Grand Canyon Starts Here

2009-08-16T11:54:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

The President arrives in Tusayan for a Grand Canyon visit.

The Motorcade Arrives

2009-08-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-08-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-06-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

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

2009-06-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

Cactus blossoms near the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon 4th of July

2009-06-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

Sunset from Hermit Road.

2009-04-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-26T06:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-24T10:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-24T05:21:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-03T08:04:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

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.

Photo of the Week

2008-12-22T12:56:00.000-08:00

Ummm...excuse me...does this snow make my butt look big?

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

2008-12-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

And HOW! Last week's snow has not melted away and now we're getting a little more. A white Christmas is without a doubt in store for those who visit the Grand Canyon this week. What a beautiful thing...snow on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Is it any wonder why THIS is a Wonder of the World?

Roads inside the National are a little snow-packed but very passable and Hwy 64 up from Williams is in good shape. Just don't get in a big hurry.

Come visit this awesome place in the winter and see why the Grand Canyon IS northern Arizona's number 1 destination!

After the Storm

2008-12-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

After 4 days of snow, the view this morning, 12-19-08, was FANTASTIC! For those lucky enough to heading to the Grand Canyon in winter...and some would wonder WHY anyone would...THIS is why!

Photo of the Week

2008-12-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

This young elk has lunch on his mind and...snow on his nose!

Snow Comes to the Grand Canyon

2008-12-17T12:05:00.001-08:00

This week, snow has arrived at the Grand Canyon and while visibility is somewhat lees than good while the snow falls, the view will be spectacular once it clears. This morning, all that could be seen from Mather Point was the rim itself. This really IS a great time to plan a visit and when doing so, check in the Visitor Information section of our website for weather conditions!

Christmas Season Begins

2008-12-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

Last night, at the Canyon View Information Plaza, the Christmas season got off to a great start. There were more authors signing books than the extra long table could hold, fuzzy stuffed lions being sold to raise money for the protection of animals in the National Park, singers, refreshments and so much more.

Ranger Dave and his trusty steed "Rootbeer" were the biggest hit of the night...well...until ol' Santa arrived anyway.

Great crowd, great fun and a wonderful opening of the Christmas season at the Grand Canyon!

Sadly, No Chef Jamie

2008-12-02T04:56:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, we learned this morning that TV Chef Jamie Oliver will not make it to the Grand Canyon on this trip. Jamie was to be here this week but due to some tightness of scheduling, his time at the canyon has been dropped from his trip.

We do hope that sometime in the future, Jamie Oliver will make a return to the area and pay us a visit.

Can you imagine a trip to Arizona without seeing the Grand Canyon? Isn't that a little like making a trip to California without visiting Napa Valley?

Verkamp's Has Reopened!

2008-11-26T13:01:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-26T09:41:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-26T09:32:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-20T12:51:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-20T04:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

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.