Each year in the spring (March - June) Grand Canyon National Park experiences an increase in turbidity in the drinking water. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/spring-snow-melt-causes-annual-turbidity.htm

On Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at approximately 11:30 am, Grand Canyon National Park rangers responded to a call reporting that someone had fallen over the canyon rim east of Yavapai Geology Museum. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/over-the-edge-fatality.htm

Starting on approximately April 8, 2019 Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C., a concessionaire within Grand Canyon National Park, will be fulfilling a contractual obligation to rebuild the Maswik South lodging complex and construct new roads near Maswik South. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-rebuilding-maswik-south-lodge.htm

A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed by Kate Hammond, Acting Regional Director for the Intermountain Region of the National Park Service (NPS), for a site plan to transform Desert View in Grand Canyon National Park into an Inter-tribal Cultural Heritage Site and share a unifying message from the park's traditionally associated tribes: "we are still here". https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/finding-of-no-significant-impact-signed-for-the-desert-view-inter-tribal-cultural-heritage-site.htm

At 1:05 p.m. on April 23, 2019, Grand Canyon National Park rangers responded to a call reporting that a person needed help at rocky point west of Pipe Creek Vista. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/visitor-fatality-at-pipe-creek-vista.htm

The gate at the entrance to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:30 a.m. to mark the official opening of the North Rim for the 2019 season. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/north-rim-2019-season.htm

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers anticipate initiating prescribed pile burning this week as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grca-south-rim-piles-project.htm

Finding of No Significant Impact signed for the Transcanyon Water Distribution Pipeline project in Grand Canyon National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/finding-of-no-significant-impact-for-transcanyon-waterline.htm

The twenty-ninth annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held Saturday, June 22 through Saturday, June 29, 2019 on both South and North Rims of the park. Amateur astronomers from across the country will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/celebrate-grand-canyon-national-park-100th-anniversary-during-star-party-week-june-22-29.htm

From Tuesday, May 16 to Wednesday, May 17 the Grand Canyon National Park Division of Science and Resource Management (SRM) will apply minor spot spray treatments of herbicide around the Grand Canyon Lodge and campground in the North Rim Developed Area to aid in the control of an especially invasive grass species for which mechanical removal is ineffective. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grca-apply-herbicide-on-nr-2019.htm

Due to water turbidity and maintenance issues, some of the water filling stations and flush toilets normally available along the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails at this time of the year will not be open until water conditions change and/or water line repairs are made. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/backcountry-users-advised-of-changes-to-water-availability-on-north-kaibab-and-bright-angel-trails.htm

An international team of paleontologists has united to study important fossil footprints recently discovered in a remote location within Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. A large sandstone boulder contains several exceptionally well-preserved trackways of primitive tetrapods (four-footed animals) which inhabited an ancient desert environment. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/newly-discovered-fossils.htm

Effective immediately, the National Park Service (NPS) is initiating water conservation measures on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park to ensure that the area's facilities can remain open until the repairs are made to the damaged water pipeline. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/nps-level-2-water-conservation.htm

A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that the 6.3 million visitors to Grand Canyon National Park in 2018 spent $947 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 12,558 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $1.2 billion. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-economic-benefit.htm

Grand Canyon National Park's summer season is set to begin in the next few weeks, plan ahead to make the most of your trip! https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/visitation-tips.htm

Beginning Tuesday, June 4, the National Park Service road crew will begin a three-week pavement preservation project to seal cracks in the older asphalt surfaces around the park. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/road-preservation.htm

On Tuesday, June 4 and Wednesday, June 5 staff from the Division of Science and Resource Management (SRM) will be applying herbicide to the traffic islands on South Entrance and Yavapai Roads to remove grasses that attract elk in these congested areas of the Grand Canyon Village. The intent of the removal is to minimize conflicts between wildlife (elk) and both visitors and residents along the road corridors. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/south-entrance-and-yavapai-herbicide-use.htm

The damaged pipeline that supplies water to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has been repaired and most water services have been restored to North Rim facilities. The park will lift water restrictions and return to basic water conservation measures on Saturday, June 8, 2019. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/north-rim-water-operations.htm

Grand Canyon National Park is officially certified as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/dark-sky-designation.htm

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers-working with resources from Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Rocky Mountain National Park, Zion National Park, Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, Bryce Canyon National Park, Saguaro National Park and Kaibab National Forest anticipate initiating a prescribed fire treatment as early as tomorrow, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/fire-managers-at-grand-canyon-plan-prescribed-fire-adjacent-to-grand-canyon-village.htm

