Virtual “Trailblazer” for Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon Conservancy to Host Second Virtual “Trailblazer” Event
Raising Funds for Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, Ariz.—Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its second virtual “Trailblazer” fundraiser from April 17 to April 25, 2021. Kicking off National Park Week, the event invites people to complete a walk, jog, hike, or bike ride that week in their favorite National Park or just in their neighborhood to raise funds to help protect and preserve Grand Canyon National Park.

No matter where you are, you can join the fun! Those who wish to participate can do so in several ways:
• Register online for $25 at protect.grandcanyon.org/trailblazer and pledge a distance as an individual or as a team
• Share photos on social media and tag #GCCTrailblazer
• Follow the Leave No Trace principles and recreate responsibly
All registrants will receive a commemorative Trailblazer t-shirt, and other special prizes will be awarded at various donation levels.

The first Trailblazer event took place in June 2020 as a way for people to connect with the outdoors while COVID-19 restrictions were in place. Since many people were unable to travel to Grand Canyon National Park, live social media videos took participants along the Rim Trail with GCC staff, sharing stories, viewpoints, and Grand Canyon history along the way. Participants were encouraged to get outdoors wherever they could and to share their journeys on social media.

This year, GCC encourages those who do not feel safe traveling to stay home and participate in their local neighborhoods, parks, or other outdoor spaces. For those who plan to visit Grand Canyon National Park, the first day of the event, Saturday, April 17, 2021, is a fee-free day in honor of National Park Week. On Sunday, April 18, 2021 visitors on-site and at home can follow GCC staff as they livestream portions of their hikes from the canyon on GCC’s Facebook and Instagrampages. Registrants have until Sunday, April 25th to complete their walk, jog, hike, or bike and achieve their fundraising goals.

About Grand Canyon Conservancy:
Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit grandcanyon.org.