budget,” NPS Director Mary Bomar said. “It includes $100 million of additional operating funds for parks each year and up to $200 million annually for special projects and programs paid for by a combination of $100 million in donations and a federal match of up to $100 million.”
“By the National Park Service’s 100th birthday,” Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne said, “the initiative will have provided significant resources to restore and better protect the parks’ natural, cultural, recreational and historic resources. There will be new and improved visitor centers, trails, campgrounds, and other facilities; more ranger-led programs; greater volunteerism and philanthropy. Visitors’ park experiences will be significantly enhanced. In short, our national park system will be prepared for its next century of excellence in conservation, preservation and enjoyment.”
New Grand Canyon Superintendent Comes Full Circle
Newly-appointed Superintendent Steve Martin has found his way back to Grand Canyon National Park. Martin began his National Park Service (NPS) career in 1975 after graduating from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Natural Resource Management. His stint as a park ranger at Grand Canyon was but the first stop on a wide-ranging and successful rise through the NPS ranks.
Over the years, Martin served as superintendent at Grand Teton National Park, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial, Denali National Park and Preserve and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. He was the Regional Director for the Intermountain Region, and, most recently, the Deputy Director of the NPS based in Washington, D.C.
Martin has received many awards for supervisory and management accomplishments including the Meritorious Service Award, the Department of Interior's second highest departmental honor.
He has been busy introducing himself to the local community and various park stakeholders, including a speech he gave at Grand Canyon Association’s 75th anniversary community dance where he fondly recalled his early days at Grand Canyon National Park.
Over the years, Martin served as superintendent at Grand Teton National Park, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial, Denali National Park and Preserve and Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. He was the Regional Director for the Intermountain Region, and, most recently, the Deputy Director of the NPS based in Washington, D.C.
Martin has received many awards for supervisory and management accomplishments including the Meritorious Service Award, the Department of Interior's second highest departmental honor.
He has been busy introducing himself to the local community and various park stakeholders, including a speech he gave at Grand Canyon Association’s 75th anniversary community dance where he fondly recalled his early days at Grand Canyon National Park.
A Canyon Between your Toes
Though but a speck on the lofty rim of the Grand Canyon in relative terms, the Grand Canyon Skywalk has generated a canyon-size buzz in the popular media. The Hualapai Indians of western Grand Canyon have been working with a variety of investors and developers to construct a sixty-five foot, see-through platform suspended thousands of feet above the floor of the Grand Canyon.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, which opened on March 28, is said to be able to withstand the weight of seventy-one fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes (more than 70 million pounds), though only 120 people will be allowed onto the glass bridge at any given time.
This high-profile attraction is the latest attempt by the Hualapai Nation to increase visitation to their tourist enterprise known as Grand Canyon West—located within the boundaries of the 2000-member tribe’s one million acre reservation in northern Arizona.
The Grand Canyon Skywalk, which opened on March 28, is said to be able to withstand the weight of seventy-one fully loaded Boeing 747 airplanes (more than 70 million pounds), though only 120 people will be allowed onto the glass bridge at any given time.
This high-profile attraction is the latest attempt by the Hualapai Nation to increase visitation to their tourist enterprise known as Grand Canyon West—located within the boundaries of the 2000-member tribe’s one million acre reservation in northern Arizona.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
President Ford, A Friend to the Havasupai
The recent death of President Gerald Ford brings to mind his role in restoring historic tribal land to the Havasupai Indians after a decades-old legal struggle with the federal government.
The Havasupai had inhabited the exquisite side canyons and forested highlands of Grand Canyon for centuries before the first wave of white pioneers and explorers arrived. Interactions between the tribe and these newcomers were largely peaceful.
A reservation was established in 1880 by President Rutherford Hayes, and adjusted two years later by President Chester Arthur. Their combined proclamations left the tribe with a scant 513 acres to call their own—a mere fraction of the Havasupai’s several million-acre traditional hunting and gathering grounds.
On January 3, 1975, President Ford signed a bill introduced by former Arizona congressmen John Rhodes and Sam Steiger that returned 185,000 acres to the tribe, largely at the expense of Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest.
Havasu Canyon, home to the village of Supai and the tribal headquarters, continues to draw thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy the idyllic oasis and its famed towering waterfalls. Today, tourism generates over two million dollars annually to the tribal economy.
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The Havasupai had inhabited the exquisite side canyons and forested highlands of Grand Canyon for centuries before the first wave of white pioneers and explorers arrived. Interactions between the tribe and these newcomers were largely peaceful.
