Historic Grand Canyon Lodge destroyed by wildfire; North Rim closed for the season

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A devastating wildfire has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and dozens of other structures on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, forcing officials to close access to the area for the remainder of the season.

The Dragon Bravo Fire, which started from lightning on July 4, consumed the lodge along with 50 to 80 other structures, including the visitor center, gas station, wastewater treatment plant, administrative building, employee housing and numerous historic cabins. The fire rapidly expanded to 7.8 square miles due to hot temperatures, low humidity, and strong wind gusts, prompting authorities to shift from a “confine and contain” strategy to aggressive suppression.

The Grand Canyon Lodge held special significance as often the first prominent feature visitors would see before viewing the canyon itself. Known for its sloped roof, massive ponderosa beams, and limestone facade, the lodge featured a “Sun Room” where visitors could get their first glimpse of the Grand Canyon through its windows. The original lodge had burned down in 1932 from a kitchen fire, and the current structure opened in 1937 using the original stonework. The lobby contained valuable archives and a famous 600-pound bronze statue of a donkey named “Brighty the Burro.”

All firefighters, guests, and employees were safely evacuated with no injuries reported, though visitors and staff were moved due to potential exposure to chlorine gas after the treatment plant burned. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for a federal investigation into the National Park Service’s response to the wildfire. Meanwhile, rafters on the Colorado River were told to bypass Phantom Ranch, and the North Rim will remain closed for the rest of the season.

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