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Category: Grand Canyon National Park North Rim

Back to work at Grand Canyon National Park

Ranger Gaelyn & morning light over canyon from Lodge North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaThat time of year again after six months of play, gotta’ go back to work at Grand Canyon.  If you call what I do work.  Being a Park Ranger is sort of like pay-for-play.  Trust me, it is work.  Couple hours in the Visitor Center helping people make a plan for their visit be it two hours, days, or weeks.  Lots of repetition:  “Where’s the bathroom, water, gift shop, food, lodging, campground, trails, and, oh the canyon?  Many times in that order.  Interpretive Park Rangers research, study, learn, develop, and present “programs” for visitors about, anything and everything relating to the location.  I think of us a WikiRangers, we wear the Hat.  We might be called upon to find lost people, identify a bird, flower, rock, fossil….

Last light on Angels Gate from Lodge North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

I won’t lie to you, I love my job as a seasonal Park Ranger at Grand Canyon, but, I know how absolutely crazy busy it’s going to be this year.  Last summer Grand Canyon, along with many other parks, experienced a huge increase in visitation.  We topped the 5 million mark.  I want people to love their parks, but believe there is a carrying capacity.  I wonder when/if we’ll have to make reservations just to visit some of the most popular parks.

Stormy clouds from RV North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Plus 40 hours a week working takes a lot of time out of life.  And I won’t be parked in the same place this year with my beautiful view of the canyon, and a cell signal.  Instead I’ll be back in the forest, which is also beautiful.  But I’m sure going to miss being online whenever I want to at home.  So don’t be surprised about my absence on social media.  I will continue to try to post to the blog.  But it’s going to be a challenge.  Guess I’ll work at home on the PC, then save everything to the laptop, and try to find a signal somewhere to send it all out into the cyber world.  As it is I usually spend Way too much time on social media.  FB is such a life sucker.  In fact I get totally sucked into whatever I’m doing right now.

Stormy view West Crazy Jug Pt Kaibab National Forest Arizona

Bill and I will only be 1 1/2 hours apart so of course there will be more journeys as we continue to explore the area on my weekends, which are usually not on the real weekend.

I roll out of Kanab, Utah Friday.  A friend is towing the 5th-wheel up to the North Rim so I don’t have to take the camper off the truck.  That’s a relief.  And I go back to work on Monday.

The North Rim Grand Canyon National Park opens to the public May 15, 2016.  If you’re coming for a visit let me know, I’d love to show you around.

Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park North Rim, life , 24 Comments

Plan ahead to visit the North Rim Grand Canyon

Sunset light on Angels Gate & over South Rim from Lodge North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaI’ve posted this before but it’s worth repeating, plan ahead to visit the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park.  Complete with updated information.

GRCA NP visitation 1918-2015

The National Park Service Centennial will bring more people out to visit all parks making it more important than ever to plan ahead to visit the North Rim, or any National Park site for that matter.  The 2015 visitation at Grand Canyon National Park peaked at 5.5 million with 90% visiting the South Rim.  That doesn’t mean the North Rim will be less crowded.  The remote location with limited services and facilities is only open from May 15 – November 30, weather dependent.

No signal on GPS

It is unlikely a GPS will work in or around the North Rim so please get a paper map.  Go to the park’s website and download the Trip Planner.  Remember, the North and South Rims may only be separated by 10 miles as the Condor flies but it’s a 210 mile (338 km) drive via the Navajo Reservation on Hwy89.

There’s a $30/carload entrance fee if you don’t have a park pass and cash is not accepted at the entrance station.  However, visitors are not turned away.  Cash is accepted at the Visitor Center, and after hours’ entrance fees should be paid at the automated machine behind the Visitor Center.

Fog shrouded Vishnu Temple Cape Royal North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaBe prepared for all kinds of weather.  8200 feet (2500 m) can mean cold and snow into June and as early as October.  Monsoon from July through September brings daily rain and sometimes clouds obscure the canyon views.  Heat in the canyon can soar above 100F (37 C) during summer.  Dry conditions requires drinking plenty of water.  Children dehydrate faster than adults.  Altitude sickness can be a reality many don’t recognize.  Symptoms include headache, nausea, and grumpiness.  The air is thinner and breathing can be difficult.

Mt Hayden & canyon beyond from Point Imperial North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaPoint Imperial overlook view

The scenic drive on the North Rim is 40 miles (64 k) round trip on a paved curvy road with no shoulders.  It is not recommended for a vehicle over 30 feet (9 m) for good reason.  Pull offs and parking are provided along the way.  Please don’t park on the roadway.  No food or water are provided and restrooms are located at only two points.  There is no shuttle service touring the North Rim however a hiker shuttle offers a five hour ride between the north and south side of the canyon.

Bright Angel trail end North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaBright Angel Point trail

Hike smart.  The North Rim offers many hiking options from an easy 1/2 mile to many miles.  Although you are welcome to wander anywhere you want think about sticking to established trails for safety’s sake.  If going off trail please don’t walk on the vegetation.  Use extreme caution along rocky edges.  Take at least one gallon, or 4 liters, of water per person for the day and salty snacks to help keep your electrolytes up.  No dieting at Grand Canyon as you’ll be burning up calories very fast.

Roaring Springs canyon North Kaibab Trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaNorth Kaibab Trail

If you’re hiking in the canyon the trail is steep.  What goes down must come up.  Day hikers are encouraged not to go more than the 5 miles (8 km) down to Roaring Springs on the North Kaibab Trail.  This is considered an all day hike for most people and you should get an early start.

