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:
South Rim Winter Hiking - January 7-10
Winter is often referred to as the “off season” at Grand Canyon. But adventure never rests at the grandest of canyons. With snow shoes provided, explore the forested South Rim and a trail or two in the company of Ken Walters in a winter wonderland. View Class Details
Hands-On Archaeology: Eremita Mesa - May 6-10
Join NPS resource managers as they conduct an interdisciplinary baseline survey on Eremita Mesa, just west of Grand Canyon Village. Meals included. Prior archaeological surveying experience a plus. View Class Details
Nankoweap to Kwagunt Geology - May 12-18
In the northeastern corner of the park lie massive side canyons that speak to the canyon’s dynamic geologic history. Using the Nankoweap Trail as a springboard into this rugged wonderland, Ken Walters will share the marvels that lie in every direction. View Class Details
Thunder River to Deer Creek Springs Backpack - May 14-20
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 Wendy Hodgson with a monitoring study of the critical springs and streams in this remarkable stretch of western Grand Canyon. View Class Details
Paria Canyon Backpack - May 26- June 2
The Paria River is the first of many exquisite tributaries to the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. It has a carved an world-famous canyon, one with a rich geologic history to be explored by Christa Sadler. This class will be conducted in partnership with the Glen Canyon Natural History Association. View Class Details
Hands-On Archaeology: Walhalla Plateau - August 5-9
Join NPS resource managers as they conduct an interdisciplinary baseline survey on the North Rim’s Walhalla Plateau. Meals included. No prior archaeological surveying experience a plus. View Class Details
Hidden Routes of the South Rim - September 16-20
Trails access a mere fraction of the Grand Canyon backcountry. Find out what you’ve been missing, and how to get there safely, with this backcountry primer taught by Ken Walter along the South Rim. Participants will be carpooling to the various hiking destinations. View Class Details
N. Rim Fall Colors Photography - September 24-27
Autumn on the North Rim is a glorious experience. The aspen and oak leaves have changed to ornamental gold and red, and nights have turned crisp under a vivid Milky Way. Capture these wonders with camera in hand, and Larry Lindahl in the lead. View Class Details
North Bass to Shinumo WSW - September 29- October 6
This combination on-trail, off-trail backpacking adventure will tackle a challenging corner of the park. Against the backdrop of lush riparian drainages and intriguing geologic formations, participants will improve their backcountry game by discovering and utilizing an arsenal of newfound skills with Ken Walters. View Class Details
