National Park Service Grand Canyon U.S. Department of the Interior Grand Canyon National Park Arizona South Rim: March 1–May 24, 2008 Also available in Deutsch, Espan˜ ol, Français, The Guide Italiano, , Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon is more than a great chasm carved over millennia through along a trail and feel the sunshine and wind on your face. Attend a ranger the rocks of the Colorado Plateau. It is more than an awe-inspiring view. It is program. Follow the antics of ravens soaring above the rim. Listen for the more than a pleasuring ground for those who explore the roads, hike the roar of the rapids far below Pima Point. Savor a sunrise or sunset. trails, or float the currents of the turbulent Colorado River. As the shadows lengthen across the spires and buttes, time passing into the This canyon is a gift that transcends what we experience. Its beauty and size depths of the canyon, understand what this great chasm passes to us—a sense humble us. Its timelessness provokes a comparison to our short existence. of humility born in the interconnections of all that is and a willingness to care South Rim Map on Its vast spaces offer solace from our hectic lives. for this land. We have the responsibility to ensure that future generations pages 8–9 and 16 have the opportunity to form their own connections with Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon we visit today is a gift from past generations. Take time to National Park. enjoy this gift. Sit and watch the changing play of light and shadows. Wander Inside: Ranger Programs . .2–3 Information Centers . .4 Where’s the Visitor Center? Sunrise & Sunset Times . .4 Geology . .6 The Visitor Center is just south of Mather Point, Park News . .7,10–11 but you cannot drive to the Visitor Center. Canyon View Information Plaza, Maps . .8–9,13,16 including the new Visitor Center, was designed as the terminus for a mass- Hiking . .12–13 transit system that is not yet in operation. To get to the Visitor Center: Visitor Services . .14–15 • Park Your Vehicle Desert View . .16 Parking lots are shown on the map on pages 8–9. North Rim . .16 • Ride the Free Shuttle Buses Shuttle bus routes are shown on the map on pages 8–9. What time is it? or • Park at Mather Point Most of Arizona, including Grand Canyon National Park, remains on Walk the 300 yards (275 meters) to the Visitor Center. Mountain Standard Time year- Accessibility shuttle available. See page 9. round. Beginning March 9, Arizona is on the same time as California and Nevada and is one Ride the free shuttle buses Thinking about hiking? hour earlier than the Navajo Reservation, Colorado, New To make your stay at Grand Canyon National Park Successful hikers: Mexico, and Utah. less hectic and to reduce traffic congestion, use the • Read and follow the suggestions and regulations on free shuttle buses. The shuttles operate from before pages 12–13. Emergency • 911 sunrise to after sunset, come by frequently, and the • Plan their hike before they start and go prepared. drivers never get lost. Read the article on page 4 and • Go slowly, rest often, and maintain the correct body 24 hours-a-day dial the map on pages 8–9 for more details. temperature. 911 from any phone, • Eat salty foods and drink water or sports drinks. 9-911 from hotel phones. The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. 2 GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK During your visit the National Park Service encourages you to participate in the Ranger Programs programs listed below. All programs are free. Grand Canyon Village Activity Location Time Duration Frequency Cedar Ridge Hike This program begins April 1 With a ranger, descend 1140 feet (347m) below the rim on the unpaved South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge to enjoy unparal- South Kaibab Trailhead April leled views from within the canyon. This strenuous 3-mile (5 km) round-trip hike is not recommended for people with heart 8:00 a.m. 3–4 hours Daily or respiratory problems or difficulty walking. Sturdy footwear and 1–2 quarts (1–2 liters) of water per person are required. May Clothing appropriate for the weather and snacks strongly recommended. Hikers cannot drive to the trailhead. Ride the free 7:30 a.m. 3–4 hours Daily Village Route shuttle bus to Canyon View Information Plaza and cross the plaza to the Kaibab Trail Route shuttle stop. Allow 45 minutes for total travel time. Program may be cancelled due to weather or trail conditions. No hikes May 6–8. Colorado River Talk Enjoy