The Grand Canyon Lodge Has Been Destroyed by Wildfire

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We’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Grand Canyon before, but like most people, we stayed on the South Rim—the more popular and accessible side of the park. The North Rim, while just 10 miles away as the crow flies, feels like a completely different world. Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures due to the higher elevation, and a shorter operating season because of harsh winter conditions. It’s remote and peaceful. And now, tragically, it’s changed forever.

The Fire That Changed the North Rim

Over the weekend, a fast-moving wildfire tore through the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and multiple other structures in the area. The fire, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds, left little time for emergency crews to act. As of July 13, officials have confirmed that the North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the rest of the 2025 season due to continued fire activity and safety concerns.

A Hotel With Historic Roots

The Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim was more than just a place to sleep—it was a part of history. The original lodge was built in the 1920s in conjunction with the Union Pacific Railroad to draw tourists to the remote side of the canyon. That structure burned down in 1932, and a new lodge was constructed in 1937 on the same foundation using many of the original materials. Designed by noted architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, the lodge followed National Park Service Rustic architecture guidelines, meant to harmonize with the environment. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

North vs. South Rim

While the South Rim is open year-round, the North Rim is only accessible seasonally, typically from mid-May to mid-October. That’s due in part to the higher elevation (about 8,000 feet) and limited winter access routes. This remoteness is part of what made the North Rim so special, but also what made the recent fire so devastating. With fewer resources and longer response times, it’s harder to combat fast-moving blazes in such isolated terrain.

Most visitors to the Grand Canyon are familiar with the South Rim, which is home to the park’s better-known accommodations like El Tovar Hotel and Bright Angel Lodge. These historic properties are iconic in their own right and offer breathtaking views of the canyon’s depths. Still, the North Rim’s lodge had a quiet charm and intimate setting that many returning visitors came to treasure.

More Than Just the Lodge Is Closed

The fire didn’t just destroy buildings—it also damaged critical infrastructure. A water treatment facility on the North Rim was impacted by the fire and began leaking chlorine gas, which is toxic and heavier than air. Because of this, the inner canyon, including Phantom Ranch, has been closed. Trails that descend into the canyon have also been shut down for safety reasons. Park officials are monitoring the situation closely, but for now, large parts of the park—including below-the-rim access—are off-limits.

Official Park Updates

You can follow current park conditions, trail closures, and updates directly on the National Park Service site: NPS: Grand Canyon National Park.
This page provides real-time notices on closures, safety alerts, and staff updates.

What’s Next for the North Rim?

As of now, it’s unclear whether the lodge will be rebuilt or how long that might take. Given its landmark status and importance to the park’s history, there’s hope that restoration efforts will be made. But it won’t be quick. And for those who were lucky enough to experience the Grand Canyon Lodge before the fire, it will never be quite the same.

Final Thought

It’s heartbreaking to lose such a historic piece of the Grand Canyon, especially one that represented a quieter, more contemplative side of the park. Our thoughts are with the park rangers, fire crews, and everyone who loved the North Rim for what it was—wild, beautiful, and timeless.

Photos courtesy of National Park Service

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