Portions of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim will reopen on October 1 after a devastating wildfire razed the historic lodge and dozens of surrounding structures. The National Park Service will open access during daylight hours through November 30 unless early snowfall forces closures. Only select overlooks including Point Imperial and Cape Royal will be accessible. Much of the North Rim will remain off limits due to safety hazards like standing dead trees, flash flood risk, and ongoing recovery work.
Visitors must plan carefully. There is no power, water, or cell service available in reopened zones. Hikers and sightseers should bring all needed supplies and travel with extreme caution. Trails beyond the reopened segments will stay closed, and overnight stays are not permitted except at designated spots. Access is limited to roads serving the reopened areas, such as Highway 67 up to mile marker 11 and the Cape Royal Road.
The wildfire, known as the Dragon Bravo Fire, ignited in early July after a lightning strike and expanded rapidly when winds shifted. It consumed over 227 square miles and destroyed key park infrastructure including the lodge, visitor center, cabins, and water treatment facilities. The blaze forced mass evacuations and left large swaths of the North Rim vulnerable to post fire dangers.
This partial reopening is a hopeful first step toward restoring access and normalcy. But it comes with reminders of the fragility of public lands and the challenges of recovery after catastrophe. For now visitors will glimpse the grandeur of the canyon from select viewpoints, but many favorite trails and sites must wait for full rehabilitation and safety clearance.