| Have you found new information that you'd like to pass on to Grand Canyon travelers? If so, please send me an e-mail at arizonahandbook@yahoo.com. |
Page 12 (Parking): Parking may be your first thought upon arrival! Maps in the literature given out at the entrance stations show parking areas in Grand Canyon Village. Once you've found a spot, the free Village Shuttle will take you around. Cycling is another option, though it's restricted to roads and bike paths. Walking, especially on the very scenic Rim Trail, is the most enjoyable way of seeing the sights here. Eventually parking will be moved outside the park to Tusayan, where buses or a light-rail will convey visitors to Canyon View Information Plaza and beyond.
Page 13 (Visitor Center): Canyon View Information Plaza
This new visitor center complex, a short stroll south of Mather Point, opened in late 2000 and has replaced the old visitor center. Because it's designed as part of the public transport system, there's no parking here. You can take the Village Shuttle or walk via the Rim Trail. The Village Shuttle stops on the west side of the Plaza and the Kaibab Trail Shuttle on the east side. Despite the name of the Plaza, there's no view here! You have to walk over to Mather Point to see the Canyon.
Large outdoor panels have maps, sightseeing destinations, hiking possibilities, lodging, campgrounds, and other helpful information to help get you started on your visit to the park. You can also check listings of ranger-guided rim walks, Canyon hikes, talks, family activities, photography workshops, campfire programs, and evening presentations. Step inside the Visitor Center for the information desk and some exhibits. Kids can sign up to learn skills in the Junior Ranger Program. The Visitor Center is open daily 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and the outdoor lights stay on until 9 p.m. Call (928) 638-7888 to reach the automated switchboard with recordings of scheduled programs and offices or surf over to the Website www.nps.gov/grca. (People with hearing impairments can call the TDD, tel. 928-638-7804.)
South across the Plaza, you'll find Books & More. This spacious new bookstore of the Grand Canyon Association contains a great selection of Canyon-related books (including ones for kids), posters, topo maps, videos, slides, and postcards.
Page 14 (Hopi House): Indian dances no longer take place here.
Page 16-17: In the last paragraph of Point-and-Shoot Pointers, the Kodak website is now www.kodak.com.
Page 21: The Planes of Fame Air Museum's annual air show, the High Country Warbirds Air Display, usually takes place on the last weekend of June. A new building under construction will greatly increase the museum's display area.
Page 22: The beauty/barber shop at Bright Angel Lodge has closed.
Page 22-23: Website for Grand Canyon National Park Lodges and Trailer Village is www.grandcanyonlodges.com.
Page 22-23: Moqui Lodge's season runs April 15 to Oct. 15; it no longer has a single occupancy rate.
Page 23: Grand Hotel's restaurant presents Native American dance performances with cowboy song interludes during dinner; check for times. The restaurant offers a buffet option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in summer and early autumn. Hotel website is http://www.grandcanyongrandhotel.com.
Page 26: Bank One no longer exchanges foreign currency.
Page 26: There's no longer a Western Union or pharmacy in Grand Canyon National Park.
Page 27 (Tours): South Rim Travel now charges a $10 fee for room-only bookings. The telephone number has changed to (888) 291-9116 for rooms and packages and (877) 638-2257 for one-day Colorado River tours below Glen Canyon Dam; local number is (928) 638-2748.
Page 26-27 (Kaibab National Forest): Tusayan Ranger Station has shortened its hours a bit to Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Page 27-28: Mule Rides: For information and reservations less than two days in advance, see the Bright Angel transportation desk, tel. (928) 638-3283. To make reservations more than two days in advance, contact Grand Canyon National Park Lodges at 14001 E. Iliff Ave., Suite 600, Aurora, CO 80014, tel. (303) 297-2757, Internet: www.grandcanyonlodges.com.
Page 28: Trail Rides. Apache Stables has closed
Page 29: Windrock Airlines has closed.
Page 30: Kenai Helicopters has a new local phone of (928) 638-2764 and a website www.flykenai.com.
Page 31 (Bus): Nava-Hopi no longer operates.
Page 31-32: The Outlet Fire on the North Rim burned more than 14,000 acres in April-June 2000. It started as a prescribed burn, then spread east, jumped AZ 87, and burned parts of Point Imperial and Cape Royal Scenic Drive.
Page 33: The section of Ken Patrick Trail between Point Imperial and Cape Royal Scenic Drive is temporarily closed due to tree hazards left by the Outlet Fire.
