The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, often referred to as the quiet, Wilder side of the park, is closed indefinitely following a fast-moving wildfire that swallowed more than 8,500 acres and destroyed dozens of structures including one of the park’s most beloved landmarks, the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.
The Dragon Bravo fire, which set lightning on July 4th and fueled sustained winds and drought conditions, swept the northern edge of the park this week, consuming more than 50 structures, including cabins, park management offices, visitor centers and water treatment facilities, forcing visitors and staff to evacuate. As of press time, Dragon Bravo Fire is a zero containment, starting Wednesday, July 9th, burning more than 50,000 acres around the nearby Kaibabu National Forest. No injuries or deaths were reported due to the evacuation of everyone in the area in advance, according to the National Park Service.
All North Rim operations, including campsites, backcountry access and trails such as the North Keibub, are closed, and the rest of the 2025 season remains intact, according to the National Park Service. Here’s what travelers need to know if they plan to visit the Grand Canyon in the second half of 2025:
Grand Canyon Lodge was defeated
One of the most important losses to date is the Grand Canyon Lodge, stone and wood icons that are perched right from the edge of the canyon, rim-to-rim hiking, family road trips, and beloved fixtures of national park nostalgia.
Built in 1928 and rebuilt after a kitchen fire in 1932, the lodge was the only full-service hotel in North Rim and a designated national history landmark. Built of giant Ponderosa pines, it was known for its wide canyon views from this sunroom, a huge fireplace in the lounge, and a row of rustic cabins in the surrounding forests.
“As the custodian of some of our most beloved national treasures, the Zantera Travel Collection, a concession operating the Grand Canyon Lodge in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, said in a statement on its website. “We are grateful that all our employees and guests are safe evacuation and are participating in the National Park Service, lamenting the loss of these iconic and beloved structures.”
Xanterra added: “For those who have bookings in the future, our team will reach out to you within the next 24 hours, including details on cancellations and next steps.”
The full extent of damage is still being evaluated, and fire containment remains a challenge as strong winds and dry conditions continue.
North Rim and Closure at the Bottom of the Grand Canyon
Park officials say all North Rim’s visitor services, which attract around 10% of the Grand Canyon’s approximately 5 million visitors a year, will be suspended until notification. This includes accommodation, dining facilities, gas stations, North Rim Visitor Centre, North Rim Campgrounds and Ranger Programs.
Travelers who have already booked visits to North Rim this summer should contact the operator for re-booking and refund options. (Operators such as Aramark and the National Park Service reportedly have contacted affected guests.)
Inner ranch trails such as the North Kaibabu Trail and the South Kaibabu Trail will also be affected by the closure. Similarly, rim-to-rim hikes starting or ending in the North Rim are typically popular in late summer and fall, but are no longer possible for the rest of the season. The North Rim season runs annually from May 15th to October 15th, so the region is unlikely to resume until May 2026.
According to the National Park Service, the only accommodation facility at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, is also closed as the fire damaged the water treatment plant and leaked leaf chlorine gas (exposure to the lungs can cause high concentrations of death). (A stay at the ranch requires you to win the lottery at least a year ago.) Xanterra Travel Collection, which runs Phantom Ranch, said the property will remain closed until the area’s assessment is complete. The Bright Angel Trail under Hava Spy Garden will also be closed until notification.
The South Rim remains open
At this point, the South Rim remains open and unaffected by fire. If you can rerout your trip, the South Rim offers ample opportunity to safely explore the canyon. Roads, visitor centres, lodges, campsites and day hiking trails are not affected by fire, but haze and smoke may be visible on days depending on the direction of the wind. (The Grand Canyon NPS Alert Page allows you to check the latest information on vision and air quality before your visit.) South Rim’s Ranger Program and Visitor Centre continues to take place at the talks, Stargaze Events, Grand Canyon Visitor Centre and Yabapai Geology Museum.
Today, South Rim has countless accommodation options, including the historic Elt Bar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge, Kachina, Thunderbird Lodge and Mass Wilkow. That said, we recommend booking early. It could enhance availability as a shift plan for evacuated North Rim visitors.
