North Rim Status Update

The North Rim is now closed for the rest of the 2025 season due to damages caused by the Dragon Bravo Wild Fire.

The wildfire, which occurred in July 2025, resulted in the destruction of about 70 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Rim Visitor Center, and numerous guest cabins. Consequently, all developed areas of the North Rim will not be accessible to the public for the remainder of the season. This closure encompasses all accommodations, visitor services, and facilities.

Currently, the park is focused on emergency stabilization efforts to protect what remains of the infrastructure and the natural environment. Plans are in motion for recovering and rebuilding visitor facilities, though this process will take time, especially since it includes the Grand Canyon Lodge.

While the South Rim remains open to visitors, access to the North Rim and its facilities is prohibited. We recognize how significant the North Rim is for our visitors, staff, and partners, and we’re dedicated to keeping everyone informed as we progress with recovery efforts.

Trail Reopens and Current Closures

August 20, 2025

• The South Kaibab Trail is currently accessible from the South Kaibab trailhead to Tipoff.
• The Tonto Trail is also open, running from Tipoff to Havasupai Gardens.
• Bright Angel Trail is open from the Bright Angel Trailhead to Pipe Creek Crest House.

The section of the River Trail from Pipe Creek to the South Kaibab Trail Junction remains closed due to ongoing construction for the Transcanyon Waterline Project and is expected to reopen on November 1, 2025. Additionally, the Silver Bridge will remain shut until November 26, 2025. It’s anticipated that Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground will reopen temporarily on November 1, 2025.

On the other hand, the North Kaibab Trail will be closed for the foreseeable future due to damage from the fire. Significant maintenance is necessary to address rock slips and make structural repairs before it can safely reopen. Furthermore, Highway 67 to the North Rim will also remain closed for now, influenced by the aftermath of the Dragon Bravo Fire.

Evacuations and Safety Measures

On July 10, the National Park Service evacuated roughly 500 visitors from the northern rim of the Grand Canyon due to the threat posed by the Dragon Bravo Fire, which was burning nearby in the BLM land and the Kaibab National Forest. The following day, staff members from over 400 parks, concessions, and the Grand Canyon Conservancy were also evacuated as the fire expanded. Even the 54 mules utilized on the Canyon Trail were relocated on July 13. Thankfully, no lives were lost, nor were there any major injuries reported as a result of the fire.

The future of the North Rim Lodge is under careful consideration through a methodical process emphasizing safety, stabilization, and long-term planning. In the wake of the Dragon Bravo Fire, the removal of hazardous trees and initial assessments for hazards are in progress. The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team initiated a thorough assessment on August 21, 2025, leading a stabilization plan that includes dealing with hazardous materials, safeguarding water quality, and ensuring safe access to affected sites. This will guide the necessary treatments for protecting and restoring the lodge for future use.

At this moment, it’s unclear whether the North Rim will be accessible in 2026. The Dragon Bravo Fire has significantly impacted infrastructure, trails, utilities, and natural resources in the area. Additionally, the access road, Highway 67, remains shut down due to safety concerns. The park is working closely with interagency partners to evaluate damages, restore essential utilities, and minimize safety risks related to post-fire flooding and debris flows. Safety for both the public and staff remains paramount, and updates will be provided as recovery efforts unfold.

Meanwhile, Brighty was safely relocated from the North Rim to the South Rim Museum Collections on August 15, 2025, where he continues to be evaluated. The park is collaborating with its non-profit partner, Grand Canyon Conservancy, on restoration efforts to ensure Brighty’s preservation for future generations.

The Impact of the Dragon Bravo Fire

The Dragon Bravo Fire has affected numerous North Rim basins that discharge into the Colorado River, including House Rock Wash, North and South Canyon, Backfarm Canyon, Nankoweep Creek, and many others. Some of these channels extend over 13 miles long. Rain can take 2-4 hours to reach the river from the top of the rim, but flooding in or close to burn areas may happen very quickly.

A heightened risk of flash floods and debris flows is anticipated in these areas during monsoon and other severe storm events. On steep terrain, heavy rainfall can trigger flash floods almost immediately, and it can also lead to fast-moving slides composed of water, ash, mud, rocks, and trees, endangering buildings, roads, and other infrastructures.

Visitors are advised to exercise extreme caution in all watersheds impacted during the monsoon season, as burned areas are particularly susceptible to flash floods and debris flows.