Page 38-39 (Toroweap): The Tuweep Ranger would like to remind hikers that the Lava Falls Route is VERY STRENUOUS and not recommended in summer. He also reminds drivers to allow plenty of time for the drive to Toroweap—the last section of road is rocky and slow going in any vehicle.
Page 39: The Esplanade Loop Trail is no longer open to mountain bikers.
Page 39-40 (Accommodations and Camping): A reminder—be sure to have reservations if planning to stay in or near the Park's North Rim! Grand Canyon Lodge, Kaibab, and Jacob Lake Lodge were having to turn away many people in the summer of 2000. The North Rim Campground requires reservations too. The Kaibab National Forest's nearby campgrounds and dispersed camping are the best bet if you don't have or cannot make reservations.
Page 40: The North Rim Visitor Center closed at 6 p.m. in the 2000 summer season.
Page 40: Mule rides no longer have a minimum height for riders. The phone number for information before June 1 is (435) 679-8665.
Page 40: Kaibab Lodge has extended its season to May 15-Oct. 31; use the telephone (928) 638-2389 during the season, then the other numbers off-season. Rates now start at $75 d and go up to $125.
Page 40 (North of the park): De Motte Park and Jacob Lake Campgrounds now cost $12 per night. Jacob Lake RV Park has ownership and name, Kaibab Camper Village; telephone is the same but you can also call (800) 525-0924; rates are $12 tent, $22 RV w/hookups.
Page 40: Kaibab Visitor Center can now issue backcountry permits for most areas of Grand Canyon National Park.
Page 41: The overlook at Toroweap is still open for camping, though it's likely to change to day-use only in the next few years.
Page 41 (Getting There): The sign at the turnoff near Fredonia now simply has "Toroweap 61." From St. George, Toroweap directions should be turn left 7.5 miles on Road 115.
Page 55: Rivers and Oceans, under River Companies, has a new website of www.rivers-oceans.com
Page 72-74: (Visiting Havasu Canyon) The entrance fee has gone up to $20; there's no longer a different price in winter. Riding in now costs $75 each way to the campground. If you're riding in and staying at Havasupai Lodge, the lodge will make reservations for the horse or mule at a cost of $70 one way or $120 roundtrip. The trail fee is now $20 if you bring your own horse. Havasupai Lodge charges $75 s, $80 d all year.
Page 75 (Peach Springs): Hualapai Lodge has a new toll-free number, (888) 255-9550 and a new website www.grandcanyonresort.com.
Page 76: Hualapai River Runners has a new website at www.grandcanyonresort.com. Rates are now $262.50 for a one-day trip, $168 for a half day to Travertine Canyon and back, and $500 for two-days (8 person minimum) during the March-Oct. season.
Page 76-77: Rates for Grand Canyon West are now $32.50 adult and $22 children 2-11 with barbecue lunch. There's no longer a shuttle service from Hualapai Lodge.
Page 78 (Arizona Strip): The new Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument protects just over one million acres to the north of the Grand Canyon. President Clinton made the proclamation establishing the monument in January 2000. You can learn more about the area and see some photos at http://www.az.blm.gov/parashant/parashant.htm.
Page 84-85: Pipe Spring National Monument has added Paiute culture to the summer program activities. You can see traditional wickiups, demonstrations, and learn about Paiute history. A guided walk to a nearby rock art site is offered by a Paiute guide for a fee; call for information or e-mail at kptwfp@hotmail.com. Campground fees have gone up to $5 tent and $10 RV w/hookups, still a bargain; noncampers can use the showers for $3.
Page 88 (Information): Kanab Visitor Center has changed its website to www.kaneutah.com.
Page 89 (Information): Kaibab Visitor Center staff can now issue backcountry permits for most areas of Grand Canyon National Park.
Page 89: (Fredonia): Ship Rock Motel is no longer affiliated with National 9 and no longer has an 800 number.
Page 95: The Powell Museum has new hours of Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June-Aug., then Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in spring and autumn; it's still closed mid-Dec. to mid-Feb; admission is a bargain $1 adult, $.50 children kindergarten-8th grade. The e-mail address has changed to director@powellmuseum.org and there's now a toll-free number (888) 597-6873 and a website www.powellmuseum.org.
Page 95: the Dine Bí Keyah Museum in Big Lake Trading Post no longer exists, though the trading post itself is still open.