A reservation was established in 1880 by President Rutherford Hayes, and adjusted two years later by President Chester Arthur. Their combined proclamations left the tribe with a scant 513 acres to call their own—a mere fraction of the Havasupai’s several million-acre traditional hunting and gathering grounds.
On January 3, 1975, President Ford signed a bill introduced by former Arizona congressmen John Rhodes and Sam Steiger that returned 185,000 acres to the tribe, largely at the expense of Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest.
Havasu Canyon, home to the village of Supai and the tribal headquarters, continues to draw thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy the idyllic oasis and its famed towering waterfalls. Today, tourism generates over two million dollars annually to the tribal economy.
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Too Much Mussel
Land managers at Grand Canyon National Park are nervously bracing for an uninvited guest. The non-native quagga mussel, commonly referred to as zebra mussel, was recently found in Lake Havasu and Lake Mead immediately downstream from Grand Canyon. This invasive aquatic species was previously absent west of the Rocky Mountains, and it is feared that it will migrate throughout the Southwest if intervention fails.
Quagga mussels are known to quickly multiply into the billions once the infestation of a water source has occurred. Their biggest curse lies in their diet. These mussels filter tiny pieces of organic matter and plankton out of the water, thus depriving native fish and other creatures of their primary the food source. Each mature mussel can filter a quart of water per day.
The quagga mussel typically migrates with the unintentional assistance of boaters. Both mature and juvenile mussels (the latter being microscopic) attach themselves to watercraft and are thereby transported to unfamiliar streams, lakes and rivers. The best way to halt the advance of the species is by encouraging boaters to thoroughly clean their hulls and bilges prior to leaving a potentially infected water source.
With the help of the general public there is a fighting chance that these unwelcome guests will be shown the door. Find out what you can do to help by visiting the website http://www.100thmeridian.org/.
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Quagga mussels are known to quickly multiply into the billions once the infestation of a water source has occurred. Their biggest curse lies in their diet. These mussels filter tiny pieces of organic matter and plankton out of the water, thus depriving native fish and other creatures of their primary the food source. Each mature mussel can filter a quart of water per day.
The quagga mussel typically migrates with the unintentional assistance of boaters. Both mature and juvenile mussels (the latter being microscopic) attach themselves to watercraft and are thereby transported to unfamiliar streams, lakes and rivers. The best way to halt the advance of the species is by encouraging boaters to thoroughly clean their hulls and bilges prior to leaving a potentially infected water source.
With the help of the general public there is a fighting chance that these unwelcome guests will be shown the door. Find out what you can do to help by visiting the website http://www.100thmeridian.org/.
Thank you for tuning into "All Things Grand Canyon". GrandCanyonPrints.com offers the grandest in Grand Canyon photographs.
Grand Canyon Superintendent Departs
Joe Alston, Grand Canyon National Park’s Superintendent since 2000, is retiring after a 31-year career in the National Park Service (NPS). Born in New York City and raised in Tustin, CA, he attended the University of Kansas where he received his MBA.
After leaving the private sector for the NPS, Joe held a wide variety of positions including stints as the concessions specialist at Yellowstone National Park, Chief of Concessions Management Division in the Alaska Regional Office and as Assistant Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park. He served as Superintendent at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Curecanti National Recreation Area and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
During his tenure at Grand Canyon, Joe was deeply involved in a number of high-profile resource management challenges such as addressing the recommendations set forth in the General Management Plan and the release of the controversial Colorado River Management Plan. Joe will continue to live in Arizona with his wife of 32 years, Judy, a long-time educator.
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After leaving the private sector for the NPS, Joe held a wide variety of positions including stints as the concessions specialist at Yellowstone National Park, Chief of Concessions Management Division in the Alaska Regional Office and as Assistant Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park. He served as Superintendent at Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Curecanti National Recreation Area and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Rainbow Bridge National Monument.
During his tenure at Grand Canyon, Joe was deeply involved in a number of high-profile resource management challenges such as addressing the recommendations set forth in the General Management Plan and the release of the controversial Colorado River Management Plan. Joe will continue to live in Arizona with his wife of 32 years, Judy, a long-time educator.
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Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Winter on the West Rim
If you enjoy the spectacular views of Grand Canyon afforded by the eight scenic overlooks west of Grand Canyon Village, and prefer to have your personal vehicle close by, now’s your time.
During most of the year, the only way to enjoy the eight-mile Hermit Road (formerly known as West Rim Drive) is to take advantage of the free shuttle provided by the National Park Service. The “shuttle only” policy was implemented to avoid traffic congestion, not to mention accidents along this rim-hugging thoroughfare. Given that park visitation drops dramatically in the winter, the road is open to private vehicles from December through February.