the grandeur and power of the Colorado River as you explore and discuss the river's role in Grand Canyon. Program Bicycle rack at Yavapai 9:30 a.m. 30–45 min. Daily may include a short walk on a paved path. Parking may be limited; plan to arrive by the Village Route shuttle bus to the Observation Station Yavapai Observation Station stop. No talks May 6–8. Introduction to Grand Canyon’s Geology Why is the Grand Canyon so deep, wide, and grand? Why does it exist only here in the world? Come and participate in this Visitor Center at Canyon 10:00 a.m. 30–45 min. Daily fascinating talk to learn how Grand Canyon was formed. Program may include a short walk on a paved path. Plan sufficient View Information Plaza time to arrive at the Visitor Center by the free Village Route shuttle bus. No programs May 6–8. Fossil Walk: Remnant Impressions This program given March 1–31 only Walk among brachiopods, sponges, and other marine creatures that thrived on this part of the continent 270 million years Patio on rim side of Bright 10:30 a.m. 1 hour Daily ago, before the age of the dinosaurs. This easy 1/2-mile (0.8 km) one-way walk explores an exposed fossil bed along the rim. Angel Lodge Parking may be limited; consider parking in Lots C, D, or E or riding the free Village Shuttle to the Bright Angel Lodge stop. Ranger's Choice Explore the world of Grand Canyon during this in-depth special program. Topics change daily; check at the Visitor Center for Visitor Center at Canyon 1:30 p.m. 30–45 min. Daily the day's subject. Possible programs include nature walks, Native American culture, or pioneer history. Plan sufficient time to View Information Plaza arrive at the Visitor Center by the free Village Route shuttle bus. A Geo-Glimpse Enjoy the new geology exhibits at Yavapai Observation Station and explore a selected aspect of the canyon's geology during Bicycle rack at Yavapai 2:30 p.m. 20–30 min. Daily these short talks. Talk may be moved inside during inclement weather. No programs May 6–8. Observation Station The Human Story For thousands of years, humans have been part of Grand Canyon. Join park staff outside of Kolb Studio to take a look at the Outside of Kolb Studio 3:00 p.m. 30–45 min. Daily history of the South Rim area. Programs may include tours of Kolb Studio or walks around the village historic district. Parking may be limited; consider parking at Lots C or D or riding the free Village Route shuttle bus to the Train Depot stop. No programs May 6–8. Nature Walk Learn more about the complexity and diversity of nature with a short hike along the rim. Topics vary and may include: ani- Bicycle rack at Yavapai 3:30 p.m. 30–45 min. Daily mals and plants adapting to changing seasons, man's impact on nature, how nature inspires writers and poets, rare and endan- Observation Station gered species, or Native American use of plants and animals. Parking may be limited; plan to arrive by the free Village Route shuttle bus to the Yavapai Observation Station stop. No programs May 6–8. Condor Talk: Wings over the Canyon What highly endangered bird with a 9-foot wingspan is often spotted at Grand Canyon? The California condor! Learn about In front of Lookout Studio 4:00 p.m. 30–45 min. Daily these majestic birds and their reintroduction in northern Arizona in a talk on the canyon's rim. Parking is limited; consider near Bright Angel Lodge parking at Lots C or D or riding the free Village Route shuttle bus to the Bright Angel stop. No programs May 6–8. (Climbing stairs may be involved in getting to the program site.) Evening Program The perfect way to end your day at the Grand Canyon! Relax beneath the stars and enjoy a ranger presentation on a significant Shrine of the Ages audi- March and April aspect of the canyon's fascinating natural or cultural history. For this evening's topic check the schedules posted around the torium (parking lot A, next 7:30 p.m. 1 hour Daily park. Arrive by walking, driving, or riding the free Village Shuttle Bus. No programs May 14 and 21. to Park Headquarters) May 8:00 p.m. 1 hour Daily SPRING 2008 VISITOR’S GUIDE 3 We hope that learning more about Grand Canyon National Park and its resources will lead to a greater appreciation of your national park. Many programs, except the Evening Program, are cancelled May 6–8 to allow our rangers to attend training. Special Programs Activity Location Time Duration Frequency Full Moon Walks and Star Talks During nights around the full moon and new moon, rangers will offer moon walks and star talks at the Mather Point overlook.