Page 97-98: Corkscrew/Antelope Canyon still has the $5 park fee, good at both sections, but the upper-canyon shuttle prices have increased to a stiff $12.50 for a one-hour visit, $17.50 for two hours, $22.50 for three-four hours, and $32.50 all day. Lower canyon visits are now self guided for $12.50 plus the park fee; there's no longer a time limit, but it closes by 4 p.m., an hour earlier than the upper canyon. The upper canyon was very crowded when I visited July 2000, though the lower canyon had only a small number of visitors. The upper canyon ticket booth is usually open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. from April to October; you can obtain Rainbow Bridge and Water Holes Canyon permits here too. A tribal parks office four miles south of Page in Leche-e has year-round information and permits for Corkscrew/Antelope Canyon, Rainbow Bridge hiking, and Water Holes Canyon; tel. (928) 698-2808.
Page 98: Water Holes Canyon is no longer staffed, but you can get the required $5/person permit from upper Antelope Canyon ticket booth or the tribal office in Leche-e. Hiking upstream from the bridge is easy, but very hot in summer, until you reach the narrows. They're far less impressive than Antelope's and the water holes have stinking mud or murky pools. Downstream from the bridge, you'll need climbing gear and experience. I don't recommend a visit to Water Holes Canyon.
Page 99: Lake Powell International Hostel & Pension has closed.
Page 100: An Evening with the Navajo at Navajo Village is about four hours long. Participants see and learn about hogans, use of sweat lodges, weaving, silversmithing, dances, and other aspects of Navajo culture. A dinner of traditional foods is followed by campfire stories. Mini-tour options can be arranged too.
Page 101 (Information and Services): Page-Lake Powell Chamber of Commerce has a new e-mail address of chamber@pagelakepowellchamber.org and a new website www.pagelakepowellchamber.org. Hours are Mon.-Sat. 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. from May to Sept., Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. in Oct. and April, then Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov.-March.
Page 101: Roger Ekis' Tours now has a website www.antelopecanyon.com.
Page 102 (Tours): Sun Air is now Lake Powell Air and offers the same scenic flights; telephone numbers are the same; most prices have gone up slightly. Classic Helicopter Tours has a website www.helicoptours.com.
Page 102 (Transportation): No scheduled flights were operating at the beginning of 2001. Check with the chamber of commerce or a travel agent to see if flights have resumed.
Page 102: Adventure Network for Travelers (ANT) no longer offers the hop-on, hop-off service. It only runs tours.
Page 103 (Glen Canyon National Recreation Area): Antelope Point is now open with paved road and boat ramps. A nearby beach offers sun and sand. Drive south from Page on Coppermine Road or east on AZ 98 to Big Lake Trading Post, go east one mile on AZ 98 toward the power plant, then turn left on Antelope Point Road to its end. This recreation area is far less crowded and developed alternative to Wahweap.
Page 105: Due to security concerns at Glen Canyon Dam, you may not bring packs, purses, or camera bags on tours.
Page 115: Cameron Trading Post has a website www.camerontradingpost.com. The original 1920s stone motel in front now houses a gallery of top quality crafts and art.
Page 118 (Tuba City): Greyhills Inn now accepts credit cards.
Page 120 (Visiting Betatakin): Tours run Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends; they no longer enter the ruins due to rockfall danger, but stop at a viewpoint in front of the alcove.
Page 120-121: Kayenta has a new place to stay, the Hampton Inn on US 160, with outdoor pool, continental breakfast, restaurant, and gift shop; tel. (928) 697-3170 or (800) HAMPTON. A small Navajo Cultural Center next door has examples of male and female hogans, sweathouse, and a shade house.
Page 121: Amigo Cafe is now open Mon.-Saturday.
Page 126 (Canyon de Chelly): Twin Trails Tours has closed.
Page 126-127 (Accommodations and Camping): Many Farms Inn now has a direct line at (928) 781-6362 and the office is open daily. There's no longer a kitchen, but guests have a coffee room. The inn is part of a student training program.
Page 127: Thunderbird Lodge has a website www.tbirdlodge.com.
Page 130 (Navajo, New Mexico): Assayi Lake in the Chuska Mountains is 36 acres; it has trout fishing (not catfish); the campground has improved facilities and a $15 fee per site ($25 for groups of 7 or more) or $10 day use; closed in winter. No drinking water is available at present.
Page 134 (Visiting Hopi Villages): Photography can really upset the Hopi, who greatly value their privacy. Tourists who try to sneak a photo also run the risk of losing their film and camera. Not even landscape shots should be made.
Page 137: The hospital at Keams Canyon has closed, replaced by the new Hopi Health Care Center, located between Polacca and Second Mesa; tel. (928) 737-6000.