Regardless of how you travel, the views from the Hermit Road overlooks are some of the best in the park. Architect Mary Jane Colter’s historic Hermits Rest can be found at the end of the road. Enjoying a cup of hot coffee while rocking before the structure’s magnificent fireplace is a great way to cap a wintry day.
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During most of the year, the only way to enjoy the eight-mile Hermit Road (formerly known as West Rim Drive) is to take advantage of the free shuttle provided by the National Park Service. The “shuttle only” policy was implemented to avoid traffic congestion, not to mention accidents along this rim-hugging thoroughfare. Given that park visitation drops dramatically in the winter, the road is open to private vehicles from December through February.
Regardless of how you travel, the views from the Hermit Road overlooks are some of the best in the park. Architect Mary Jane Colter’s historic Hermits Rest can be found at the end of the road. Enjoying a cup of hot coffee while rocking before the structure’s magnificent fireplace is a great way to cap a wintry day.
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Grand Canyon History Comes Alive
Grand Canyon has been a magnet for humanity over the Millennia. The past few centuries in particular have witnessed the arrival, departure, and occasionally the demise, of a whole host of colorful characters and noteworthy personalities. The upcoming Grand Canyon History Symposium will highlight the legacies of a wide variety of these individuals. The January 25-28, 2007, symposium will build upon the success of the first such event that was held in 2002. Based in Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, the three-day weekend will include scholarly presentations by experts on Grand Canyon history as well as interpretive tours and lively social events.
The 2007 Grand Canyon History Symposium is the result of hundreds of hours of work by the board and members of the Grand Canyon Historical Society, as well as employees of the National Park Service, the Grand Canyon Association, the Grand Canyon Field Institute and Xanterra South Rim, LLC. For more information or to register visit the Grand Canyon Historical Society at www.grandcanyonhistory.org.
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The 2007 Grand Canyon History Symposium is the result of hundreds of hours of work by the board and members of the Grand Canyon Historical Society, as well as employees of the National Park Service, the Grand Canyon Association, the Grand Canyon Field Institute and Xanterra South Rim, LLC. For more information or to register visit the Grand Canyon Historical Society at www.grandcanyonhistory.org.
Thank you for tuning into "All Things Grand Canyon". GrandCanyonPrints.com offers the grandest in Grand Canyon photographs.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Deluge in the Desert
October is historically one of the best months for backpacking at Grand Canyon. The late-summer rains are over, and winter snows lie ahead, leaving crisp, dry days and starry nights for those lucky enough to secure a coveted camping permit. Apparently Mother Nature didn't get the memo. On October 13th, a rare string of thunderstorms left hundreds of inner canyon travelers scrambling for cover.
I was backpacking rim-to-rim with my wife and friends, and got caught in the thick of it. Two straight days of rain resulted in raging creeks, spontaneous waterfalls, and nerve rattling thunder. At one point we were forced to wait for an hour as a flash flood inundated the North Kaibab Trail with waist high water. Sadly, one woman was swept downstream as she chose to cross a swollen Bright Angel Creek as a workaround. She was fished out of the torrent by fellow hikers relatively unscathed.
For anyone wondering how the canyon got to its present depth in such a dry part of the country, the answer was sloshing around every corner. Soggy duds aside, it was a magnificent experience; one that ended as quickly as it started. We finished our hike a day later under piercing blue skies, and amidst the rising steam from a scrubbed and polished chasm; neither of us worse for the wear.
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I was backpacking rim-to-rim with my wife and friends, and got caught in the thick of it. Two straight days of rain resulted in raging creeks, spontaneous waterfalls, and nerve rattling thunder. At one point we were forced to wait for an hour as a flash flood inundated the North Kaibab Trail with waist high water. Sadly, one woman was swept downstream as she chose to cross a swollen Bright Angel Creek as a workaround. She was fished out of the torrent by fellow hikers relatively unscathed.
For anyone wondering how the canyon got to its present depth in such a dry part of the country, the answer was sloshing around every corner. Soggy duds aside, it was a magnificent experience; one that ended as quickly as it started. We finished our hike a day later under piercing blue skies, and amidst the rising steam from a scrubbed and polished chasm; neither of us worse for the wear.
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Monday, October 16, 2006
Birthday wishes from Phantom Ranch
Gabcast! Grand Canyon Prints #9 - Happy Birthday, Tery!
We missed our backpacking buddy on our latest rim-to-rim hike... but, you were with us in spirit, Tery!
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We missed our backpacking buddy on our latest rim-to-rim hike... but, you were with us in spirit, Tery!
