Grand Canyon, AZ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/07/2014 -- The Arizona National Scenic Trail will now be celebrated worldwide. The 800-mile-long Arizona Trail is showcased in a large-scale, brand new exhibit here at this popular Grand Canyon-area visitor center at the entrance to the Canyon's South Rim. The exhibit, sponsored by Nature Valley, will be unveiled to the public during a grand opening ceremony on the afternoon of August 14.

The new Arizona National Scenic Trail Exhibit fills the National Geographic Visitor Center's interior courtyard and features a large map of Arizona depicting the entire trail along with wall graphics explaining the Arizona Trail's diverse terrain, plants and animals.

"It's like a virtual tour of the Arizona National Scenic Trail," said Janet Rosener, General Manager, National Geographic Visitor Center. "The display really captures the natural beauty that exists throughout the state, as well as the diversity of trail users who find adventure on the Arizona Trail. We are sure that our visitors from around the world will take a great interest in the Arizona Trail because of this exhibit."

The Arizona National Scenic Trail Exhibit grand opening is here on Thursday, August 14th from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and features remarks by Matthew Nelson, Arizona Trail Association Executive Director; Art Babbott, Coconino County Supervisor District 1; Greg Bryan, Mayor of Tusayan; VIPs from Pink Jeep Tours and others. The grand opening also helps highlight Nature Valley's support and their teamwork with the NGVC to support the nearby Grand Canyon School. Food will be provided by Pink Jeep Tours, the new steward volunteers for trail maintenance of section 37C of the Arizona National Scenic Trail. Dippin' Dots Ice Cream will also be on site and all proceeds during the event will benefit the Arizona Trail Association.

"We are pleased to be able to provide support both for raising worldwide awareness of the incredible majesty and diversity of the Arizona National Scenic Trail as well as contributions to our local school and community," said Rosener. "This May we co-sponsored a community event supporting Arizona Trail awareness and stewardship and last year the Grand Canyon School was given $1,300 by collecting Nature Valley granola bar box tops."

This May the National Geographic Visitor Center was also a gateway community event sponsor with other Tusayan businesses of The Arizona Trail Trek. Accomplished Arizona hiker, Sirena Dufault, walked the entire Arizona Trail – from Arizona's border with Mexico, through the Grand Canyon to the Utah border – during two and half months raising over $17,000 for the Arizona Trail Association from online crowd funding and from donations at gateway community events.

"Each year, the Visitor Center receives hundreds of thousands of visitors," said Matthew Nelson. "And for many it is their introduction to the natural wonders and human history found within Grand Canyon. Now, visitors will be surrounded by inspiring images and get an informative initial tour of the Arizona Trail the moment they step into the courtyard."

Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail, a recently published official guidebook, will be for sale at the event at the National Geographic Visitor Center/IMAX Theater.

The National Geographic Visitor Center, located one mile south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, and Nature Valley are proud sponsors of the Arizona Trail Association and the Arizona National Scenic Trail Exhibit. An Arizona Trail segment is only a few steps away from the National Geographic Visitor Center. The Visitor Center also provides visitors with Grand Canyon information, maps, park passes, Pink Jeep Tours and has an IMAX® Theater, which shows hourly the popular Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets film. Visit explorethecanyon.com for more information on the Center and all that it has to offer.

contacts:
Janet Rosener, General Manager of the National Geographic Visitor Center/IMAX Theater, jrosener@ngvccanyon.com, (928) 638-2468
Matthew J. Nelson, Executive Director of the Arizona Trail Association, matthew@aztrail.org, (520) 404-7992
additional media contact: Steele Wotkyns, WotkynsPRplus, (928) 266-2129, steelewot3@gmail.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Grand Canyon, AZ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/24/2014 -- Since 1984 the IMAX Theater, located within the National Geographic Visitor Center, has provided visitors with continuous hourly engagement of the 34-minute, true-life adventure film Grand Canyon: the Hidden Secrets.

"We are happy Grand Canyon: the Hidden Secrets continues to enjoy such popularity and to entertain and inform our visitors," said Janet Rosener, General Manager of the National Geographic Visitor Center/IMAX Theater. "It's an inspiring introduction to the wonders and human history of the Canyon, an experience not to miss as a preview to a Grand Canyon visit or in the evening after seeing the Canyon in person."

This spectacular IMAX film is projected on an enormous 60-foot-high by 82-foot-wide screen, equivalent in height to a six-story building. It is this immensity of screen size, with its vast panoramas, that makes IMAX a different and breathtaking experience.

"The movie is rich in detail, with colors popping from the wide vistas on the screen. The cinematography is as stunning as you'd expect from an IMAX film," wrote one recent reviewer.