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers will initiate a prescribed fire treatment today, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow. The Long Jim Prescribed Fire is adjacent to the developed area on the South Rim, east of South Entrance Road and south of Highway 64 (Desert View Drive) East. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/fire-managers-at-grand-canyon-initiate-prescribed-fire-adjacent-to-grand-canyon-village.htm

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers continue to treat the Long Jim Prescribed Fire unit, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow. On Tuesday, June 18, 2019, crews successfully treated 180 acres. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/fire-managers-at-grand-canyon-continue-prescribed-fire-adjacent-to-grand-canyon-village.htm

Grand Canyon National Park fire resources completed ignition operations on the Long Jim Prescribed Fire. Crews will continue to patrol the unit and mop up any areas along the fires perimeter that may threaten the holding line. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/fire-resources-at-grand-canyon-complete-ignition-operations-on-long-jim-rx.htm

The National Park Service is conducting a missing person search within Grand Canyon National Park.  https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/missing-person.htm

National Park Service Requests Public Input on a Telecommunications Plan at Grand Canyon National Park https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/telecommunications-plan.htm

The National Park Service (NPS) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) completed an interagency safety review finding no radiation exposure health risk to employees or visitors from uranium ore samples at Grand Canyon National Park. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/final-report-concludes-no-radiation-exposure-from-uranium-ore-at-grand-canyon-national-park.htm

Recent monsoonal activity in the region resulted in several new lightning ignited fires on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park over the past several days. Fire crews are actively working to suppress three fires within Grand Canyon National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-suppressing-three-fires-on-north-rim.htm

Grand Canyon's Volunteer Program wrapped up a week-long experiential training session for college students with the Alternative Break Citizenship School. Approximately 75 students from over 40 colleges participated in educational sessions and hands on service work at the park July 22 to 26, 2019. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/alternative-break-citizenship-school.htm

The Ikes Fire, which started on July 25th, is approximately 25 acres. Fire behavior was active with surface fire of three to five foot flames where the fire was consuming dead logs. The fire is backing and flanking towards the east. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-on-grand-canyon-national-park-north-rim-grows-to-25-acres.htm

The Ikes Fire, which started on July 25th, is approximately 28 acres. Rain on Wednesday significantly reduced fire behavior, resulting in almost no new fire growth. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/precipitation-temporarily-slows-ikes-fire-growth-on-north-rim-of-grand-canyon-national-park.htm

Grand Canyon National Park has temporarily instituted closures for the portion of the Ikes Fire Planning Area that is within Grand Canyon National Park. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-implements-temporary-road-and-trail-closures-on-the-north-rim.htm

The Ikes Fire continues to grow despite the minimal amount of moisture received from recent storms. Fire is estimated at 77 acres. Crews continue to prep the perimeter of the planned burn area. Road and Trail closures remain in place. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-grows-to-58-acres-despite-monsoon-weather-08062019.htm

The Ikes Fire moved into the northeast portion of the planning area that has a history of little to no fire activity in over two decades. This wildfire is consuming heavy fuel accumulations on the forest floor and is helping ensure the ecosystem will be healthier and more resilient in the future. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-promotes-healthy-forest-regeneration-as-fire-activity-increases-20190807.htm

The Kaibab National Forest instituted a Temporary Area Closure for all National Forests System lands and roads within the Ikes Fire Planning Area. This Order will be in effect beginning at 8:00 AM on August 8, 2019, and shall remain in effect until September 27, 2019, or until rescinded, whichever comes first. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/kaibab-national-forest-temporary-area-closure-for-ikes-fire-20190808.htm

Grand Canyon National Park would like to invite the public to the eighth annual season of "Echoes from the Canyon". This living history event will feature day time and evening programs August 16 –19th. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/echoes-from-the-canyon.htm

The Ikes Fire has seen minimal growth over the past 2 days due to multiple rain showers over the fire area. Due to moisture, fire activity has been limited, however, the fire continues to burn within the duff layer of needles, leaf litter, and downed logs along the forest floor. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-remains-active-despite-rain-20190810.htm

The Ikes Fire has grown to 85 acres due to warmer, drier weather over the past few days. Over the weekend, Grand Canyon identified 3 lightning caused fires. The Royal Fire, Sinkhole Fire, and Outlet Fire located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park are 100% contained due to full suppression tactics. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-grows-due-to-warmer-drier-weather-20190812.htm

The Ikes Fire is being utilized to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem while providing for point protection of identified sensitive natural and cultural resources. Resource objectives include reducing hazardous fuels, promoting forest regeneration, improving wildlife habitat, and restoring more open forest understory. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-ecological-benefits-20190814.htm

