Reflections on the Grand Canyon
I’ve probably taken a thousand photos of the Grand Canyon over the years. For nearly five decades, I’ve made the trip almost every year, sometimes multiple times. I often find myself heading to the northern rim, which has sadly faced the destruction of historic lodges, cabins, visitor centers, and numerous other structures. While I love camping and hiking there, I’ve also been active on boards and committees aimed at preserving the canyon and sharing its incredible natural and cultural significance.
A particular memory stands out: I spent hours in the lobby of the North Rim Lodge back in 1937. The lobby holds a special place in my heart—not just for its magnificent views, but because it’s a welcoming spot to relax after a long hike. For many first-time visitors to the Grand Canyon, which attracts about 5 million people each year, entering that lobby is a moment of awe as they see the deep canyons carved by the Colorado River for the first time. Plus, it’s where you can grab some wifi and, you know, the food isn’t too bad either.
The recent fires from the Dragon Bravo blaze on July 11-12 were devastating. I have to say, the cuts made to the National Park Service budget during the Trump administration, which included layoffs and the elimination of fire protection programs, clearly contributed to this disaster. While it’s still a contentious issue, many, including Arizona’s Governor Hobbs, are calling for an investigation into the incident.
It’s disheartening to witness the beginning of a plan—one that history and novel writer Wallace Stegner referred to as “America’s best idea”—being jeopardized. Documentaries and historians alike have highlighted the importance of these national treasures.
A recent report titled “High Cost of Park Giveaways: Trump’s Plan to Offload National Parks.” outlines ambitions that seem incredibly detrimental. Alongside budget cuts, an executive order has been issued that would raise entry fees for international visitors, likely leading to fewer visitors and revenue, which would further strain protections for areas like the Grand Canyon. For veterans and seniors enjoying free passes, those perks could also be on the chopping block.
The larger concern, however, is Trump’s intent to transfer national parks and memorials to state control. This shift could hand off substantial operating costs to states already facing financial strains.
Transferring the management of National Park Service units to state control would offload nearly $23 billion in maintenance backlog costs to them—without federal funding or the necessary infrastructure to manage it.
Historically, many parks didn’t receive significant federal support, which has pushed them to rely on corporate sponsorships and expanded gift shop sales to improve visitor experiences. This new challenge will only worsen the situation. According to reports, the economic impacts extend beyond the parks themselves.
Gateway communities that rely on national parks for tourism revenue stand to suffer significantly. As visits decline from poor branding and maintenance, local businesses will be hit hard; job opportunities will diminish, and state tax revenues could drop.
It’s worth noting that the Arizona State Parks System has already cut affordable passes due to budget issues, and if Arizona takes on the management of national parks, it could rack up an additional $1.5 billion in maintenance costs, leading to higher admission fees and reduced services. State authorities will also face the burden of managing disasters like floods and fires, often without federal assistance. Last year, national parks spent $90 million on fire protection, highlighting the increasing risk that states will need to handle alone.
Last year, millions of people, like you and me, visited American national parks and monuments. I can’t help but think that Donald Trump wasn’t among them—he seems disconnected from the majestic beauty of the mountains, the soothing sounds of rivers, or the breathtaking views from the North Rim Lodge at the Grand Canyon. It’s doubtful he would appreciate it as much as he would enjoy building one of his branded hotels.
