Verkamp's Has Reopened!

First, the bad news. After more than 100 years, Verkamps, that gift shop right on the south rim, closed at the end of this summer. The place has been an icon for all who have visited here. Hard to believe it closed, but true.

Now, the good news. Verkamp's has reopened! As of today, the day before Thanksgiving, the Grand Canyon Association has taken up residence and the name will remain the same. Verkamps! GCA along with the National Park Service will operate a gift store/book store and information center right on the rim.

With new displays, a walking tour right on the floor and more great books and gift ideas than you can imagine, Verkamps will once again be THE place to stop and shop on the south rim.

Birds Eye View Air Tours

Here's something you really have to try. A helicopter or airplane tour over the Grand Canyon! HOLY COW is this cool.

The views are awesome from the rim but once you're up in the air and flying over the canyon, it's breathtaking.

To learn more, just go to our business directory on our Chamber website and check out Air Tours. Fixed wing tours from Grand Canyon Airlines and helicopter from both Maverick and Papillon will give you something to talk about for YEARS!

The Grand Canyon Airport is just on the south end of Tusayan about 2 miles outside the National Park.

Do this and let us know how you liked it!

Hermit's Rest

While you're here at the Grand Canyon, make your way down the Hermit Road and stop in at Hermit's Rest.

The views along the way are spectacular and Hermit's Rest sports one of the biggest fireplaces you will ever see.

During the late fall and winter months, feel free to drive your own car and take your time...you won't be sorry!

Kolb Studio Tour

Back in the day (not unlike today) the Grand Canyon was full of characters. When it comes to the early days of tourism here, the Kolb brothers, Emory and Elsworth were a couple of the most well known of these characters. They started a photo studio right on the south rim and eventually made a motion picture of a rafting expidition down the Colorado River. They kept adding on and adding on to their studio/home and today, you can tour that home.

Just head for Kolb Studio at the top of the Bright Angel Trail, get your name on the list and learn about a couple of early characters who made the canyon their home.

In this photo is the Kolb dining room where they entertained famous friends from Presidents to explorers.

If you don't know about the Kolb brothers...you SHOULD!

Hermit Road Opens

The old Hermit Road, closed all summer for some MUCH needed repair is open once again! Fresh blacktop, new greenways for hikers, runners and bikers and great canyon views are all waiting for visitors.

Looking for a great venue for a sunrise or sunset? This would be the place! There are excellent views to the east AND the west not to mention some of the best Colorado River views in the National Park.

Best part? During our slow season, you can drive your own car nd really check things out.

Grand Canyon Marathon

The first ever Grand Ganyon marathon took place on November 15th. There were more than 60 runners involved which for a first effort and only a couple of months of planning, qualifies as a great success.

This is a challenging run along the Hermit Road right on the south rim and into the finish line in Tusayan at the National Geographic Imax Theater.

The winner, with a time of 3:15:42 was Erin Hutchinson of Flagstaff and there were runners from 9 different states and 3 different countries. We're hoping that with the cooporation of the National Park Service that this will become a great annual event for the Grand Canyon. What do you say? Shall we start planning for NEXT year's marathon?

Food Network Grand Canyon Style

Long time Food Network star, Jamie Oliver, is heading to the Grand Canyon! Jamie will be doing a tour of Arizona and filming it for a new Food Network production.

It's a sort of a hitch-hiker's guide to american cuisine.

Jamie will be at the Grand Canyon the first week of December.

If you're going to be in the area, let us know and we'll have more details on this special visit soon! Pretty cool huh?

Check it Out

A New exhibit has opened at Kolb Studio on the south rim in Grand Canyon National Park. It's all about mapping the Grand Canyon.

This exhibit will be on display for the next few months and is well worth seeing.

The reception last night was very well attended and the Grand Canyon Association deserves a ton of credit for putting this all together.

Okay, I know what you're thinking...Maps...really? Yep, this is so much more than you might think. Old maps, new naps, maps that show what the area looked like millions of years ago and even a map produced by the electronic tracking of a mountain lion.

Check it out!

Why Visit the Grand Canyon in Winter?

Are you kidding?

Fewer crowds, plenty of ammenities, and best of all, the scenery is FANTASTIC! This really is one of the few places that changes its look hour by hour, day, by day and season after season.

Views like this one are EVERYWHERE at the canyon this time of the year.

Millions of visitors see the Grand Canyon during the summer months. Why not be one of the few who make this destination a winter get away and make plans to spend some time with the unique and wonderful vistas provided by nature with a mix of snow, light and shadows? 365 days a year, the Grand Canyon is awe inspiring!

Let's Talk Lodging

Wondering if lodging is available at the Grand Canyon? You Bet. All year long here at the south rim and Grand Canyon National Park. Rates in the off season, bassically November through March are lower and rooms are available.

There are lots of options too. Inside the park and on the rim through Xanterra's Grand Canyon National Park Lodges and in Tusayan, only 1.5 miles from the park entry with a variety of hotels.

For full listings and links check out the Business Directory at http://www.grandcanyonchamber.com/ and find the perfect accomidations for YOU.