As the Dragon Bravo Fire approached Grand Canyon Lodge, I found myself reflecting on how many times I’d stood there—was it five times or six? The North Rim holds a special place in my memories. I visited as a child, then took my own child, and returned once they had grown up. The lodge felt like both a resting point and an entryway to the expansive 277-mile canyon.
It’s wild how small you feel in such a vast space.
In 2001, I remember hugging my wife and child before dashing to the Colorado River to explore a bit.
During my hike from Rim to Rim, I found a strange comfort amidst the chaos of the pandemic in 2020.
Most folks visiting the North Rim don’t venture beyond the lodge. Many just stick to familiar grounds, not stepping onto the Bright Angel Trail or North Kaibab. They don’t have to, really. Whether good or bad, Grand Canyon Lodge makes this wilderness accessible. It’s a place where people of all ages connect. I imagine it’s featured in countless family photo albums.
We brought in author Tom Zoellner to dig into the lodge’s history. He discussed his experiences and even shared a few details from his literary exploration, “Rim to Rim: Examining the Heart of Arizona.”
“We had some great discussions in the sunroom and enjoyed a nice dinner, but we didn’t really know about the lodge until we hiked south along the Arizona Trail in 2019,” Zoellner recounted. “I spent my 51st birthday camping out west of the lodge, gearing up for the hike. After four days of hiking from Buckskin Mountain, Utah, I was treated to some of the most breathtaking views across the American West.”
Fire is a Familiar Element in the Grand Canyon
Waking up at the canyon’s bottom, I felt that familiar rush of emotion again.
“The North Rim’s settlements are sparse, but after just a little time in the dense pine and aspen forests, they feel as busy as Hong Kong,” Zoellner observed. “It’s easy to see the appeal for those who favor the South Rim.”
As the fire ignited on July 4, Republic journalists stepped up to cover the situation. They meticulously documented efforts to minimize damage, pulling from National Park Service records to create engaging stories and visuals.
Early reports about the Lodge’s damage came from reporter Stacey Burchenger and photographer Joe London during a tour with Governor Katie Hobbs and various firefighting teams.
Readers shared their memories and photos, responding in droves to editors Michael Meister and Steve Chiral. We’ve compiled nearly a century of family visits to the North Rim, all of which is available for those interested.
This isn’t the first instance of fire in such a revered area. One of my favorite clips showing the progress of Dragon Bravo Fire came from photographer Michael Chow. With support from reporters Perry Vandell and Ray Covalbias Jr., editor Michelle Cruz highlighted the many efforts behind the scenes.
Fire, in its own way, is natural here. I’m witnessing it all unfold in real time.
Before considering the future of Canyon Lodge, it’s worth reflecting on its storied past.
