From the base camp of Mt. Everest to the floor of the Grand Canyon, Helen Ranney is doing everything she can to have fun working, traveling and spending time with her husband, world-renowned geologist and author Wayne Ranney. In addition to her many roles as wife, mother of three adult children, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother, Helen has worked for Arizona Highways as sales manager and the Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) as director of marketing and associate director of philanthropy. … [Read more...] about A Passion for the Outdoors, Adventure, Travel
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Grand Canyon Conservancy Hears of Grand Adventure
Award-winning photographer, filmmaker and author Pete McBride served as the keynote speaker for the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s (GCC) Grand Gathering 2024. Held at the Shrine of the Ages on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, the event attracted members from around the country. They were treated to an informative and entertaining slide show by McBride, followed by a book-signing of his latest book, “The Colorado River: Chasing Water.” “It was an inspiring kick-off to the 2024 Grand Gathering … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Conservancy Hears of Grand Adventure
Women Wranglers Lead the Mule Pack at the Grand Canyon
The mules at the Xanterra Travel Collection Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Operations are trained for a women’s touch, because all of the trail guide wranglers at the Grand Canyon are women. Although it hasn’t been documented, this might be historic. “As far as I know, it’s the first time for an all-woman trail guide team of wranglers. It’s very unique,” said Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Operations Manager John Berry. “It’s also the first time I’ve been a boss of an all-woman trail guide … [Read more...] about Women Wranglers Lead the Mule Pack at the Grand Canyon
Canyon River Outfitters Impacting Local Economy
It’s a niche Flagstaff industry that does much of its work navigating the Colorado River rapids of Grand Canyon. The outdoor-adventure outfitters who guide 20,000 passengers annually through the canyon’s whitewater turbulence also generate hundreds of jobs and tens of millions of dollars for Flagstaff’s economy. Discover Flagstaff Director Trace Ward says Grand Canyon is the number one driver of visitors to Northern Arizona. “With this comes a tapestry of services and activities … [Read more...] about Canyon River Outfitters Impacting Local Economy
NAU Adds Sports, Adventure Media Certificate
Northern Arizona University is capitalizing on the San Francisco Peaks and surrounding natural beauty, including the Grand Canyon and Sedona, to grow its sports media program. Starting this fall semester, NAU is offering a Sports and Adventure Media undergraduate certificate in the School of Communication. “How can we be different? What will set us apart and make us unique?” School of Communication Associate Professor of Practice Rory Faust asked himself as he thought of ways to expand the … [Read more...] about NAU Adds Sports, Adventure Media Certificate
Williams Judge Takes a Break from Courtroom on Honey Creek Farm
Feeling as comfortable on the bench as he does officiating a wedding at the edge of the Grand Canyon, Williams Justice Court Judge Rob Krombeen says he is living the sweet life, literally, tending to Honey Creek Farm. “I feel we are living the sweet life because of the fruitful contributions we make toward sustainable farming on our property and the relationships we build with our customers as we improve their quality of life through the products we provide,” he said. Judge Krombeen and … [Read more...] about Williams Judge Takes a Break from Courtroom on Honey Creek Farm
Preparing for Hikers, High Heat at Grand Canyon
Hikers often misjudge Grand Canyon treks, says Dr. Tom Myers of North Country Healthcare. “They either overestimate what they think they can do or underestimate the wilderness.” Myers discussed heat illness and hyponatremia, a condition that occurs when the level of sodium in the blood is too low, at the National Park Service Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) Symposium last month at Grand Canyon National Park. Other sessions included presentations from park staff about downhill injuries, … [Read more...] about Preparing for Hikers, High Heat at Grand Canyon
Families, Hikers, Tourists, Locals Seek Out Hyatt Place
With all the vibrancy of a high country monsoon thunderstorm, the lobby of Hyatt Place is electric with excitement. Travelers in hiking gear, tourists meeting with outfitter guides, foodies savoring mango habanero tofu street tacos and locals enjoying prickly pear margaritas rimmed with black lava salt all seem to be in their happy place. This high desert haven is perched above the expansive Page/Grand Canyon/Lake Powell zone, known as the Grand Circle, where stone can be swirled into … [Read more...] about Families, Hikers, Tourists, Locals Seek Out Hyatt Place
Architect Mary Colter’s Legacy Captured in Stone
She was tough, funny, fearless, dogmatic, imaginative, and her Grand Canyon architectural marvels continue to intrigue historians and fascinate visitors, including the only inner canyon lodging facility, Phantom Ranch, which turned 100 years old this year. Meet Mary Jane Elizabeth Colter, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 4, 1869. She was 33 years old when she was hired as an interior designer and architect by the hospitality forerunner Fred Harvey Company, a contractor for Santa Fe … [Read more...] about Architect Mary Colter’s Legacy Captured in Stone
Navigating with Purpose
Lava Falls Rapid is white-water fierce. It is, by far, the most famous and daunting rapid on the mighty Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. It comes up after a nice calm stretch of laid-back, almost complacent, floating. Most wouldn’t even notice the distant spray and subtle splashing up ahead. But Christa Sadler does. With oars thrusting forward, she remains on high alert, reading the river. Within about half a mile of the falls, the passengers in Christa’s raft also will be on high alert as … [Read more...] about Navigating with Purpose