Historic Grand Canyon Lodge Destroyed by Wildfire, North Rim Closed for Season
A fast-moving wildfire has devastated the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, culminating in the complete destruction of the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge and an estimated 50 to 80 other structures, officials confirmed Sunday. The blaze prompted the immediate closure of the North Rim to all visitors for the remainder of the season.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, the sole lodging option within the park boundaries on the North Rim, succumbed to the flames, according to Park Superintendent Ed Keable. He shared the grim news with park residents and staff during a meeting Sunday morning, detailing the extensive damage. Beyond the lodge, the visitor center, gas station, wastewater treatment plant, an administrative building, and employee housing were also lost to the fire. “Numerous” historic cabins in the area were also destroyed, the park service reported.
(Image credit: Joelle Baird/Grand Canyon National Park)
Two wildfires, identified as the White Sage Fire and the Dragon Bravo Fire, are currently burning in the vicinity of the North Rim. It was the Dragon Bravo Fire that directly caused the destruction of the lodge and surrounding structures. Initially managed as a controlled burn, the Dragon Bravo Fire rapidly expanded to 7.8 square miles (20 square kilometers) due to a combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, fire officials explained. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported as a result of the fires.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon, open only seasonally, draws millions of visitors annually, though significantly fewer than the more accessible South Rim. Evacuated last Thursday due to the escalating wildfire threat, the North Rim will remain inaccessible for the rest of the year, the park service stated.
(Image credit: Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Office via AP)
Evacuations extended beyond park visitors, with firefighters stationed at the North Rim and hikers in the inner canyon also being removed from the area over the weekend. A particularly concerning hazard emerged from the destruction of the wastewater treatment plant: the potential release of chlorine gas. Officials warned that chlorine gas, being heavier than air, can cause blurred vision, irritation, and respiratory problems if inhaled in sufficient quantities, citing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The fire’s impact also extended to those navigating the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, with rafters instructed to bypass Phantom Ranch, a set of cabins and dormitories located along the river’s edge.
(Image credit: Eddie Vallee via AP)
The Grand Canyon Lodge held a special place in the hearts of many visitors, often serving as the first prominent landmark seen upon arrival, even before the canyon itself came into view. The lodge, characterized by its sloped roof, massive ponderosa beams, and imposing limestone facade, offered a unique gateway to the canyon’s grandeur. Visitors could descend a stairwell from the lobby to reach the “Sun Room,” where panoramic views of the Grand Canyon unfolded through expansive windows.
“It just feels like you’re a pioneer when you walk through there,” remarked Tim Allen, a longtime resident of Flagstaff, Arizona, and a frequent visitor to the Grand Canyon. “It really felt like you were in a time gone by.” Allen emphasized the North Rim’s distinct appeal, noting its remoteness and the more intimate experience it offered compared to the bustling South Rim. He often sought solace there for camping and challenging rim-to-rim hikes. “It’s heartbreaking,” he said, reflecting on the devastation caused by the fire.
Aramark, the company responsible for operating the lodge, confirmed the safe evacuation of all employees and guests. “As stewards of some of our country’s most beloved national treasures, we are devastated by the loss,” stated spokesperson Debbie Albert.
The lodge’s history includes a previous fire in 1932, just four years after its initial construction, which necessitated a complete rebuild. The redesigned lodge, incorporating the original stonework, reopened in 1937, becoming a beloved landmark for generations.
Meanwhile, fire crews are reporting progress in containing the White Sage Fire, which prompted evacuations in the North Rim area and the nearby community of Jacob Lake. As of Sunday afternoon, the White Sage Fire had consumed 63 square miles (162 square kilometers) of terrain. While the southern edge of the fire is relatively contained thanks to the efforts of hand crews and bulldozers, the blaze continues to spread rapidly to the east and north, fueled by dry grasses and standing dead trees. Firefighters are actively working to establish buffer zones to slow the fire’s advance toward the Vermilion Cliffs area.
This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the superintendent’s last name to Keable, not Keeble, in the summary and second paragraph. Associated Press writers Bruce Schreiner in Louisville, Kentucky, and Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
