California Condor release at Vermillion Cliffs

March 1, 5:29 PMNational Parks Travel ExaminerMarilyn Crain

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Photo: AZGFD

This spring and summer, when you visit Grand Canyon National Park, you may catch a glimpse of one of Arizona's four new residents—endangered California condors from Oregon and Idaho. But, for a sure sighting, you're invited to see them up close as they are released into the wild at Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, on Saturday, March 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. These four will be joining the 67 condors already living in Arizona.

Condor releases are such rare events that they always generate a lot of excitement. With only three California condor populations in the world, this is a unique opportunity.

Directions from National Park Service: "To view the condor release, drive north on Highway 89 out of Flagstaff. Turn left (west) onto Highway 89A toward Jacob Lake and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Drive about 25 miles past Marble Canyon until you turn right onto House Rock Valley Road (BLM Road 1065). Travel about three miles to a shaded viewing area on the right. On top of the cliffs to your east will be the location where the condors are released. The release site is approximately one mile from the viewing point."