One of the most beautiful National Parks in the US is the Grand Canyon National Park, and this national treasure was hit with tragedy earlier this month.
The wildfire tearing through the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has rapidly become one of the most destructive in the park’s history. Ignited by lightning on July 4, the Dragon Bravo Fire has already consumed more than 11,700 acres, leaving a trail of devastation that includes the loss of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of cherished buildings.
How did the Grand Canyon fire start?
Sparked by a lightning strike on July 4, the Dragon Bravo Fire ignited deep within the forested expanse of Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim. Initially classified as a “confine and contain” fire—part of a natural strategy to reduce overgrown vegetation—it quickly intensified under searing heat, parched conditions, and gusty winds.
Within days, the fire grew beyond expectations, forcing a pivot to full suppression tactics. Despite rapid mobilization of firefighting resources, the blaze gained ground, fueled by the canyon’s rugged terrain and dense forest, ultimately becoming one of the most destructive wildfires in the park’s recorded history.
How much of the Grand Canyon fire is contained?
Originally classified as a “confine and contain” fire—allowing nature to clear out dense underbrush—the blaze intensified under record heat, bone-dry conditions, and relentless winds. By mid-July, the strategy shifted to full suppression, with fire crews deploying helicopters, retardant drops, and ground teams to protect key infrastructure.
Progress has been slow, and only 8% of the fire has been contained as of July 20, according to the website, InciWeb, which is a federal government wildfire tracker. A chlorine gas leak at a nearby water treatment facility briefly halted efforts, but crews have since resumed operations.
Grand Canyon Lodge and nearly 80 buildings destroyed
The toll on cultural landmarks is severe. Between 70 and 80 buildings have been lost, including historic cabins, ranger facilities, and visitor centers. Most heartbreakingly, the Grand Canyon Lodge—a 1920s National Historic Landmark known for its rustic design and breathtaking canyon overlook—has been reduced to ash. While restoration discussions are underway, it remains uncertain if the lodge can be authentically rebuilt.
When will the Grand Canyon North Rim reopen?
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs visited the site earlier this week, expressing alarm over the initial hands-off approach and calling for a federal review of the National Park Service’s fire management policies. Her remarks have intensified a national conversation about how to responsibly balance ecological fire practices with the urgent need to safeguard historic structures and ensure visitor access—especially as climate extremes escalate.
Officials have announced that the North Rim will remain closed for the rest of the 2025 season and well into 2026. Fortunately, all visitors and staff were evacuated safely, and no injuries have been reported. But the fire’s scale and intensity have upended operations and erased nearly a century of architectural heritage.
For travelers, the implications are immediate. The North Rim, including all trails, campgrounds, and routes such as North Kaibab, is closed until further notice (though you can still access the South Kaibab trail on the South Rim). Officials estimate reopening won’t happen before 2026, though they didn’t offer a specific date of reopening.
Is the South Rim of the Grand Canyon Open?
Because the fires were largely concentrated along the quieter, less-trafficked North Rim, that is where most of the damage is concentrated. The South Rim remains open, but air quality and visibility may be impacted by smoke, particularly on windy days. Additionally, the gas leak at the water treatment facility led to the closure of lodging in the base of the canyon, which is often accessed via the South Rim.
Though the South Rim—home to the park’s most popular trails and accommodations—remains open and unaffected by the flames, visitors should check the National Park Service website for the latest updates, as conditions and air quality may fluctuate, as may access to certain trails.
What to know before visiting Grand Canyon National Park
If you’re planning a visit, monitor National Park Service alerts closely and be flexible with your itinerary. As this fire reminds us, landscapes shaped over millennia can be transformed in days—and preserving them, both for today’s travelers and future generations, may require rethinking how we engage with these treasured wild places.