106: Interview with Ranger Kelkiyana from Grand Canyon National Park

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we interviewed another park ranger! Meet Kelkiyana Yazzie, the  Tribal Program Coordinator at Grand Canyon National Park and a proud member of the Navajo Nation. 

Kelkiyana shares the deep cultural significance of the Grand Canyon to the tribes who have called this land home for generations. She also gives us an insider look at her role with the National Park Service, including what her job involves, the impact she makes, and so much more! 

Here’s what we’ll cover:

• The important work Kelkiyana does at the Grand Canyon
• What makes Havasupai Gardens so special 
• The movement to restore original names in national parks
• The tribes native to the Grand Canyon area
• Kelkiyana’s favorite parts of being a Tribal Program Coordinator
• How she got her start as a National Park Ranger, plus her advice for aspiring rangers
• What makes the Grand Canyon so unique
• Whether Kelkiyana would support podracing in the Grand Canyon (you’ll love her answer!)
• The best spots in the Grand Canyon, according to a park ranger
• South Kaibab vs. Bright Angel Trails—a ranger’s take
• The number one tip for visiting the Grand Canyon

We hope you enjoy this conversation with Kelkiyana as much as we did! Hearing her perspective on the Grand Canyon’s cultural and spiritual significance was truly inspiring.

Your task for today: Add the Desert View Watchtower to your list of must-see stops when you visit the Grand Canyon! It’s the perfect place to experience the incredible Native American heritage woven into this iconic park.

For a full summary of this episode, links to things we mentioned, and free resources/deals to get your trip planning started, check out the full show notes here.