Interview with Ranger Kelkiyana from Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic landscapes in the world, a place where millions of visitors stand in awe of its grandeur. But beyond the sheer rock walls and the flowing Colorado River, there’s a deeper story—a living history that continues to shape the canyon today.

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we had the incredible opportunity to talk with Ranger Kelkiyana Yazzie, a Tribal Program Coordinator at Grand Canyon National Park. She shared insights into the park’s Indigenous connections, the ways the National Park Service is working to ensure that Native voices are heard, and all the best places to catch the stunning vistas of Grand Canyon National Park.

Podcast Episode Overview

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we’re interviewing 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’s 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.

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Listen here.

The Important Work Kelkiyana Does at Grand Canyon National Park

As a Tribal Program Coordinator, Kelkiyana works closely with the Grand Canyon’s 11 associated tribes to ensure their history and culture are authentically represented within the park. One of the park’s biggest changes has been helping to rename Havasupai Gardens, formerly known as Indian Garden. The renaming was driven by the Havasupai Tribe, whose ancestors lived in the area before being forcibly removed when the park was established.

The name change was a significant moment for the Havasupai people, as it acknowledged their history and ongoing presence. The park worked alongside the tribe throughout the process, and during the renaming ceremony, the moment was deeply moving as tribal members reflected on the struggles their ancestors faced. This change was more than just a new name—it was a step toward healing and recognition.

The park has also been working to update outdated signage to better reflect the living presence of Indigenous communities. Previously, some signs at the Grand Canyon described Native peoples as “prehistoric” and referred to ancient dwellings as “ruins.” Efforts are being made to replace these terms with language that acknowledges the continuing cultural connections of Indigenous tribes to the land.

The Significance of Desert View Watchtower

One of the best places in the Grand Canyon to experience Native culture is the Desert View Watchtower. The park’s cultural demonstration program is an excellent place for visitors to watch Indigenous artists, like Hopi weavers and potters, practicing traditional crafts.

She also shared that these programs have expanded to the North Rim, creating more opportunities for visitors to connect with Indigenous perspectives. If you want to deepen your understanding of the Grand Canyon beyond its breathtaking views, Desert View Watchtower is a must-see!

Bringing Indigenous Voices to Park Interpretation

Before stepping into her current role, Kelkiyana worked as an interpretive ranger, where she incorporated Indigenous knowledge into traditional ranger-led experiences. She focused on sharing Indigenous perspectives on the Grand Canyon’s history, geology, and cultural significance.

When giving geology talks, she would highlight how different tribes view the canyon’s rock formations and natural resources. For example, some minerals found in the canyon, such as red ochre and salt, hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for Native people. By including these perspectives, she helped visitors understand that the Grand Canyon isn’t just a geological wonder—it’s a sacred place.

Visitors often expressed appreciation for hearing Indigenous perspectives from a Native ranger, noting how it deepened their understanding of the Grand Canyon’s cultural significance., and that hearing these stories directly from an Indigenous voice was a powerful and eye-opening experience. This feedback reinforced the importance of her work in bringing Native perspectives to the forefront of visitor education.

Kelkiyana’s Advice on Becoming a Park Ranger

Kelkiyana comes from a long line of park rangers—she is a fourth-generation ranger, following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, grandfather, and aunt, who all worked at Navajo National Monument. Growing up just five minutes from the park, she was always curious about why so many visitors came to see the ancient cliff dwellings.

Her journey began with the Youth Conservation Corps, where she first connected with the significance of these ancestral sites and their role in her own Navajo heritage. Inspired by her mentors, she pursued a degree in Environmental Studies at Fort Lewis College and later joined the Pathways Program, which allowed her to gain experience while earning her master’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management. This program ultimately helped her secure a permanent position with the National Park Service, leading her to the Grand Canyon.

Kelkiyana emphasizes that there are many paths to becoming a park ranger, but hands-on experience is key! She recommends looking into Youth Conservation Corps programs or organizations like the Arizona Conservation Corps and Scientists in Parks Program, which provide entry-level opportunities to work in national parks.

Volunteering is another great way to gain experience and make connections with park staff—she’s seen people land ranger jobs by dedicating time as volunteers. For those interested in a federal career, she highlights the Pathways Program, which allows students to work in parks while completing their education, giving them a direct route into permanent positions.

Her biggest piece of advice? Talk to people in the field! She encourages aspiring rangers to connect with park employees, ask questions, and learn about different roles within the National Park Service.

Kelkiyana’s Favorite Spots and Visitor Tips

Kelkiyana has explored the Grand Canyon in depth and has some favorite spots she recommends to visitors! She suggests heading to Mojave Point instead of the more popular Hopi Point for those looking for a stunning yet less crowded sunset view. The view is just as breathtaking but with fewer people. Another great scenic area is Hermit Road, which offers several viewpoints where visitors can take in the beauty of the canyon.

She also encourages visitors to explore Desert View Watchtower, not just for its incredible panoramic views but for the opportunity to engage with Native artists and cultural demonstrations. This spot provides a meaningful way to connect with the Indigenous history of the Grand Canyon beyond the landscapes.

For those who want to experience the canyon from below the rim, Kelkiyana strongly recommends the South Kaibab Trail over the more well-traveled Bright Angel Trail. South Kaibab provides panoramic views throughout the hike, but visitors should be aware that there is no water along the trail, so preparation is key.

If you’re looking for more expert advice on how to plan your Grand Canyon trip, check out our itinerary!

Kelkiyana’s number one tip for visiting the Grand Canyon is to carry your map everywhere so you know all the best things to see (and so you don’t get lost!). She also shared that it’s important to treat the park with respect, recognizing that it is not just a stunning landscape but a place deeply connected to Indigenous history and culture.

Kelkiyana encourages visitors to approach the park with curiosity, mindfulness, and care, much like they would when entering someone’s home. She shared a powerful quote: “When you visit the canyon, visit with prayers in your heart, purpose in your step, and leave it the way you found it.”

Reflections from the Rim: Why This Canyon Matters

The Grand Canyon isn’t just a natural wonder—it’s a sacred and cultural place. Thanks to the work of rangers like Kelkiyana Yazzie, visitors have the opportunity to experience it through a richer, more meaningful lens. Whether you’re admiring the views, learning from Indigenous artists, or hiking into the depths of the canyon, take a moment to appreciate the history, culture, and resilience of the people who have called this place home for generations.

Kelkiyana’s insights remind us that national parks are not just about nature—they’re about people. The stories of the past and the communities who still live here today make these places even more remarkable. So, next time you visit, take a moment to listen, learn, and connect with the deeper stories of the land.

Links mentioned in this podcast episode:

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