28 Seasons on the River: A Legacy of Lives Changed
Nate Loper - September 11, 2025 As Clay Miller and I helped the last group of guests step off the jet boat at Pearce Ferry, we closed the chapter on another remarkable season. Canyon Ministries has now completed 28 consecutive seasons guiding Grand Canyon river trips—a milestone that fills me with gratitude and awe. Each summer, we lead 4-, 7-, and 9-day adventures through the canyon, covering either the 187-mile upper stretch or the 90-mile lower section of the Colorado River. These trips are more than just exciting vacations—they
Mount St. Helens 45-Year Commemoration Tour
Nate Loper - September 9, 2025 I recently returned from an incredible experience at the Answers in Genesis Mount St. Helens conference and tour, commemorating the 45th anniversary of the historic May 18, 1980 eruption. The event drew about 125 participants and began with a one-day conference featuring some of the leading voices in biblical creation today, including Dr. Jennifer Rivera, Dr. Terry Mortenson, Dr. Steve Austin, and Bill Hoesch (Director of the Mount St. Helens Creation Center). The following four days were spent hiking and exploring the areas
Grand Canyon Fossil Discovery: A Snapshot of Life Before the Flood
A recent article from Phys.org announced the discovery of exquisitely preserved Cambrian fossils in the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Formation. These fossils include soft-bodied creatures like worms, crustaceans, and mollusk-like animals, preserved with stunning detail. Secular scientists are interpreting this find as evidence of a thriving ecosystem that existed some 500 million years ago, providing a window into what they call the "Cambrian Explosion"—a period of rapid evolutionary diversification in the distant past. As Christians who hold to the authority of Scripture and a young earth, global Flood model,
100 Years Since the Scopes Trial: Remembering a Cultural Clash
July 2025 marks the 100-year anniversary of the infamous Scopes “Monkey” Trial—one of the most pivotal and public legal showdowns over the role of biblical creation versus evolutionary theory in American public education. Held in the sweltering summer of 1925 in Dayton, Tennessee, this trial wasn’t just about a biology teacher and a banned textbook. It was about worldviews—two fundamentally different accounts of origins and authority—and that cultural clash is still echoing today. The Trial That Shaped the Debate John T. Scopes, a young high school teacher, was charged with
Grand Canyon North Rim Dragon Bravo Fire
We at Canyon Ministries are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire, which ignited on July 4, 2025, and has since consumed over 8,500 acres on the North Rim. The wildfire destroyed the beloved historic Grand Canyon Lodge, along with approximately 70–80 other structures, including park staff housing and visitor facilities. As flames surged, fueled by dry conditions and sudden high winds, the fire shifted and spread quickly, leading to the tragic loss of this architectural and cultural treasure. We hold close in prayer everyone impacted
Mount St. Helens Tour with Answers in Genesis
Nate Loper - July 1, 2025 Mount St. Helens and the Message in the Mountain: 45 Years Later It’s been 45 years since the landscape of the Pacific Northwest was forever changed by one of the most significant geological events in modern history. On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted with explosive force, sending a massive plume of ash skyward, leveling 230 square miles of forest, and carving out an entirely new terrain in just hours. For those of us involved in biblical creation ministry, Mount St. Helens continues
International Tours to London and Egypt!
Join Us On These Two International Biblical Tours At Canyon Ministries, we’ve long provided unforgettable experiences exploring the wonders of God’s creation through our Grand Canyon tours. But the story doesn’t stop at the canyon rim. Our mission has always been to offer “A Different View”—one rooted in Scripture and brought to life through first-hand discovery. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to join us on two international adventures that extend this vision beyond the canyon walls and into the pages of biblical history. This fall and next spring,
A Life Well-Lived Pointing People to the Creator: Honoring Dr. Ken Funk
It was the spring of 2019, and I was leading a tour at Desert View Watchtower—standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, pointing out the beauty stretching beyond the rim to the Painted Desert. As I spoke to the group, a man walked right up, extended his hand, and with a firm shake said, “Hi, Ken Funk.” Though we had never met, he already knew who I was—and more importantly, what Canyon Ministries was about. That moment marked the beginning of a meaningful friendship and a partnership that
Kids Are FREE This Summer!
Nate Loper - April 23, 2025 Kids Are FREE This Summer! At Canyon Ministries, we believe family adventures should be both memorable and meaningful—especially when they draw hearts closer to the Creator. That’s why this summer, kids aged 0–9 can tour the Grand Canyon for FREE on all our Daily Tours! Whether it’s your child’s first glimpse over the rim or a return to a favorite family spot, we want to make it easier for more families to experience the wonder of the canyon together. Promotion Details: 🗓 When: May 24 – September
A Voice in the Wilderness
Nate Loper - March 05, 2025 The wilderness is a place of paradox. It is vast and untamed, yet it draws us into intimacy with God. It’s a place where distractions fade, and we are confronted with the rawness of creation and the depth of our own need for Him. Both Elijah and John the Baptist found themselves in the wilderness, and both were used by God to proclaim His truth in powerful ways. As guides, we share a unique connection with these two figures. Like Elijah, we stand
