1 lone elk...sitting pretty at Grand Canyon National Park.

The President arrives in Tusayan for a Grand Canyon visit.

The Motorcade Arrives

This morning at 6:40, the cargo ship with the presidential motorcade onboard arrived, low and slow over Tusayan, landing at the Grand Canyon Airport. The President arrives this Sunday, August 16th for a brief sight-seeing stop.

Guess Who Is Coming for a Visit?

Yep...that's Marine 1 sitting on the Grand Canyon Airport tarmac. You know what that means right? President Obama is heading to the Grand Canyon on Sunday August 16th for a quick visit. Check back on Sunday to see if we get a photo of Air Force 1.

Is THIS the Photo of the Week?

P-51 Mustangs take to the air over Valle AZ.

Or...is THIS the photo of the week?

Cactus blossoms near the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon 4th of July

If you're heading to the Grand Canyon for the 4th of July...are you ever in for a treat! It's our "Old Fashioned 4th of July" celebration!

Remember 3 legged races? We've got them. How about an egg toss? Got that too. Tug-of-war? Yep. Horse shoes? You bet. We even have a pie eating contest! We know what you're wondering...what about a BBQ? Did you really think we wouldn't?

There's our first ever electric light night parade followed by GREAT live music and dancing too. We have the smoking hot Rachel Burnett Band and folks...you don't want to miss this band. Rachel will keep this party HOT!

For more information, please see our online Event Calendar at http://www.grandcanyonchamber.com/ and make plans to join us for an "Old Fashioned 4th of July" at the Grand Canyon!

Sentimental Journey - Grand Canyon Fly-In

The Sentimental Journey, a B-17, has arrived at the Grand Canyon Airport. Rides are available May 16th and 17th! Stop by and see this wonder of the sky!

Ancient Wall Art

Petroglyphs and pictographs are found in and near the Grand Canyon. This ancient wall art provides a snap shot of life here thousands of years ago. The ancient peoples of the Grand Canyon created these wonderful images of the things they saw, hunted and did both below the rim and around what is now Tusayan. Seeing them for yourself is as easy as calling the Chamber to book a guided tour. These are some of the hidden secrets of the Grand Canyon and well worth the time and effort to see.

Photo of the Week

Sunset from Hermit Road.

On April 5th, a group of 19 from northern Italy, led by a great Native American friend of the Grand Canyon, Ken Duncan, traveled on their own nickle to the Grand Canyon. Their purpose in coming? To assist in the repair of the Havasu Falls trail and campsite. They donated their time and their efforts and and finally came to the south rim, Grand Canyon National Park, on Wednesday April 22nd. Many of our fine local businesses went out of their way to say thanks including the Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn, Canyon Plaza Resort, the Grand Hotel, Papillon Helicopters, Grand Canyon Coaches, the National Geographic Imax Theater, Grand Canyon National Park itself and the Yipee-Ei-O- Steakhouse right here in Tusayan. Our thanks to these great community leaders for their help and without question, our thanks to these 19 travelers for EVERYTHING they have done!

Nice Road Trip or Day Trip

If you are planning a visit to the Grand Canyon, include time for a nice day trip. Here's a suggestion; Head out to Cameron! Take Hwy. 64 to the east exit of Grand Canyon National Park and just keep going. It's not far and the views are incredible! Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenic viewpoints along the way. What a great way to get up close and personal with the east end of our world wonder!

Condor Release

On Saturday March 7th, 4 captive condors will be released into the wild! This event takes place at 11:00am at the Vermillion Cliffs and YOU are invited to take part in the excitement!

Bring your binoculars, snacks, water and dress in layers as it may well be chilly. Spotting scopes will be available. Learn more about these unique birds and meet the people who make this program successful. It's YOUR chance to get a close look at these huge birds as they are released into the wild to become a part of our Grand Canyon family!

For more information and directions, please contact Kathy Sullivan at 928-214-1249 and make plans to be there on March 7th.

Grand Canyon WWII Fly-In

Do you like vintage WWII aircraft? Have you always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon? Well...now you can do BOTH at the same time! Mid May, the weekend of the 16th, the Sentimental Journey, a B-17 Flying Fortress and other great old war-birds will be on display at the Grand Canyon Airport in Tusayan!

Imagine seeing a collection of outstanding WWII aircraft AND our own Wonder of the World all in one great weekend. Now, imaging taking a special flight! It's all coming to the Grand Canyon this May. Check back to this blog for details soon!

Help Us Find a Name

The Grand Canyon Association adopts out cute little lions and the Grand Canyon Chamber has one. The problem is that our little mascot needs a name! Our lion sits on the front counter with an official adoption certificate ready to greet our visitors. YOU can help with a name suggestion! just send us an email to info@grandcanyonvisitorbureau.com with your suggestion. Next month, we'll publish the suggestions and ask you to vote. The most popular name wins and whoever sent us that name will receive their very own lion. We'll also post our mascot's name and the name of our winner right there in our office!

For more information on how YOU can adopt a lion and help provide funding for research and protection of Grand Canyon wildlife, just click here!

Great Traditions Set to Return

A couple of great south rim traditions are set to return this year. The Peshlakai Native American Art Festivals, complete with Native American music and dancing will take place in Tusayan each weekend from May 23rd through September in Tusayan! This is a great opportunity to meet the artisans and performers and purchase the best in Native American art and jewelry.

At the Hopi House on the rim, live music and Native American Dances will begin in April. There are 70 dates planned through August this year. Visitors from around the world gather to watch and listen at these beautiful performances.

You are invited to make these great south rim traditions a part of YOUR planned visit to the Grand Canyon. Enjoy!

From Official Source to Great Resource

The Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitor's Bureau is already the official source of information for those planning to visit our Wonder of the World and soon, the Chamber will become a very valuable resource as well.

The Grand Canyon Chamber, starting this spring, will be able to assist visitors with lodging and tour reservations!

The Real Grand Canyon starts HERE at thr south rim and soon...VERY soon, the Grand Canyon Chamber & Visitor's Bureau will be able to make your trip planning as easy as one phone call. For more information on how we can help you, call us at 928-638-2901 or toll free at 888-472-2696.

Stores Begin to Reopen in Tusayan

As winter weather melts away, some key establishments in our community of Tusayan are reopening! The Mexican Kitchen is already up and serving from 10am to 9pm daily. The Spaghetti Western is only days away from their grand reopening and the Gift Shop can't be far behind.

Also, our good friends at Delaware North are almost finished with the remodeling of the General Stores both in Tusayan and the National Park. Now, shopping for groceries and camping iotems will be easier and better than ever before!

Spring at the Grand Canyon is so close we can almost smell it. We hope you will enjoy ALL we have to offer during your visit.