Fire forces closure of Grand Canyon North Rim for the season

The fire has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and its nearby cabins that had welcomed visitors since the mid-1930s. Fortunately, due to swift actions by emergency personnel, all guests and staff were safely evacuated, resulting in no reported injuries or loss of life.

“Our hearts go out to the entire Grand Canyon North Rim community, thankfully everyone evacuated quickly and safely,” said Arizona Office of Tourism Interim Director Alix Skelpsa Ridgway. “Our thoughts remain with the firefighters who are working to extinguish this blaze.”

It is important to note that the ongoing fire activity primarily impacts the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, which is now closed for the remainder of the 2025 season through to 14 May 2026. 

Status as of 16 July:
The following inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds and associated areas are closed to all visitor use:

• North Kaibab Trail & South Kaibab Trail
• Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens, river exchanges are allowed to pass through this area at their discretion
• Phantom Ranch & Bright Angel Campground
• River Trail between Pipe Creek & the South Kaibab
• Tonto East between Havasupai Gardens & Tip Off
• All backcountry routes and canyoneering routes stemming from the North or South Kaibab, or the Bright Angel Trail

South Rim and surrounding communities remain open:

While the North Rim is closed for the remainder of the 2025 season, it is important to note that all South Rim businesses, hotels and surrounding communities such as Tusayan, Valle, Williams and Cameron remain open, fully operational and ready to welcome guests.

Additionally, smoke is visible from the South Rim and air quality in the area may be impacted. Residents and visitors impacted by the smoke are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions at outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

“While this situation is undeniably devastating, we want to remind and reassure visitors that the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and surrounding communities remain open and welcoming to guests,” Ridgway added.