Grand Canyon National Park
Field Institute
In its 14th season, the Grand Canyon Field Institute (GCFI) offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of North America's premier destinations in the company of seasoned guides. A program of the Grand Canyon Association, GCFI is dedicated to enhancing understanding and appreciation of Grand Canyon through firsthand experience. Utilizing the world-famous canyon as the "ultimate classroom," the institute's expert instructors share the rich human and natural history found above and below the rim. More than 90 classes are offered, including geology, photography, American Indian culture, desert wildflowers and backcountry medicine.
GCFI outings typically require some level of backpacking. A few notable exceptions employ llamas, mules, vans and oar-powered rafts to carry the load. Classes that involve backpacking vary in length and difficulty and are designed to appeal to hikers ranging from first-timers to savvy canyoneers. GCFI conducts custom outings for groups and families whenever possible. Classes run year-round and are limited in size; fees vary.
GCFI also offers "packaged" courses that include lodging, meals and transportation provided by Xanterra.
For more information, contact the Grand Canyon Field Institute, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; visit www.grandcanyon.org/fieldinstitute or call (928) 638-2485.
Grand Canyon In Depth
News from the Parks
Local Tourism Will Get Boost from Historic Site
October 9, 2008 - 3:47pm
The Auburn-Opelika area is expected to get a boost in tourism from the opening of a completely redesigned Tuskegee Airman National Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service just down I-85 from Auburn in the nearby city of Tuskegee.
October 9, 2008 - 3:47pm
The Auburn-Opelika area is expected to get a boost in tourism from the opening of a completely redesigned Tuskegee Airman National Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service just down I-85 from Auburn in the nearby city of Tuskegee.
Visitors Flock to Sandburg Home for Poetry, Goats and Hiking Trails
October 9, 2008 - 3:37pm
When the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site was established 40 years ago, the mission was to preserve legacy and literary works of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Carl Sandburg. His modest home was kept intact with all the furnishings, magazines and newspapers in place when Sandburg died in 1967. National Park Service staff designed interpretive tours of the home, and public programs were given at the dairy goat farm that Sandburg's wife, Lilian, operated.
October 9, 2008 - 3:37pm
When the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site was established 40 years ago, the mission was to preserve legacy and literary works of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Carl Sandburg. His modest home was kept intact with all the furnishings, magazines and newspapers in place when Sandburg died in 1967. National Park Service staff designed interpretive tours of the home, and public programs were given at the dairy goat farm that Sandburg's wife, Lilian, operated.
Long Road Ahead
October 9, 2008 - 3:33pm
As C&O Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Kevin Brandt spoke to a small crowd gathered to learn about the breach in the canal's towpath on Saturday morning, Oct. 4, some late stragglers to the gathering walked down a temporary staircase to the muddy canal bottom and made their way past the gaping crater in the canal wall. "Holy moly," one man exclaimed as he walked past the jagged cavity filled with twisting tree roots, chicken wire and trickling water roped off by yellow caution tape.
October 9, 2008 - 3:33pm
As C&O Canal National Historical Park Superintendent Kevin Brandt spoke to a small crowd gathered to learn about the breach in the canal's towpath on Saturday morning, Oct. 4, some late stragglers to the gathering walked down a temporary staircase to the muddy canal bottom and made their way past the gaping crater in the canal wall. "Holy moly," one man exclaimed as he walked past the jagged cavity filled with twisting tree roots, chicken wire and trickling water roped off by yellow caution tape.
Canyon Victim from Scottsdale
October 9, 2008 - 3:29pm
A man who died after falling 250 feet into the Grand Canyon has been identified as a Scottsdale resident, the Associated Press reported.
October 9, 2008 - 3:29pm
A man who died after falling 250 feet into the Grand Canyon has been identified as a Scottsdale resident, the Associated Press reported.
Funk Search Taking Toll on Family
October 9, 2008 - 2:57pm
Although it has been 10 days and counting, family members of 49-year-old Earl Funk, missing in Shenandoah National Park since Sept. 29, are still hoping the lifelong woodsman will be found alive.
October 9, 2008 - 2:57pm
Although it has been 10 days and counting, family members of 49-year-old Earl Funk, missing in Shenandoah National Park since Sept. 29, are still hoping the lifelong woodsman will be found alive.
