


The Dragon Bravo Fire, which destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge and has forced the closure of parts of Grand Canyon National Park, grew to more than 123,000 acres on Monday. The sweeping wildfire is 13 percent contained and continues to pose risks for visitors.
The North Rim, a remote area that draws only about 10 percent of the park’s visitors, has borne the brunt of the damage and is closed through 2025. The more popular South Rim remains open, though various restrictions are in place. There are also closures within the inner canyon because of smoke accumulation, particularly on trails that link the North and South Rims to the Colorado River below.
Here’s what travelers should know about safety and the fires in the Grand Canyon.
Is it safe to visit Grand Canyon National Park?
Yes, much of the park remains safe to visit, though travelers should heed the latest alerts from the National Park Service.
In addition to the fire closures, the park also issued an extreme heat warning on Monday, citing “dangerously hot conditions” in the lower elevations of the Grand Canyon. (Summer heat can be deadly for hikers at the park.) The park recommends that all hikers bring adequate gear, including sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, salty snacks, sufficient water and electrolyte drink mix. “Doubling your calorie intake helps maintain your energy,” the warning states.
As always, travelers should remain cautious about hiking alone and should familiarize themselves with the locations of water stations within the park to help avoid dehydration.
Travelers should also monitor the air quality. As a general rule, an Air Quality Index over 100 or above can pose health risks for older adults, children and people with lung or heart conditions. An index above 150 is considered unhealthy. Visitors should consider wearing a mask if air quality worsens.
Which lodges are closed?
The Grand Canyon Lodge, on the North Rim of the park, is among many dozens of buildings that have been destroyed by the fire.
Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the canyon, is closed because of ongoing air quality concerns.
North Rim campgrounds are also closed.
Overnight visitors should check for updates on closures and weather advisories, including air quality alerts.
What is closed on the South Rim?
While the South Rim remains open to visitors, fire restrictions are in effect. Visitors should continue to review the park’s website for updates.
As of Monday, Aug. 4, several trails and areas are closed to visitors, including the popular South Kaibab Trail, which leads from the South Rim to the Colorado River. An up-to-date list of closures is available on the National Park Service website.
Lodging options along the South Rim — including Bright Angel Lodge, El Tovar Hotel, Kachina Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, Yavapai Lodge and the Trailer Village R.V. Park — remain open and are accepting reservations.
Grand Canyon National Park Lodges, which manages several hotels within the park, confirmed that their properties on the South Rim have a flexible cancellation policy to account for closures or worsening conditions.
South Rim campgrounds — including Mather Campground, Trailer Village, Desert View and Tusayan Montane — remain open.
Grand Canyon Village and other car and R.V. campgrounds are open, with restrictions. The Village Greenway and Canyon Rim trails are also open.
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