A unique projection system uses the "rolling loop" process to shift the oversized film past the projector lens at four times the speed of normal 35mm film in a standard cinema. A special steep-seating theater gives moviegoers an unobstructed view and the unique sensation of being part of the thrills of the film. The white water trip down the mighty Colorado River gives viewers all the excitement, except for getting wet!

"Over the years, your theatre has enlightened, inspired and entertained audiences of all ages," said Sarah Moore, Senior Coordinator of Theatre Services at IMAX Corporation. "The commitment that both you and your staff have shown to delivering the highest quality presentations, have helped make the IMAX® brand the success it is today."

Grand Canyon: the Hidden Secrets highlights selected historical events through which the audience is presented breathtaking vistas of the Canyon. The red cliffs of Toroweep depict the descent into the Canyon by its earliest known inhabitants. The spectacular Desert View and Moran Point overlooks were the focal points for the re-creation of the 1540 Coronado Expedition led by the Spanish Conquistadors. A major focus of the film engages viewers as they join Major John Wesley Powell during his party's historic 1869 exploration of the Colorado River – experiencing his challenges in conquering the thunderous rapids of the Colorado River. Visitors discover 4,000 years of history in just 34 minutes.

"Your IMAX theatre is part of a global network that spans more than 57 countries," said Moore. "Almost a billion people have enjoyed the world's most immersive movie experience thanks to the ongoing efforts of theatres like yours. On behalf of everyone at IMAX Corporation, we sincerely thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to our shared vision of delivering the world's most awe-inspiring entertainment experiences."

About The National Geographic Visitor Center
The National Geographic Visitor Center, located on Hwy. 64 one mile from the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, is the cornerstone of a self-contained entertainment center. Facilities inside the Center also include a National Geographic Store, Pizza Hut® Express, Pink Jeep® Tours, exhibits including the new Arizona National Scenic Trail Exhibit, Park Pass Pay Station, free maps and much more to enhance visitors' Grand Canyon experience. The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm March 1 to October 31; 9:00 am to 8:00 pm November 1 to February 28. For more information visit ExploreTheCanyon.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Special Grand Canyon Event Raises Funds for Arizona National Scenic Trail

Tusayan, AZ -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/14/2014 -- Sirena Dufault is nearing the end of a rigorous, inspiring personal quest. On May 23rd she'll arrive here for a special evening reception at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon as she nears completion of a long hike and fund raising journey from the U.S. Mexico border to Arizona's border with Utah. Ms. Dufault, 40, began her AZT Trek on March 14 and will finish on May 31 having hiked the entire Arizona Trail, more than 800 miles, mostly alone, from south to north.

"The AZT Trek will encourage people from throughout Arizona to experience the passages of the Arizona Trail and the charming gateway communities along the way," said Dufault of her ambitious hike and quest to raise $20,000 to maintain, protect and promote the Arizona Trail.

The National Geographic Visitor Center/IMAX Theater, Pink Jeep Tours and the Big E Steakhouse & Saloon will welcome Ms. Dufault for a reception at the Big E Steakhouse on Friday May 23 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

"We are proud to support Sirena and the Arizona Trail Association in raising funds for this spectacular National Scenic Trail that people from around the world can enjoy," said Janet Rosener, General Manager of the National Geographic Visitor Center Grand Canyon. "We have such a variety of beautiful landscapes in Arizona including Grand Canyon, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world."

The Arizona Trail took 30 years to complete and Ms. Dufault was one of many trail building volunteers who helped push the original dream and made it a reality across one of the West's most diverse, varied landscapes. In 2011 this cross-state trail was completed linking deserts, mountains, canyons – including the Grand Canyon – forests, communities and people.

In support of the Arizona Trail Association and as a celebration of the Arizona National Scenic Trail, Ms. Dufault organized the AZT Trek. Sirena Dufault's interactive hike encourages the public to join her for select portions of the AZT Trek. She also invites people to join other trail enthusiasts at evening events across the state including the evening at the Big E Steakhouse & Saloon from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at 365 State Highway 64 on at the northeastern edge of Tusayan near the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park.

Your Complete Guide to the Arizona National Scenic Trail, a recently published official guidebook, will be for sale at the event in Tusayan as well as at the National Geographic Visitor Center/IMAX Theater across the street.

On her blog, Sirena's Wanderings, Dufault describes just one of many highlights of her journey. "The trail went through the Sunflower Fire of 2012 – tortured, toasted, black-and-white limbs of trees a constant sight," wrote Dufault. "It's an area that will need crews to come in and repair the damage – a great reason to support the campaign to raise $20,000 for the Arizona Trail Association! The trail was covered with light pink Palmer's penstemon and quite a few other wildflowers. The geology in this area is really interesting with flaky shale layers and what looked like mudstone."

