North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park to Partially Reopen

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is set to partially reopen next week, marking the first time since numerous buildings were lost to devastating wildfires this summer.

Beginning Wednesday, October 1st, Highway 67 (W1 Road) and Cape Royal Road will be accessible again, allowing visitors to experience picturesque spots like Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Firepoints and swamps will also resume operations, based on the most recent update from park officials. This reopened area will be open daily from sunrise until sunset through November 30th, or until heavy snowfall prompts its seasonal closure.

These locations had been closed since July 10th when park officials made the difficult decision to shut down the entire North Rim due to the perilous conditions from a fire affecting the north entrance of the park. The Dragon Bravo Fire, sparked by lightning on July 4th, had burned 120 acres at the time of the closure but expanded rapidly afterward.

Sadly, the wildfire consumed the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge along with several other historic structures in the North Rim, as the fire spiraled out of control. Initially, park officials anticipated the North Rim would remain closed for the rest of the year following the destruction of these buildings.

Overall, the wildfires have affected over 145,500 acres both inside and outside the park, with 94% currently contained, according to federal firefighters. Fortunately, fire growth has been limited in recent weeks.

While parts of the park are reopening, park rangers are advising visitors to exercise caution while navigating the North Rim due to ongoing fire operations and residual effects from the fire.

“We’re addressing various hazards, including dead trees, potential flash floods in areas not directly impacted by the fires, and the presence of crews and equipment involved in recovery efforts,” officials emphasized in their update. “Emergency services are quite limited, and response times may be delayed.”

Additionally, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food, water, and supplies, as the reopening area lacks power, running water, cell service, and fuel stations.

Grand Canyon National Park typically ranks among the most frequented national parks in the West, often competing for the top spot with Utah’s Zion National Park each year.

However, visitor numbers have dipped since the closure of the North Rim. In July and August, the park saw over 883,000 visitors, which is a decline of around 16% compared to the same months last year, as reflected in National Park Service data.