Fire at Grand Canyon leaves trail of destruction, charring hiking paths and historical structures in its wake

The Dragon Bravo wildfire, which started on July 4 due to a lightning strike, has severely affected the Grand Canyon National Park. As of today, the wildfire is 80% contained, but the damage it has caused is extensive.

The visitor centre in the park's North Rim section has also been affected, along with numerous structures, including the historic Grand Canyon lodge. Tragically, nearly half of the structures in the North Rim section have been severely damaged or destroyed.

Protecting human health and safety remains the top priority. Roughly 1,000ft of the area's 3,300ft water pipeline has sustained serious damage, and a vital wastewater treatment plant in the North Rim section has been affected. These issues are being addressed as part of the National Park Service's (NPS) efforts to stabilize, mitigate, and facilitate long-term recovery.

The NPS is responsible for the recovery process in the northern section of the park. Assessments have been completed, and interagency partners are now involved in the recovery process. Ed Keable, superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, described the assessment as the "first step towards recovery on the North Rim of Grand Canyon."

The focus is now on laying the foundation for long-term landscape resilience. Hundreds of firefighters are still battling the wildfire, and multiple inner canyon corridors and campgrounds are closed. The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will remain closed for the rest of the season.

Affected trails include the North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail (below Havasupai Gardens). This careful, science-based work is essential to ensure these areas can reopen safely.

The Dragon Bravo wildfire has burned over 140,000 acres of Arizona wilderness. The NPS is committed to restoring the park to its former glory, and the recovery process is underway. This is a challenging time for the Grand Canyon National Park, but with the support of the community and the dedication of the NPS, recovery is possible.

Fire at Grand Canyon leaves trail of destruction, charring hiking paths and historical structures in its wake