Shrine of the Ages is a multi-purpose building used by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Association, and others. It is also used to conduct religious services and may be rented for private functions, including wedding ceremonies, by obtaining a park Special Use Permit. More about Special Use Permits. 
Ranger Programs and Special ActivitiesFrequently, during spring and fall months, and occasionally during the winter, nightly Evening Programs are held inside Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Programs offer an opportunity to learn about a variety of Grand Canyon resources. Topics that park rangers may discuss include: geology, human history, wildlife, night sky, water resources, rock art, canyon hiking, and more. More about this season's South Rim Ranger Programs... Special activities are also held in the Shrine. Events may include lectures, concerts, and demonstrations by visiting scientists, artists, and musicians. Programs are open to the community and the general public.
The free Village Route Shuttle (blue line on map below) has both a westbound and eastbound stop in front of the Shrine of the Ages. It can be accessed by private vehicle using Parking Lot A. It is within walking distance of Market Plaza, Mather Campground, Trailer Village, and Yavapai Lodge .
A Special Use Permit is required to use the BuildingThe National Park Service took over ownership of the building in 1975, along with all maintenance, operational and administrative duties. Today various organizations use the building, as can anyone who qualifies for a Special Use Permit. The Shrine of the Ages sees many activities, including the annual Grand Canyon Music Festival, Celebrate Wildlife Day, and Hiker’s Symposium. The National Park Service uses the building for office space, training, special events, and ranger programs, including the daily Evening Program from October through April. And of course, the building continues to be used for some religious services. 
NPS Grand Canyon Pioneer CemeteryLooking for famous historical figures involved in the development and protection of Grand Canyon? The Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery is a great place to explore! John Hance, Ralph Cameron, Pete Berry, Ellsworth Kolb, Gunnar Widforss, and Eddie McKee are just a few folks you might run into at the cemetery. 
NPS People interred at the cemetery include Grand Canyon pioneers, war veterans, tribal members, and employees of the concessioners, US Forest Service, and National Park Service. The cemetery, grave markers, and gateway arch are included on the List of Classified Historic Structures in Grand Canyon National Park. The Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery is still an active cemetery, although most of the sites are now full or reserved. Originally, to qualify for burial, an individual must have lived at Grand Canyon for no less than three years or must have made a significant and substantial contribution to the development of, public knowledge about, understanding of or appreciation for Grand Canyon National Park.
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Park ranger Patrick Gamman joins ranger Nicole DeLuca for a visit to the final resting place for many of Grand Canyon's earliest pioneers. 
The Pioneer Cemetery HistoryThe Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery is the final resting place of many canyon pioneers, park administrators, and village residents. 
The Shrine of the Ages HistoryThe Shrine of the Ages was created as an interfaith chapel at Grand Canyon. |
Last updated: September 22, 2019