Grand Canyon Update: Sept/Oct, 2011
Colorado River near Tanner Beach (Photo: Brian Lane)
Autumn is beautiful! Yellow is the color of fall in Arizona with tall cottonwoods beginning to turn and rabbitbrush flowering everywhere. The weather in the southwest has suddenly and dramatically changed from summer heat to a winter chill as the jet stream shifts for a short time. While most of September had remained hot, October has come around with snow flying in the higher elevations of Northern Arizona, including Flagstaff and the North Rim of the Canyon. But take heart, temperatures will moderate back to more seasonal averages during mid-October with Inner Canyon temperatures in the mid-80's and nights in the 50's.
What else has been happening you ask?
North Rim Closes
Just a reminder that the North Rim services (including lodging) are set to close on October 15th. The North Rim Visitor Center, campground, self-serve gas station, and the road itself (Hwy 67) will stay open until November 27th, unless snow forces an early closure of the road. On the morning of November 28th the entrance gate into the park will close to motorized vehicles until mid-May 2012.
Water Along the Corridor Trails
Water at North Kaibab Trailhead will be turned off on October 15th at noon. All other drinking water sources along the Cross-Corridor Trails (Bright Angel, S. Kaibab, and N. Kaibab) are still on at this time. As winter arrives many spigots will be turned off for the season so always check with the Backcountry Information Center before heading into the canyon.
Trail Damages
The rock falls along North Kaibab Trail have been cleared. Dripping Springs Trail sustained some damage from a rock slide during recent rains. Footing on the loose rock may be compromised and the NPS suggests day hikers visit Santa Maria Spring along Hermit Trail as an alternative. Update: As of October 10, 2011 the damage to Dripping Springs Trail has been repaired.
Man Dies of Natural Causes
70-year old Donald Haney of Cherokee Village, Arkansas died of natural causes on October 3rd. His body was found near the Cape Royal Trailhead.
Hiker Death on Tanner Trail
The body of 52-year old Stephen Norman O'Keefe of Flagstaff, AZ was found near Tanner Beach on the morning of August 28th after other hikers reported a man in possible distress. The Coconino County Medical Examiner has determined the death to be a combination of hyperthermia and dehydration due to environmental exposure.
River Runner Dies
On September 18th, while on a commercial rafting trip, 64-year old Gary Aus from Leavenworth, KA was swept out of his boat at Lava Falls, along with another person. The second person was quickly rescued while yet another boat had grabbed Mr. Aus. He then slipped from his rescuers grasp, but he said he was OK and would swim to shore. His body was later located a mile down river, face down. CPR was initiated but to no avail.
RV Fire Causes Deaths
An RV caught fire at the South Entrance near the GCNP sign on October 3rd that resulted in the deaths of one adult and two children. The names have not yet been released and the incident is under investigation while preliminary inquiry may be indicative of a murder-suicide situation.
...and on those happy notes...
Hike Safe & Have Fun!
Brian Lane
The North Rim sparkles with the first signs of winter layering the colors of fall. At least some snow lingers under the edges of forest giving further contrast to the deep greens and fading gold. Clear skies and colder temps invite hiking opportunities but bring All your own food and water as October 16th breakfast is the last meal served until (hopefully) May 15, 2012.
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