With nearly five million visitors per year, Grand Canyon National Park attracts individuals with a wide variety of educational and recreational needs. GCFI strives to meet this demand with a diverse and evolving list of classes. New destinations, new topics, new instructors—all designed to offer a greater variety of learning experiences for newcomers and to keep our many “groupies” stimulated. Here are a few of this year’s new offerings:

Natural History
Grandview to Kaibab Archaeo-Geology Backpack March 5-10
Don’t miss the opportunity to study and survey this scenic stretch of canyon with geologist Jack Pennington and NPS archaeologist Ian Hough.

Hermit to Boucher Springs Backpack April 17-23
The old adage “water is life” takes on special significance in a desert environment as harsh as it is picturesque. Assist NPS hydrologist Steve Monroe and botanist Kate Watters with a monitoring study of the critical springs and streams in Hermit and Boucher Canyons.

Ecology on the Edge July 13-15
The vibrant plant and animal communities of Grand Canyon will be the focus of Stewart Aitchison’s South Rim program featuring a combination of classroom and field discussions.

Geology on the Edge August 3-5
During a series of short hikes and classroom lectures, Wayne Ranney will help participants solve the intriguing riddle of Grand Canyon geology.

Wilderness Studies
Tapeats, Deer and Stone Creek Backpack October 21-27
This combination on-trail, off-trail backpacking adventure will tackle a challenging corner of the park. Against the backdrop of the canyon’s breathtaking waterfalls, participants will improve their backcountry game by discovering and utilizing an arsenal of newfound skills with Ken Walters.

Photography, Creativity & Arts
Without and Within: Nature as a Catalyst for Writing July 20-22
During Jeff Fearnside’s South Rim workshop, participants will use nature—both around them, in the Grand Canyon’s beautiful environment, and within them, through thoughts, associations, and memories—as a catalyst for creative writing.

Plein Air Painting Workshop September 16-21
Timed to immediately following GCA’s Celebration of Art, this rim-based plein air workshop taught by painter Linda Glover Gooch will give participants amble opportunity to capture the canyon with the end of their brush. This workshop is a collaborative event with the Scottsdale Artists’ School.

Felting Workshop at Grand Canyon October 13-14
Respond to the beauty of the landscape through the magic of fiber art under the direction of Jennifer Marshall and Kim Buchheit. The intriguing story of Navajo churro sheep and an interpretive South Rim sunrise will also be part of the program. All materials are included.

Cultural History
History on the Edge August 10-12
The colorful tales of the Grand Canyon’s explorers, pioneers, and settlers will be the focus of this fascinating South Rim class taught by historian Mike Anderson. Field trips to historic structures and other interpretive destinations will complement a series of classroom presentations.