The visitor season for the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has been cut short by destruction from the Dragon Bravo Fire, which destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and its nearby cabins that had welcomed visitors to the majestic North Rim of the Grand Canyon since the mid-1930s.
Fortunately, due to swift actions by emergency personnel, all guests and staff were safely evacuated, resulting in no reported injuries or loss of life.
“Our hearts go out to the entire Grand Canyon North Rim community, thankfully everyone evacuated quickly and safely,” said Arizona Office of Tourism Interim Director Alix Skelpsa Ridgway. “Our thoughts remain with the firefighters who are working to extinguish this blaze.”
It is important to note that the ongoing fire activity primarily impacts the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, which is now closed for the remainder of the 2025 season, which runs through to 30 November 2025. After that, the North Rim is closed for the winter through to 14 May 2026.
Status as of 16 July:
The following inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds and associated areas are closed to all visitor use:
- North Kaibab Trail and South Kaibab Trail
- Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens. River exchanges are allowed to pass through this area at their discretion.
- Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground
- River Trail between Pipe Creek and the South Kaibab
- Tonto East between Havasupai Gardens and Tip Off
- All backcountry routes and canyoneering routes stemming from the North or South Kaibab, or the Bright Angel Trail.
South Rim and Surrounding Communities Remain Open:
While the North Rim is now closed for the remainder of the 2025 season, it is important to note that all South Rim businesses, hotels and surrounding communities such as Tusayan, Valle, Williams and Cameron remain open, fully operational and ready to welcome guests.
Additionally, smoke is visible from the South Rim and air quality in the area may be impacted. Residents and visitors impacted by the smoke are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions at outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net.
“While this situation is undeniably devastating, we want to remind and reassure visitors that the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities remain open and welcoming to guests,” Ms Ridgway added.
Grand Canyon National Park Summer Travel Facts:
- Nearly 5 million people visited Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) in 2024, including North & South Rims.
- Summer is the highest travel season for GCNP, with the majority of travelers visiting in the months of June (496,000 visitors), July (538,000 visitors) and August (507,000 visitors). July is the busiest month.
- 3 Entrances to GCNP, 2 Remain Open: The South Rim (through Tusayan) and East entrance (through Cameron) remain open to visitors.
- North Rim Visitor Season: Due to winter weather conditions, the North Rim overnight visitor season typically runs from 15 May through 15 October. The North Rim offers day use access only from 16 October to 30 November. The North Rim is closed from 1 December to 14 May.
For the latest updates on Grand Canyon National Park visitor information and fire updates, visit Grand Canyon National Park’s website and follow @grandcanyonnps on Instagram.