Overnight camping along the main rim to rim trails at one of the three designated campgrounds in the canyon requires a permit which you typically apply for four months in advance.  Again, check the website for complete information.  Best, and most popular, time to hike in the canyon is spring and fall when inner canyon temperatures are not so brutal.  Stop at the backcountry office for more information.  Maybe you’ll get lucky and get a next day permit.

07 126 Cartoon Ranger telling animals not to feed the people g (1024x768)Ranger programs go on throughout the day and into the evening.  Subjects vary from geology, ecology, archeology, California condors and cultural history.  It’s a great way to learn more about your Grand Canyon.  Times and locations are listed in the North Rim newspaper and posted in the Visitor Center.

The Junior Ranger Program offers more learning opportunities for kids of all ages and you earn a Junior Ranger badge for your efforts.  Stop at the Visitor Center/Bookstore to pick up a Junior Ranger book and maybe a postcard or two.  Rangers are available to help you plan your visit.

Derek Suwaima-Davis Hoop Dance Heritage Days North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaSpecial events include the 4th of July water parade, Western Arts Day, the week long Star Party, Native American Heritage Days, the Kanab Symphony and special presentations by Artists-in-Residence.  Plus nature puts on a wildflower display most of the summer and the fall aspen turn to gold.

Snow around Lodge North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaFood options are available at the Grand Lodge for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It is the most expensive of options but not outrageous for a National Park dinning experience with views of Grand Canyon.  Dinner reservations should be made in advance.  Deli in the Pines offers a variety of quick foods at reasonable prices like salad, pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, beverages and more.  Food can be eaten inside, outside, or to go.  There is also a Grand Canyon Cookout Experience that includes musical entertainment.  The camp store has pretty much all the basics but you’ll pay more than in town.  And speaking of town, the nearest grocery stores are in Kanab, Utah 85 miles away.

The Rough Rider Saloon offers some quick food and cocktails.  Plus coffee and rolls for the early risers.

Grand Canyon National Park does not sell small throw away sized water bottles.  But who needs all that plastic around when you can fill your own containers at the water fill stations.  It’s delicious spring water pumped up from 3000 feet (914 m) below the rim.  Roaring Springs provides water to both the North and South Rims.  Drink plenty of it but be conservative where you can.

Fall aspen by cabins North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaRental cabins

Accommodations are limited and typically require reservations far in advance for lodging and campground.  Dispersed camping is allowed in the adjacent Kaibab National Forest.  23 miles (37 km) away Kaibab Lodge which also offers excellent dinning.  45 miles (72 KM) away Jacob Lake Inn along with restaurant, gift shop and famous cookies and milkshakes.  Camping is also available around Jacob Lake.  East along SR89A is Cliff Dwellers, Lee’s Ferry and Marble Canyon.  To the north Fredonia, AZ and Kanab, UT offer many possibilities.

Fuel is available near the camp store 24 hours a day.  There is no mechanic on duty.

Pets must be on a leash at all times and only the Bridle Trail and the area around the lodge and visitor center are pet friendly.  Only service dogs allowed inside buildings.  Do not leave your pet unattended in a closed hot car.

Sun rays over Zoroaster & Brahma temples from Cape Royal North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaCape Royal overlook for the best sunsets

If you’re coming for a visit please plan ahead to visit the North Rim.  I’ll be working there all summer and would be happy to answer your questions.  Planning will make your visit more enjoyable.

Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park North Rim, National Parks and Monuments , , , 42 Comments

Native American Heritage Days 2015

Ranger Jake once again organized an impressive and smooth running Native American Heritage Days at the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park.  Demonstrators from several of the local tribes set up sharing basket making, jewelry making and pottery. Plus some outstanding music and dance.

Stormy sky over canyon North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaDue to threatening skies and wind Thursday evening’s events were brought inside the Lodge auditorium.  Friday the demonstrators came inside also.  I’m not used to taking pictures inside so these aren’t the best quality.

Late light on canyon walls Transept Trail North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaBill came up for the first day of activities on my day off.  We hiked the 2 miles from my RV to the Lodge along the Transept Trail.  Not too far along near the public campground I saw a couple sitting at a picnic table and heard the woman say, “Isn’t that Bill?” followed by the man saying, “Isn’t that Gaelyn?”  Turned out to be the Carter’s from Kanab who knew us both, just not necessarily together.  Chatted with them a bit then continued along the rim admiring the canyon view.

Derek with sons Heritage Days North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaDerek’s three sons accompanied him and the youngest at 2-years old absolutely stole the show.  Middle son had his arm in a cast so didn’t participate much this year.

Eagle dance Heritage Days North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaTwo of the boys performed the Eagle Dance.

Horse dance Heritage Days North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaThen Derek and his oldest son performed the Horse Dance.

Miss Hopi Heritage Days North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaMiss Hopi 2015 spoke about her mission to represent her people.

Hoop dance Native American Heritage Days North Rim Grand Canyon National Park Arizona

Hoop dance Heritage Days North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaThen Derek brought out the hoops and it seemed there were too many until his littlest assistant came out and stole the show.

Ramson blowing glass Heritage Days North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaRamson, a Hopi glass blower and speaker the first night talked about Hopi culture.

Canyon view Heritage Days North Rim Grand Canyon National Park ArizonaThe second night Deon Ben, who I introduced, spoke about Navajo, or Dine, culture.  This is an outstanding celebration of multi-cultures coming together at Grand Canyon’s North Rim every year the first Thursday and Friday of August.

Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park North Rim, National Parks and Monuments 20 Comments

Lijit

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