There are special incentives for anyone donating money to help support the Arizona Trail Association through this AZT Trek campaign. To learn more, visit www.aztrail.org/azttrek. The Arizona Trail Association is the nonprofit organization responsible for building, maintaining, promoting, protecting and sustaining the Arizona Trail.

About Nature Valley and the National Geographic Visitor Center
Nature Valley and the National Geographic Visitor Center, located one mile south of the entrance to Grand Canyon National Park South Rim, are proud sponsors of the Arizona Trail Association and coming this June will have a public display in the courtyard area. Visitors will be able to get information on the Arizona National Scenic Trail, which is only a few steps away from the National Geographic Visitor Center. It is also provides visitors with Grand Canyon information, maps, park passes and has an IMAX® Theater, which shows hourly the popular Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets film. Visit explorethecanyon.com for more information on the Center and all that it has to offer.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

National Geographic Visitor Center & IMAX Theater Debuts a Major New Visitor Attraction

Tusayan, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/19/2011 -- Grand Canyon Condor Encounter debuts this week here at the Canyon's south rim entrance. This live bird show by nationally recognized show performer Joe Krathwohl features raptors and other live birds plus a giant condor – this is the first program of its kind to enhance the visitor experience for thousands of Grand Canyon visitors.

"Our Condor Encounter live show is the best way to discover the wild side of Grand Canyon at the National Geographic Visitor Center and IMAX Theater located one mile south of the Grand Canyon National Park," said Brent Kok, visitor center and IMAX theater director.

Starting now visitors will experience an up-close encounter with all shapes and sizes of fascinating free-flying falcons, eagles, owls and the magnificent bird with a 10-foot wingspan that gives this show its name – the Condor Encounter. The show is a newly featured area attraction that unfolds several times a day at a new outdoor amphitheater located within the National Geographic Visitor Center. Visitors view these birds up close as they fly overhead while learning how the different species survive. This spectacular live show provides facts about birds of prey, conservation efforts, and how everyone can help protect these species – all in an entertaining way. Grand Canyon Condor Encounter is a limited-time engagement with shows daily starting in mid May until mid September.

Grand Canyon Condor Encounter live bird show is produced and presented by Joe Krathwohl from Birds and Beast Production. He was hired by the National Geographic Visitor Center and has been working hard for the past 12 months to develop the show. It blends and balances entertainment, education and conservation all in a captivating 20-minute presentation. The show features some 12 to15 raptor and other bird species, including a magnificent condor.

"The National Geographic Visitor Center is excited to offer an up-close encounter with these raptors and other birds as part of our commitment to entertain, educate and enlighten visitors from around the world about natural wonders and wildlife here at the Grand Canyon," said Kok. "Our goal is to make sure our visitors gain a higher level of understanding and appreciation for this special place in order for them to get the most out of their vacation experience at the Grand Canyon."

The National Geographic Visitor Center and IMAX Theater has partnered with the nonprofit Peregrine Fund and proceeds help support the group's successful, ongoing efforts at reintroduction of condors into northern Arizona's wild canyon country.

"This is a really exciting form of interpretation, said Chris Parish, California Condor Reintroduction Project Director for The Peregrine Fund. "It's a form of interpretation that is going to have a lasting impact on individuals. All of our work is for naught, unless the public is aware of the condors' comeback in the wild. This effort plays an integral role in conservation." Parish added that while federal and state land management agencies are key partners in recovery efforts and provide some funding for reintroduction efforts of the federally listed endangered California Condor, The Peregrine Fund also has been taking a lead role and raises and spends about $800,000 each year in the group's highly successful efforts at bringing condors back into the wild.

Nature Valley® is the presenting sponsor of the Condor Encounter show at the National Geographic Visitor Center. "We are proud to support this show, which provides an incredible close-up experience with nature," said Stephanie Hu, Nature Valley brand manager. "Nature Valley is committed to supporting the enjoyment of nature and we encourage visitors to experience this unique opportunity at the Grand Canyon."

For Condor Encounter ticket price information, show times and more about the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and IMAX theater visit: explorethecanyon.com.

Contact:
Brent Kok
Director of the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center and IMAX Theater
Tusayan, Arizona
(928) 638-2468

Additional media contact:
Steele Wotkyns
WotkynsPRplus
(928) 266-2129

Contact:
The Peregrine Fund
Chris Parish
(928) 606-5155

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm