Working at Grand Canyon North Rim and Yellowstone National Park

by Rosaleen (Gallagher) Gianakos
(Blue Hill, Nebraska)

Jenny Lake-south of Yellowstone National Park

I'm an old lady now, but was fortunate enough to work at both Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon's North Rim--and what an experience that was!

Started working at the Grand Canyon at age 15, went back for 8 summers, and that last summer I was married. Raised 4 children and then after they all graduated from college my husband and I went to work at Yellowstone National Park

We worked in Yellowstone National Park during the summers of '88,'89,'90 and '91. Worked with other teachers, lots of college kids from all over the US and a lot of retired people.

So I worked in those two national parks for a total of 12 summers. Not many people get to do that.

I made some wonderful friends that we're still in touch with.

I understand that now the bulk of the employees are young people from other countries. Is that true?

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Working at Grand Canyon North Rim and Yellowstone National Park

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Nov 06, 2009
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Re: Grand Canyon North Rim
by: Rosaleen (Gallagher) Gianakos

Utah Parks Co. operated the North Rim, Zion and Bryce in the 50's and they (Utah Parks Co.) were a subsidiary of the Union Pacific Railroad. Consequently, part of our employment agreement was free tickets out to Utah and back home before school started. Riding the train was an adventure in itself......would meet other young people going to the parks to work.
Also have to add......I hiked across the canyon twice. The first time I went with a group of about 6 and the second time I hiked it with my brother. We hiked from the north rim to the bottom, across and then up on the south rim and we did it in 11 hrs....think that was close to record time back then. Flew back across the canyon in a little 2 seater. Would love to hear from people who worked there way back when. :)

Nov 06, 2009
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What an amazing adventure
by: Perry

Hi Rosaleen,

You must have had such an amazing adventure!

I'm so impressed that you've continued pursuing this lifestyle throughout your life.

~ Perry