Thank you for tuning into "All Things Grand Canyon". GrandCanyonPrints.com offers the grandest in Grand Canyon photographs.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Switching Gears on the South Rim
Each year, Labor Day Weekend ushers in a number of milestones at Grand Canyon National Park. The most noticeable is a transition in the visitorship from families to unencumbered adults. Replacing the stroller-pushing parents and their squirrel-chasing toddlers are vacationing seniors, and serious Grand Canyon backpackers taking advantage of the cooler temperatures. In terms of sheer numbers, visitation all but falls over the rim, a mixed blessing for frazzled canyon residents having endured one more "high season."
September also signals the departure of the seasonal employees, many from as far away as Malaysia and the Czech Republic, who return home after spending their summer months changing beds, scooping ice cream, wrestling luggage, and hopefully sneaking in a hike or two between shifts. Left behind are we thousand-or-so permanent locals, sad to say "goodbye" to newfound friends that graciously brought the larger world to our doorstep.
Farewells aside, this change in pace (think Manhattan to Mayberry) suits most of us who call Grand Canyon home. It affords the chance to reconnect with the canyon on our terms as we coast into the holiday season. As if to herald in this new paradigm, the elk begin their lovesick "bugling" about now. Their plaintive sirens punctuate the dark nights and remind us all of our deep connection to the natural world; one that has been waiting patiently for us to take notice.
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September also signals the departure of the seasonal employees, many from as far away as Malaysia and the Czech Republic, who return home after spending their summer months changing beds, scooping ice cream, wrestling luggage, and hopefully sneaking in a hike or two between shifts. Left behind are we thousand-or-so permanent locals, sad to say "goodbye" to newfound friends that graciously brought the larger world to our doorstep.
Farewells aside, this change in pace (think Manhattan to Mayberry) suits most of us who call Grand Canyon home. It affords the chance to reconnect with the canyon on our terms as we coast into the holiday season. As if to herald in this new paradigm, the elk begin their lovesick "bugling" about now. Their plaintive sirens punctuate the dark nights and remind us all of our deep connection to the natural world; one that has been waiting patiently for us to take notice.
Thank you for tuning into "All Things Grand Canyon". GrandCanyonPrints.com offers the grandest in Grand Canyon photographs.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Rocky Mountain (Too) High
The family vacation season is drawing to a close at Grand Canyon, and with it the days of wall-to-wall visitors in every direction. I'm often asked, "Where do YOU vacation if you live at the Grand Canyon?" This summer is was the lofty peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park. Joining me in a backpack to the summit of Longs Peak were a few friends for another installment in our once-a-year mid-life crisis peak bagging tradition.
Longs Peak stands on the Front Range of Colorado's Rockies, towering over the endless plains that trail off to the east, literally as far as the eye can see. The 14,259 ft. mountain was first climbed in modern times by Major John Wesley Powell; coincidentally the first man through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River in 1869. Having rafted through the Canyon in May I was excited to repeat another of Powell's achievements.
After dodging lighting on the grueling climb to our campsite above treeline, a few of my altitude sensitive pals were reeling from the lack of oxygen. We decided to forgoe the summit and descend the following morning. The adventure wasn't a total loss as we were treated to a glorious sunset and sunrise, big views of the nearby peaks, and all the bewildering antics that two hundred city slicker day hikers could serve up.
Any lingering frustration with our aborted climb was washed away when I arrived home at the Grand Canyon, better for the wear as I prepare for a rigorous fall hiking schedule.
Thank you for tuning into "All Things Grand Canyon". GrandCanyonPrints.com offers the grandest in Grand Canyon photographs.
Longs Peak stands on the Front Range of Colorado's Rockies, towering over the endless plains that trail off to the east, literally as far as the eye can see. The 14,259 ft. mountain was first climbed in modern times by Major John Wesley Powell; coincidentally the first man through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River in 1869. Having rafted through the Canyon in May I was excited to repeat another of Powell's achievements.
After dodging lighting on the grueling climb to our campsite above treeline, a few of my altitude sensitive pals were reeling from the lack of oxygen. We decided to forgoe the summit and descend the following morning. The adventure wasn't a total loss as we were treated to a glorious sunset and sunrise, big views of the nearby peaks, and all the bewildering antics that two hundred city slicker day hikers could serve up.
Any lingering frustration with our aborted climb was washed away when I arrived home at the Grand Canyon, better for the wear as I prepare for a rigorous fall hiking schedule.
Thank you for tuning into "All Things Grand Canyon". GrandCanyonPrints.com offers the grandest in Grand Canyon photographs.
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