Black Canyon, a Gunnison official, announced the reopening of the North Rim in the National Park this Thursday, even as wildfires on the South Rim continue to smolder nearby.

The South Rim Fire has burned 4,232 acres in Montrose County since it was sparked by lightning, leading to evacuations and closures of the park on July 10th. Fortunately, there hasn’t been any significant growth in nearly two weeks.

According to officials, the fire is 32% contained, but some areas remain difficult to assess due to steep, rocky terrain. Direct checks by firefighters are risky, as they can’t safely test the soil or ashes in those areas.

Amy Ricotta, the South Rim Fire Information Officer, stated on Saturday that there are currently no active fires threatening the North Rim. A spotfire that began concurrently with the South Rim Fire on July 10th has since been extinguished.

“There’s little to no serious threat from the South Rim Fire,” Ricotta noted, adding that the situation remains stable, with some smoldering ongoing.

Visitors to the park can now access trails, viewpoints, and 13 North Rim camping sites, as stated by federal authorities in a news release. Park staff will be at the Ranger Station daily from 10 am to 3 pm. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meanwhile, the South Rim remains closed as firefighting efforts continue.