• The Grand Canyon North Rim, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, has been devastated by the Dragon Bravo wildfire.
• The fire, started by lightning on July 4, 2025, has burned over 5,000 acres and numerous structures.
• The North Rim remains closed, impacting travelers with existing reservations.

Millions of summer vacationers to Grand Canyon National Park might have to adjust their travel plans — now, and in the future.

The North Rim of the park remains closed while crews continue to battle devastating wildfires that have burned thousands of acres, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.

“I am incredibly saddened by the destruction of the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, and my heart goes out to every person impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim,” said Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on social media.

“As someone who was born and raised in Arizona, I know what the Grand Canyon National Park means to so many people, not just in Arizona, but all over the world, and how devastating it is to see this damage done to one of Arizona’s most cherished landmarks,” Hobbs said in a statement.

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Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim wildfire: National Park Service says only hotel destroyed

The Grand Canyon Lodge was the park’s only hotel, according the National Park Service, with the next nearest lodgings roughly 18 miles away. The building, made of ponderosa pine and locally sourced limestone, consisted of a main lodge, 23 deluxe cabins and more than 90 regular cabins, according the National Park Service.

Built in 1937 along the North Rim, the historic lodge provided accommodations annually from May 15 through Oct. 15 and gave guests a view of the Grand Canyon from 8,000 feet up. Reservations for the lodge were booked up to a year in advance.

On Saturday, July 12, the Dragon Bravo wildfire expanded, pushed by 20 to 40 mph winds that engulfed an additional 500 acres of the North Rim. Fire Managers confirmed the Grand Canyon Lodge was consumed in the blaze, according to a news release.

“We are devastated by the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous other historic buildings at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim,” a statement read on the lodge’s official website.

The Dragon Bravo wildfire additionally has destroyed between 50 and 80 other structures along the North Rim, according to park officials.

Previously: Historic lodge on Grand Canyon North Rim destroyed by wildfire.

What about my Grand Canyon Lodge reservation?

Those who secured reservations to Grand Canyon Lodge will be contacted by officials, according to a statement on the lodge’s website.

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How large is the Dragon Bravo Fire?

As of Sunday evening, July 13, the Dragon Bravo fire was last reported at 5,000 acres in size.

When did the Dragon Bravo Fire begin?

The Dragon Bravo Fire began July 4, 2025, according to an incident report. Strong wind gusts officials said were “uncommon to the area” on July 11 pushed the fire past several containment areas. On July 12, fire damaged a water treatment facility, releasing dangerous chlorine gas.

What caused the Grand Canyon North Rim Wildfires?

A lightning strike on July 4, 2025, within Grand Canyon National Park caused the wildfires, according to officials. The fire grew overnight when crews were unable to conduct aerial drops of water and other retardant.

Is the Grand Canyon North Rim open or closed today?

The North Rim remains closed as of Monday, July 14, while firefighting operations continue, according to a public health update from the National Park Service.

Are Grand Canyon hiking trails closed?

Yes, the North Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and the South Kaibab Trail remain closed as of Monday, July 14.

Is the Grand Canyon South Rim open or closed?

The South Rim is open and operational as of Monday, July 14, according to the National Park Service.

How many people visit Grand Canyon National Park?

The park welcomed 4.9 million visitors in 2024, according to officials.

How large is Grand Canyon National Park?

Grand Canyon National Park spans more than 1.2 million acres, with 278 miles of river and an average of 10 miles from rim to rim. Its average depth is one mile, according to the National Park Service.

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Perry Vandell and Rey Covarrubias Jr. with the Arizona Republic contributed to this story.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at [email protected]. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.