Arizona Rocks Tours » News

Another Fun Day…. on the Rio! Video!

Joe Holman — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 02:45:32 +0000

You wouldn’t know you’re in Arizona when you float the Verde River. A lush riparian environment surrounds you with flora and fauna. Great blue herons abound; red winged blackbirds screech; beavers and otters hide in the cattails. Armed with water canons, we make our way down the mighty (…umm) Verde. Alliances form as all engage in a huge water war. In this video, the trip ends on the grounds of a winery, and all do a wonderful wine tasting (sans guide, who is schlepping boats)! Join us for a truly memorable trip.

Grand Canyon Construction Detours Begin Sept. 8

Joe Holman — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:43:25 +0000

For three days, beginning September 8, 2009, the move to the new South Entrance road will begin. No public vehicle traffic will be allowed to access Mather Point and no non-commercial vehicles will be allowed access to the plaza at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. The rim trail will allow pedestrian access to Mather Point from Yavapai Observatory. The access closing is expected to be over no later than September 11, 2009. If you choose to drive your own vehicle into the park you will need to watch for signs and flaggers. Expect parking to be very limited during this time.

For those familiar with the Grand Canyon and the area in question, you will notice a huge improvement in the congestion around Mather Point. I have been up there on days when vehicles were parked on both sides of the road for more than a mile west of Mather. The plan, when complete in December, will provide parking for more than 600 vehicles and commercial tour buses.

Grand Canyon Fires Continue to Burn

Joe Holman — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:14:03 +0000

As reported by Grand Canyon National Park, the Aspen fire on the North Rim continues to burn and has spread to approximately 2,390 acres as of Saturday. This fire is burning on the Walhalla Plateau east of the developed area on the North Rim. The National Park Service is expecting this fire to lose momentum as it moves to the south and east into areas which previously burned in 2004 and 2007.

The Cape Royal Road has been cleared of debris and is open to all traffic. Flames and smoke are visible along portions of the road. Visitors should not stop or pull over in these areas and are asked to use caution while driving to ensure the safety of firefighters and equipment working near the road.

There are three more small fires burning in the national park.

The Angel Fire (9 acres) is now contained and is being monitored.
The Thompson Fire (1 acre) is contained and is being monitored.
The Poplar Fire (.1 acre) has been inactive for several days.

For information about the Grand Canyon National Park fire management program, please visit the park’s web site.