President Joe Biden this week designated nearly 1 million acres as a new national monument near Grand Canyon National Park. The national monument will be called Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. "Baaj Nwaavjo" means "where tribes roam" in the native Havasupai language, and "I'tah Kukveni" means "our ancestral footprints" in the Hopi tribal … Continue reading President Biden designates new monument near Grand Canyon
Tag: Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon closes after resident tests positive for coronavirus
Grand Canyon National Park closed indefinitely Wednesday after a resident there tested positive for coronavirus as part of a pandemic that has infected more than 216,000 people in the U.S. as of that evening. The national park in northern Arizona was under pressure for days from local and federal health officials to close. It gave … Continue reading Grand Canyon closes after resident tests positive for coronavirus
Grand Canyon Railway marks 30th year, helped revitalize Williams
The Grand Canyon Railway recently marked its 30th anniversary, and it helped revive the Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona, after it was bypassed by Interstate 40. The Williams News posted an excellent overview of the railway, which carries passengers from Williams to the south rim of Grand Canyon National Park, and its impact on … Continue reading Grand Canyon Railway marks 30th year, helped revitalize Williams
U.S. government shutdown affects some national parks
The shutdown of the U.S. government that began Friday night is affecting some, but not all, of the national parks and other sites managed by the National Park Service. The effect the shutdown, if it's short-term, should be low on Route 66 because it's tourism off-season, especially near the Christmas and New Year's holidays. One … Continue reading U.S. government shutdown affects some national parks
Justin Scarred returns to Route 66 in Arizona
Justin Scarred, the popular videoblogger for Randomland Adventures, and his girlfriend recently returned to Route 66 in Arizona to check out the sights in Seligman. He also visited the sprawling Bedrock City and Grand Canyon Deer Farm, both of which are near Williams, Arizona; and Grand Canyon National Park, a popular side trip for Route 66 … Continue reading Justin Scarred returns to Route 66 in Arizona
Government shutdown closes several sites on or near Route 66
The ongoing shutdown by the U.S. federal government shuttered National Park Service sites on or near Route 66 this weekend, with no resolution in sight. An exception is Grand Canyon National Park, which remains accessible because of a partnership with the state of Arizona. Businesses there that include lodging, restaurants and retail stay open. Within … Continue reading Government shutdown closes several sites on or near Route 66
Fees could rise sharply at popular national parks, including Grand Canyon
The U.S. Park Service is considering steep increases to 17 of its most popular national parks, including Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, a side trip for many Route 66 travelers. The Associated Press reported Tuesday: Visitors to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion and other national parks would be charged $70 per vehicle, up … Continue reading Fees could rise sharply at popular national parks, including Grand Canyon
The highs and lows of Williams, Arizona
Williams, Arizona, burgeons with tourists and few storefront vacancies along its downtown Route 66 corridor these days. Yet it also battles with long-term problems. The Arizona Daily Sun newspaper in nearby Flagstaff published a report on the renaissance of Williams and the challenges the Route 66 town still faces. You can read the whole thing … Continue reading The highs and lows of Williams, Arizona
Flintstones Bedrock City put up for sale
The Flintstones Bedrock City theme park and campground south of the Grand Canyon and north of the Route 66 town of Williams, Arizona, has been put up for sale for $2 million, according to ABC News. Established in 1972, the family business has a gift shop, restaurant, RV park and convenience store, as well. With … Continue reading Flintstones Bedrock City put up for sale
Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon
While poking around Grand Canyon National Park's website, I found this well-done 10-minute video about Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the canyon. The video went live only a few weeks ago. Not only is the footage breathtaking, but you'll find at least one indirect link to Route 66. Mary Colter, who designed Phantom Ranch, … Continue reading Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon