Historic North Rim lodge threatened by catastrophic wildfire
In late summer 2025, the historic Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim faced an unprecedented threat as the Dragon Bravo Fire swept through the Kaibab National Forest. The wildfire, fueled by extreme drought conditions and high winds, rapidly approached the iconic lodge, forcing evacuations and threatening one of America's most cherished national park landmarks.
Firefighters from across the Southwest battled the blaze around the clock, implementing structure protection measures while the lodge and surrounding facilities were evacuated. The fire's proximity to the canyon's edge created unique challenges for firefighting crews working in treacherous terrain.
Built in 1928, the Grand Canyon Lodge is the centerpiece of the North Rim. During the Dragon Bravo Fire, the lodge was directly threatened as flames approached within half a mile of the structure.
The fire's location in rugged canyon terrain made access difficult for firefighters. Steep slopes, limited roads, and the canyon's unique wind patterns created dangerous and unpredictable fire behavior.
Lightning strike ignites the Dragon Bravo Fire in a remote area of the Kaibab National Forest, approximately 10 miles north of the Grand Canyon Lodge.
Strong winds and dry conditions cause the fire to expand rapidly, growing from 500 acres to over 5,000 acres in 24 hours. First evacuation warnings issued for North Rim facilities.
Fire reaches within 2 miles of Grand Canyon Lodge. Mandatory evacuation ordered for all North Rim facilities. Structure protection teams deployed.
Flames reach Bright Angel Point, just half a mile from the lodge. Firefighters implement last-resort protection measures as the fire makes its closest approach.
Favorable weather and firefighter efforts lead to 45% containment. Lodge reported safe but surrounded by burned landscape. Initial damage assessments begin.
Approximately 15,000 acres of ponderosa pine forest burned, with varying intensity from low-severity underburns to high-severity crown fires.
While most large animals escaped the fire, biologists are concerned about impacts on endangered California condors and Kaibab squirrel populations.
Burned areas near canyon edges raise concerns about erosion and sediment entering the Colorado River watershed.
Fire ecologists note that the fire created a mosaic pattern that may benefit forest health in the long term, reducing future fire risk.
Park officials have announced a phased reopening of North Rim facilities beginning September 15, 2025. The Grand Canyon Lodge will reopen with limited services initially, with full operations expected by June 2026.