Grand

Yet no matter how jaded you might feel after years of seeing postcards, snapshots, and IMAX movies of the Grand Canyon, or for having been stuck in the slow-moving traffic of a South Rim–bound caravan of RVs, the Big Ditch's power to move first-time visitors is inescapable. That first view of this mighty gouge in the skin of the earth will hit with the force and surprise of a heavyweight's sucker punch. Its scale and topography is that overwhelming.

For many, the views alone are worth the price of admission. But adventurers won't — and shouldn't — be satisfied with looking. Whether hiking down below the rim, floating through the Colorado River's alternating series of hair-raising rapids and cathedral-still quiet water, or marveling at the touch of 2-billion-year-old rock under your fingers, it's interacting with this landscape that induces what writer Barry Lopez has called a unique "state of awe."

	Where: Located in the northwestern region of Arizona Phone: (928) 638-7888 Web Site: www.nps.gov/grca Rates: $10 per person for a seven-day pass; $20 per vehicle for a seven-day pass; $40 per year for an annual Grand Canyon pass Hours: The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Visitor services and facilities on the North Rim are open from mid-May to mid-October. Activities: Hiking, backcountry exploration (permit is required), mule trips, river trips, air tours, horseback riding and biking; Ranger programs include geology walks, fossil walks, rim walks and condor talks Getting there: Las Vegas, Phoenix, Flagstaff and Grand Canyon airports are nearby. More information: Check out the book America's National Parks.

Fiery Tales
Due to extreme fire danger caused by severe drought conditions, the National Park Service placed restrictions upon activity within Grand Canyon National Park on June 28, 2002. These restrictions, along with fire related closures, were lifted on July 20, 2002 because of recent rains that reduced the risk of wild fires. Long-range weather forecasts predict continued patterns of precipitation that should further guard against unwanted fire outbreaks. Despite the reduced risk of fire, the National Park Service asks that the public maintain caution when engaging in fire related activities. Park Superintendent Alston expresses his thanks to all visitors, employees and residents at the Grand Canyon National Park for their cooperation during this year's fire season.

Wildlife Warnings
The past three years of below normal precipitation levels have placed Grand Canyon wildlife in difficult circumstances. Food may be scarce, possibly causing some animals to display aggressive behavior or a decreased fear of people. The National Park Service warns the public to maintain a safe distance from all animals and to discourage the animals from approaching. This is in the best interest of both the park visitors and the wildlife. The public is further urged not to feed the animals, as this can disrupt their natural feeding habits. Feeding or even approaching wildlife can result in fines up to $5,000. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the amazing wildlife that the canyon holds … from a distance.

Annual Grand Canyon Music Festival
The annual Grand Canyon Music Festival will present its 19th year of concerts at the Shrine of Ages amphitheater on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon during the first three weekends in September 2002. In addition, a benefit concert will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17, featuring John Sebastian, who will be performing American classics, at Ashurst Auditorium on the Northern Arizona University campus. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and vary in musical style, ranging from classical to modern. For ticket information, visit the Grand Canyon Music Festival's Web site.