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:
Leave No Trace Trainer’s Course
TBD
Nationwide, public lands continue to draw millions of visitors annually. In many cases the heavy use has translated degradation of the resource by both well meaning and careless users alike. To keep these national treasures intact for future generations, many individuals and organizations that frequent the outdoors have begun practicing and teaching the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT). During this rim-based class, participants will learn about the seven principles of LNT and techniques for disseminating these low impact skills. This is an excellent class for anyone that spends time in the backcountry, and indispensable for those who lead others.
Twin Point Canyons Exploration
April 19–25
The remote northwestern section of the Grand Canyon is home to a few of the most spectacular destinations in the park. In this area the Muav, Temple Butte and Redwall formations are much thicker, forming spectacular narrow canyons; many with flowing water. Amidst these twisting drainages can be found Twin Point. Besides the dramatic views, Twin Point offers access into several exceptionally deep narrows. This class will explore the circuitous routes into these various canyons, including a visit to an all-but-hidden natural bridge. This is also the area where the Surprise Canyon Formation, with its dramatic exposures of large Devonian river system, was first identified and described by Grand Canyon geologists. Carpooling on rough but reliable roads will be required.
Fishtail Mesa Circumnavigation
September 1-7
Challenging terrain and spectacular geology await the hardcore backpackers joining Ken Walters’ for this skills-based trek around majestic Fishtail Mesa. The class will begin and end in Fredonia, Arizona. Participants will be carpooling to the trailhead on rough but reliable roads.
Best of the Canyon: A Photographic Adventure
October 4-10
This special photography course takes participants to a selection of the best Grand Canyon vantage points on both the South and North Rims. Car camping at each vantage point gives us the opportunity to photograph at both sunset and sunrise—collectively referred to as the “golden hour” by professional photographers. Starting at the southwestern side of the Grand Canyon, we drive down Peach Springs and Diamond Creek canyons to the very bottom of the Grand Canyon for close-up shots of the river and its gorge. Our next vantage point is high on the rim near Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim which offers spectacular vistas of the central Grand Canyon. The next stop is Marble Canyon on the east end of Grand Canyon. Here one finds the canyon both shallower and narrower, but no less photogenic. From eastern Grand Canyon we drive up to the beautiful North Rim, to photograph its towering buttes from a densely forested edge. The grand finale will occur at Toroweap Overlook. Perched several thousand feet directly above the fabled Colorado River, this vista will provide a fitting end to a magical week of compelling scenery. Carpooling on rough but reliable roads will be required.
Grand Wash Cliffs Backpack
October 22-30
The dramatic backcountry that dominates extreme western Grand Canyon presents an unparalleled opportunity to witness the transition of the Colorado Plateau forests and canyons to the deserts of the Basin and Range. The class begins with a rendezvous at Meadview on the southwestern flank of Grand Canyon. From there, we will drive to the crest of the Grand Wash Cliffs to set up a base camp from which we will do several day-hikes, a two-day backpack, and a three-day backpack. These forays will take us from the heights and scenic vistas of the Grand Wash Cliffs, to the depths and intimate views of Cave Canyon, the western most south side tributary of the Grand Canyon. Along the way participants learn about geology, personal water management over dry terrain, route finding, Leave No Trace ethics, and gain a sense of the incredible ecological diversity to be found in this significant transition zone. This class is suitable for backpackers with experience in off-trail desert hiking. Carpooling on rough but reliable roads will be required.
Thunder River Hands-On History & Archaeology
October 19-24
Help National Park Service archaeologist Ian Hough and historian Mike Anderson update the catalog of cultural sites found in the Thunder River area of Grand Canyon National Park. The well-watered Thunder River/Deer Creek drainage in the western canyon harbors a wealth of history regarding the past peoples of Grand Canyon. Participants will learn about their origins, distribution, and help preserve archaeology sites.
Canyon a la Carte
Note: Classes in this category are offered on a request basis, and not otherwise scheduled for general registration. Families or groups that have an interest in one or more of these custom events should call GCFI to inquire. Fees will depend on group size and the length of the event. Our toll-free number is (866) 471 4435.
Grand Canyon Wildlife
Fee: (please inquire); HL: 2
From condors to cougars Grand Canyon’s South Rim is home to a wide variety of critters. Join biologist Andi Rogers for a discussion, and possible viewings, of a few of the more noteworthy species.
Yoga on the Rim
Fee: (please inquire); HL: 1+
Stepping up to the canyon’s rim can be an overwhelming experience whether it’s your first or fiftieth encounter. Grounding this experience in both body and mind can be a challenge for anyone. We invite you to join yoga instructors Rian and Maria McGonigal for a three-day workshop on the South Rim in pursuit of a deeper body/mind connection to the grandest of canyons. Prior yoga experience recommended.
Meet the California Condors
Fee: (please inquire); HL: 1
The successful reintroduction of California condors to the skies of northern Arizona is an amazing story. Learn about the program’s highs and lows with Andi Rogers during this one-day class on Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Chances are excellent that the condors will be in view.
Astronomy Meets Geology
Fee: (please inquire); HL: 1
Big as it is, Grand Canyon is still just a drop in the cosmic ocean. Join Gary Ladd as he draws upon the heavens and earth to put the canyon and its origins in perspective.
Growing Native Plants at the Grand Canyon
Fee: (please inquire); HL: 2
Learn about Grand Canyon wildflowers, grass and native plants with Park Horticulturist Jan Busco while collecting and spreading native seeds and cuttings.
Yoga Below the Rim
Fee: (please inquire); HL: 3+
Join former interpretive ranger and certified yoga instructor Sherri O’Neil for a two-night backpack to Indian Garden Campground with a focus on connecting with the canyon’s energies both mentally and physically. Yoga sessions below the rim will be blended with discussion of the canyon’s geologic formations and their associated myths. Beginners are welcome.
The Accidental Naturalist: Journaling on the North Rim
Fee: (please inquire); HL: 2
Exploring the spectacular trails and meadows of the North Rim, and learning the art of recording one’s impressions, will be the twofold focus of this first-time GCFI offering facilitated by Teresa Jordan and Kate Watters.
Writing along the Rim
Fee: (please inquire); HL: 2
This writing and journaling workshop facilitated by award-winning author Page Lambert will allow participants to reflect on their experiences in nature both verbally and in writing. Light hiking and quality time perched along secluded canyon overlooks will provide the framework for this creative endeavor.
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