South Rim Village - Ranger Programs

Index of the Information Available on this Page Navigation

 

 

Grand Canyon Visitor Center on the South Rim is open between 8 am and 4 pm daily. Rangers are available at the information desk to answer any questions you may have.

Visitor Center Hours

• The Visitor Center building and information desk are open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.

• The Visitor Center Theater is temporairly closed for renovation.

• Trip planning and hiking information is also available through signs and exhibits outside of the building — and at other key locations throughout the park.

 

Meet the ranger here, outside of Yavapai Geology Museum, for a Ranger's Choice Program, at 11 am daily.

 

11:00 am — Ranger's Choice: June 25 through July 2

• The Ranger's Choice Program is presented daily. Meet the Ranger in front of Yavapai Geology Museum.

• Park you vehicle in the Yavapai Point/Museum parking lot.

• Or ride the free westbound Kaibab (Orange) Route shuttle from the Visitor Center Plaza to the Yavapai Point/Museum bus stop.

• Topics are chosen by the ranger. This week's schedule is listed on this page. It is also displayed on signs at the Visitor Center and around the village; or you can view our Online Event Calendar >
  

• 20-30 Minutes — Free — Accessible — Weather Permitting.

Saturday, June 25
Bats! Superheroes of the Sky
Look to the sky! Is it a bird? A plane? No! It’s a bat! Discover the amazing world of night time creatures who call this place home.
.
Sunday, June 26
Geo Glimpse
Discover how Grand Canyon formed and what makes it so spectacular!
.
Monday, June 27
Geo Glimpse
Discover how Grand Canyon formed and what makes it so spectacular!
.
Tuesday, June 28
Skulls of Grand Canyon
Become a skull detective! Investigate how skulls can tell you about the animals they come from.
.
Wednesday, June 29
Geo Glimpse
Discover how Grand Canyon formed and what makes it so spectacular!
.
Thursday, June 30
Grand Canyon Water: A Biography
A brief history of human water use in Grand Canyon: who uses it and how do they get it?
.
Friday, July 1
Geology Talk
What does it take to make a canyon? Use the power of observation to piece together the canyon’s geologic story.
.
Saturday, July 2
Flight of the Condor
How close to extinction did they get? Why were they threatened? Discover how Condors bounced back from the brink.

 

Evening ranger programs are presented here at McKee Amphitheater on most nights, between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

 

8 pm — Evening Program: June 25 through July 2

Most evening progams are held at McKee Amphitheater.

The amphitheater is located near Market Plaza and behind Park Headquarters —just a short walk along the connector trail between Park Headquarters and the Canyon Rim. McKee features bench seating in a large, open-air amphitheater.

This summer, programs are presented on most days. Program dates and topics are displayed on signs at the Visitor Center and around the village. You may also view the park's Online Event Calendar >

Note: on Saturday, June 25, the evening program will be held in the Visitor Center Plaza at 8 pm.

• 1 hour — Free — Accessible — Weather Permitting

Saturday, June 25
The Amazing Nuwuvi Universe
Soar into space with an Indigenous astronomer and learn about the cultural connection that the Southern Paiute have with the dark sky.
Meet at Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza — 8 pm
.
Sunday, June 26
Sorry no program tonight
.
Monday, June 27
Sorry no program tonight
.
Tuesday, June 28
Grand Canyon in the Wild Wild West
Uncover stories of people who made the wild west wild and what drew people to the Grand Canyon.
Meet at McKee Amphitheater — 8:30 pm
.
Wednesday, June 29
Furry or Ferocious?
Discover the top 10 most potentially dangerous creatures of Grand Canyon.
Meet at McKee Amphitheater — 8:30 pm
.
Thursday, June 30
Ghosts That We Knew
A mature discussion on organisms past and present. Which will we lose? What is worth saving? How far away are killer asteroids?
Meet at McKee Amphitheater — 8:30 pm
.
Friday, July 1
Sorry no program tonight
.
Saturday, July 2
From the Canyon to the Moon
Learn why the Apollo astronauts came to the canyon for their training.
Meet at McKee Amphitheater — 8:30 pm

 

Things to Know About Ranger Programs

All outdoor programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or when lightning danger is present.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult on all programs.
• All programs are Free of Charge.

To manage the continuing threat of COVID-19, the following safety precautions are in place:

• Social distancing is suggested, between separate families/traveling groups.
• If you are experiencing a dry cough, fever over 100.4º F or diffculty breathing, please do not attend ranger programs.

 

---

Related Information

• South Rim Village > Calendar of Programs and Events >

• Visitor Center, Information Desks and Museum Hours >

• Desert View
  Ranger programs will resume this summer. Desert View is located on the South Rim, 23 miles/37 km, east of Grand Canyon Village on State Route 64, also known as Desert View Drive.

• North Rim
  Programs are presented daily (May 15 through October 15) It's a 209 mile/336 km drive from the South Rim Village to the North Rim.

• Return to Grand Canyon National Park's Ranger Program Index Page >

 

Ranger Program Videos

 

Duration:

4 minutes, 10 seconds

Have you ever wondered how the Grand Canyon was formed and why it is found here in Northern Arizona? To understand the formation of the canyon, there is a simple way to remember how it was shaped over time. All you have to remember are the letters D U D E or dude. The letters stand for: Deposition, Uplift, Down cutting and Erosion.

 

Duration:

11 minutes, 47 seconds

Ranger-led walking tour from Bright Angel Trailhead to Maricopa Point with Ranger Dave.