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:
Six Days, Five Trails: A Historical Overview
April 14–19 & October 13–18
There are a handful of established trails that tumble off the South Rim, each having a fascinating story to tell. Historian Mike Anderson will share these trails, and the rich cultural history they afford, on a series of moderate-intensity day hikes.
Scotty’s Hollow to Tuckup Backpack
April 19–29
The intriguing Esplanade and its myriad drainages will provide the backdrop for Ken Walters’ skills-based workshop in the remote western canyon. The class will begin and end in Fredonia, Arizona. Participants will be carpooling to the trailhead on rough but reliable roads.
Fishtail Mesa Circumnavigation
May 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.
Horseshoe Mesa Backpack
May 9–13
Ken Walters will lead a moderate-intensity journey down the Grandview Trail to historic Horseshoe Mesa and beyond during this wilderness skills primer.
Grand Canyon Wildlife
June 7& July 5
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.
Meet the California Condors
June 8 & July 6
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
June 14
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
July 28–31
Learn about Grand Canyon wildflowers, grass and native plants with Park Horticulturist Jan Busco while collecting and spreading native seeds and cuttings.
The Accidental Naturalist: Journaling on the North Rim
July 31–August 3
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.
Boucher to Bass Natural History Backpack
September 19-26
The western extremes of the South Rim’s Tonto Trail provide access to an amazing string of drainages known as “The Jewels.” Each provides a piece of Grand Canyon’s geologic puzzle and an array of orienteering challenges en route to the Colorado River below. Develop the skills to negotiate this remote terrain in the company of Ken Walters.
South Canyon Ecology Backpack
September 22–26
Marble Canyon boasts a labyrinth of exquisite side canyons, each as compelling as the next. South Canyon is no exception, and will be the destination for Dave Wegner as he shares such jewels as Vaseys Paradise and the mouth of Stantons Cave.
Nankoweap Botanical Backpack
October 2–9
Help Kate Watters and Wendy Hodgson update the vast catalog of flora found in Grand Canyon National Park. This backpacking survey of Nankoweap Canyon’s riparian areas and springs will begin and end with a hike on its namesake historic trail.
Dry Canyon to Pearce Canyon Backpack
October 10–18
This trail-free swath below Grand Canyon’s North Rim provides ample challenges for accomplished orienteering enthusiasts joining veteran canyoneer Ken Walters. Participants will be carpooling to the trailhead on rough but reliable roads.
Nankoweap Geology Backpack
October 18–25
The northeastern stretch of the canyon harbors some of the most illustrative evidence of geologic processes and rock strata to be found anywhere on the continent. Christa Sadler will use this terrain to illuminate the canyon’s monumental past.
Thunder River Archaeo-Geology Backpack
October 20-25
The North Rim’s Thunder River area is a virtual open book when it comes to the geologic origins and early human occupation of the Grand Canyon. Allow geologist Jack Pennington and archaeologist Ian Hough to share a few chapters during this moderate-intensity backpack.
Whitmore Wash Geology & History
November 1–4
This remote bend in the Colorado River is a treasure trove in terms of geology (volcanology in particular), archaeology and pioneer history. Don’t miss this car-camping adventure that will be highlighted by intriguing day hikes with Christa Sadler to an array of interpretive wonders.
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