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Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery: A Resting Place of Canyon History

Discover the stories of pioneers and visionaries at the Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery, a place of history and remembrance.

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The Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery, near the South Rim, is the final resting place for pioneers, park administrators, and residents who shaped the Grand Canyon. Though closed to new burials since 2017, it remains open for visitation, offering a glimpse into the lives and stories of those who contributed to the park's development.

A brief summary to Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery

Local tips

  • Take time to read the headstones; many share interesting details about the lives of those buried there.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a quieter, more reflective experience.
  • Look for the monument dedicated to the victims of the 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery is located near the Shrine of the Ages and Parking Lot A in Grand Canyon Village. From most points in the village, follow the signs towards the Shrine of the Ages. The cemetery is a short walk from the Shrine.

  • Public Transport

    Use the free Grand Canyon National Park shuttle system to reach the Shrine of the Ages. From there, it is a short walk to the Pioneer Cemetery. Shuttles run frequently throughout the village. Check the official National Park Service website for current shuttle routes and schedules.

  • Taxi

    Taxi services are available in Grand Canyon Village. A taxi from most locations in the village to the Pioneer Cemetery will be a short ride. Expect to pay around $10-$15 for a one-way trip.

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Discover more about Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery

Nestled near the South Rim in Grand Canyon Village, the Grand Canyon Pioneer Cemetery, also known as Pioneer Cemetery, South Rim Cemetery, and the American Legion Cemetery, serves as a poignant reminder of the human history interwoven with the grandeur of the canyon. Established before the park's formal dedication, the first burial took place in January 1919, just weeks before the Grand Canyon became a National Park. The American Legion Post dedicated the cemetery on May 30, 1928. Today, the cemetery holds over 390 individual graves. To qualify for burial, individuals needed to have lived at the Grand Canyon for at least three years or made a significant contribution to the park's development. Among those interred are pioneers like Captain John Hance, known for his tall tales, members of the Kolb family who established the Kolb Studio, and American businessman Ralph H. Cameron. There is also a monument dedicated to the unidentified remains of victims of the 1956 Grand Canyon mid-air collision. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) surveyed the grounds and created reference markers and gravel paths in 1938. While the cemetery closed to new burials in 2017 due to space limitations, some burials may still occur for those with existing family plots. The cemetery provides a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist areas.

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