National Park Service to reopen Grand Canyon's Northern Rim

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(The Center Square) - Grand Canyon National Park announced the reopening date for an area that experienced one of the largest fires in Arizona’s history.

The park said its North Rim will reopen at 6 a.m. May 15.

The North Rim was hit by the Dragon Bravo Fire, which burned 145,504 acres in the park after lightning started it on July 4, 2025. It continued to burn until it was 100% contained by late September. The North Rim partially reopened in the same month, but was closed again Nov. 14.

The reopening date “was based on meeting minimum operational and safety conditions following the Dragon Bravo Fire," said Joelle Baird, a spokesperson for the Grand Canyon National Park. She said this included “ensuring access, basic sanitation, emergency response capability, and overall visitor safety.”

“Ongoing assessments of post-fire hazards such as debris flows, hazard trees, and infrastructure stability — also informed the timing," Baird said, answering The Center Square's questions by email. "The National Park Service is taking a phased approach, reopening what is safe and feasible while continuing recovery efforts."

She noted the number of visitors going to the North Rim “is to differ from pre-fire levels due to limited services and a focus on day-use opportunities.”

“While the North Rim remains a highly valued destination, reduced amenities and infrastructure will likely influence visitation patterns this season,” she said.

Before the Dragon Bravo Fire, the North Rim saw 500,000 visitors yearly, which accounted for 10% of the park’s visitors.

When the North Rim reopens, its paved roadways will be accessible, allowing scenic drives to Point Imperial, Cape Royal, Roosevelt Point, Walhalla Overlook and Angels Window.

The North Kaibab Trail, which the National Park Service describes as the “most difficult of the major inner canyon trails at the park, will reopen for foot traffic only.

Baird told The Center Square that visitors should “expect a limited-services environment, including no potable water, fuel, lodging, or consistent power.”

“Access will be phased, and some areas may remain closed due to ongoing recovery work or safety concerns. These conditions are directly related to fire impacts and the need to prioritize public safety and resource protection,” she said.

On top of limited services, Baird also said “visitors will notice significantly fewer services and amenities.”

“The 2026 season will focus on scenic drives, viewpoints, and access to trails like the North Kaibab Trail, but without many of the facilities traditionally available,” the spokesperson said.

“The landscape itself has also changed, offering a visible look at post-fire recovery and new growth across the North Rim,” she noted.

Baird called the reopening in 2026 an “important step in informing that long-term vision, with an emphasis on resilience, sustainability, and improved visitor experience over time.”

“The fire has reshaped long-term planning efforts, prompting a comprehensive approach to rebuilding infrastructure and rethinking visitor services,” she said.

According to Baird, this includes “planning for replacement of critical utilities, future lodging, and operational facilities through a formal planning and public engagement process.”