The public invited to the 23rd annual public condor release scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, and witness first-hand a spectacular release into the wild of several captive-bred young condors on National Public Lands Day. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ca-condor-release-saturday-sept-28-at-vermilion-cliffs.htm

Warm, dry weather conditions have led to additional growth on the Ikes Fire, which is now approximately 1,535 acres and 20% contained. Smoke settled into the Grand Canyon overnight as temperatures cooled but smoke may begin to lift as temperatures warm up throughout the day. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-spreads-crews-secure-planning-area-20190815.htm

The Ikes Fire is approximately 3,289 acres, 42% contained, and has 89 resources assigned. The natural caused lightning fire is being utilized to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem. The lightning-caused wildfire is actively burning within a 7,785-acre planning area. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-moves-across-landscape-as-containment-increases-20190816.htm

The lightning caused Ikes Fire has burned through approximately 3,500 acres of the pre-determined 7,785 acre planning area. Currently, there are 88 resources assigned to the Ikes Fire. Yesterday, gusty winds prevented firefighters from carrying out firing operations. Crews patrolled the perimeter on the northeast and eastern portion of the fire while other personnel continued to prep the west side of the Forest Service Road 223. Observed fire behavior was active with backing fire along ridge tops and single tree torching. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/incident-objectives-being-met-on-ikes-fire-20190817.htm

Yesterday, the Ikes Fire grew to approximately 4,297 acres and has 87 resources assigned. Despite gusty winds and dry conditions, the fire spread across the planning area with low to moderate fire behavior. The weather will continue to be drier than normal with no chance of precipitation in the forecast. Light winds are expected out of the southwest at 8-10 mph with gusts up to 18 mph. Smoke from the Ikes Fire, along with other fires in the area, will be visible throughout the surrounding area. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-progresses-at-steady-pace-20190818.htm

Yesterday, crews continued to patrol and hold the northern boundary and improve line. Firefighters on the southern boundary lit debris piles constructed in the early phases of line preparation. This tactic deprives the fire of excess fuel as it spreads to the west. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-holding-well-within-perimeter.htm

Yesterday, firefighters moved west along the W4 road and improved the boundary line with hand ignitions. Crews also created debris piles to clean up vegetation along the forest floor and hazard trees. Fire managers completed a reconnaissance flight to assess fire behavior within the interior of the fire perimeter. Fire effects are consistent with land managers’ objectives and are expected to remain as such based on current conditions. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-behavior-aligns-with-land-managers-objectives.htm

Grand Canyon National Park invites the public to celebrate the National Park Service’s 103rd birthday by visiting the park for free on Aug. 25, 2019. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-invites-the-public-to-celebrate-the-national-park-service-s-103rd-birthday-by-visiting-the-park-for-free-on-aug-25-2019.htm

Yesterday, firefighters did minimal hand ignitions along the National Park Service W4 Road as the fire progressed slowly to the west. Crews did not conduct firing operations along Forest Road 223 as more prep work is needed before putting additional fire on the ground. Smoke from the Ikes Fire, along with other fires in the area, will be visible throughout the area and may cause smoke impacts. The North Rim Village and businesses at Grand Canyon National Park are OPEN. Temporary trail and road closures for the Ikes Fire Planning Area within Grand Canyon National Park include: Powell Plateau Trail, North Bass Trail, Fire Point, Swamp Point, and the W4 road heading north starting at the intersection of the W4 and W1 roads. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-expands-crews-continue-to-meet-objectives-20190821.htm

Over the past two days, firefighters made progress with firing operations along Forest Road 223. This tactic is conducted to strengthen and improve the northern boundary of the planning area. The North Rim Village and businesses are open. However, road and trail closures remain in effect for the Ikes Fire planning area for Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-holding-after-tested-by-winds-20190823.htm

The Ikes Fire, which has been managed by a Local Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT), transitioned to a local Type 4 Incident Commander effective this morning, Sunday, August 25, 2019. This will be the Final Ikes Fire News Release unless significant fire activity occurs. North Rim Closures: Powell Plateau Trail, The North Bass Trail, Fire Point, Swamp Point, and the W4 road north of the intersection of the W4 and W1 Roads. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/ikes-fire-command-transitions-to-type-4-team-closures-remain-20190825.htm

The National Park Foundation, National Park Service, and the Department of Energy partnered with BMW of North America to donate 100 EV charging stations for locations in and near national parks. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/electric-vehicle-charging-stations.htm