Page 137-138: Awatovi is currently closed, though some rock art sites elsewhere on the reservation may be visited with an authorized guide.
Page 139-140: Hopi Cultural Center has a website www.hopiculturalcenter.com. The small Tsakurshovi shop 1.5 miles east of the Cultural Center has a very good selection of Hopi art and crafts plus books, music, and "Don't Worry be Hopi" t-shirts.
Page 140 (Old Oraibi): Hamana's Hopi Expressions is the new name for Old Oraibi Crafts in the village; the shop is open daily except holidays.
Page 149: Museum of Northern Arizona's Zuni Marketplace runs in early September; the Festival of Pai Arts is now held about mid-September. A Festival of Hispanic Arts & Crafts is held in late May. The museum sponsors many excellent shows and talks—it's worth calling or checking the website to see what's coming up.
Page 149: The Scenic Sky Ride begins its season on Memorial Day weekend. Cost is $9 adult, $6.50 seniors 65-69, $5 age 8-12.
Page 152: Pioneer Museum has shortened its name. New research indicates that the Ben Doney cabin on the grounds dates from 1908.
Page152-153: Lowell Observatory's Sky Tonight Program not only runs Mon.-Sat. nights in summer, but Saturdays all year and some weekdays in spring and autumn.
Page 154: Riordan Mansion State Historic Park has changed its schedule slightly to daily 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. from May to Oct. and daily 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. the rest of the year. Tours leave on the hour with the last one at 4 p.m.
Page 155 (Northern Arizona University): Names of the art galleries have changed to Old Main Art Gallery in the Old Main/Ashurst Bldg. and Beasley Gallery in the Creative Arts Building. The Old Main Art Gallery displays changing exhibits on the second floor, where there's also a gift shop, and the permanent Weiss Collection (paintings, sculpture, and antique furniture) on the third floor.
Page 155: The Arboretum is now open daily for its April 1 to Dec. 15 season and has a new website www.thearb.org.
Page 157 (Hostels): The Weatherford Hotel no longer operates a hostel.
Page 158 (Historic Downtown Hotels): Old-style rooms are available at the Weatherford Hotel, but guests need to be aware that the hotel is primarily an entertainment venue and noise from the bars can go on late into the evening!
Page 159: Down Under has closed. Charly's Pub and Restaurant no longer serves breakfasts.
Page 161: Kelly's Christmas Tree Restaurant has closed.
Page 165-166 (Long-Distance Bus): Nava-Hopi no longer serves Williams.
Page 169: Bonito Campground now costs $12 per site.
Page 173: Grand Canyon Railway now leaves the Williams station at 10 a.m., arrives at the Grand Canyon at 12:15 p.m., leaves Grand Canyon at 3:30 p.m., and returns to Williams at 5:45 p.m.
Page 174: The Johnstonian has closed.
Page 175: Terry Ranch Bed & Breakfast, a large log building with a Country Victorian decor, now costs $125-170 d for rooms, all with private bath.
Page 175: Red Lake, AZ Campground and Grand Canyon-Red Lake Hostel now has a deli and store; tents cost $12, RVs $18 w/hookups; e-mail is redlake@infomagic.com. There's no longer a website.
Page 175-176 (Food): Cruisers Cafe 66 has good American food and lots of Route 66 atmosphere at 233 W. Historic Route 66 downtown; tel. (928) 635-0631. Max and Thelma's at the Grand Canyon Railway depot is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; it has railroad and Southwest decor and is named for the railway's owners.
Page 176 (Events): A Summer Rodeo Series provides action as working cowboys show their skills on Fri. and Sat. nights at 7:30 p.m. from Mid-June to mid-Aug.; $10 age 13 and up; tel. (928) 635-0573 or 699-6142. Festival in the Pines no longer takes place.
Page 176 (Information): Williams Ranger District office has a new telephone of (928) 635-5600.
Page 176 (Tours and Transportation): Amtrak trains stop on request at Williams Junction early morning eastbound and late evening westbound; ask about a shuttle service at the Fray Marcos Hotel; tel. (928) 635-4010.
Page 177 (Tours and Transportation): Nava-Hopi buses no longer serve Williams.
Page 177: Grand Canyon Deer Farm now has a website www.deerfarm.com.
Page 193 (East of Downtown): Timberline Motel and Alpine Motel have closed.
Page 197 (Booklist): Arizona Highways has a new website www.arizonahighways.com.
Have you found new information that you'd like to pass on for Grand Canyon travelers? If so, please drop me an e-mail at arizonahandbook@yahoo.com.