A fast-moving wildfire has destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, the only hotel located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Park officials confirmed the loss on Sunday and announced that the North Rim will remain closed for the rest of the season.
The lodge was burned in the Bravo Dragon Fire, which began on July 4 due to a lightning strike. Initially managed as a controlled burn, the fire quickly grew out of control. Fire crews then switched to full suppression. The flames also destroyed a visitor center, a gas station, a water treatment plant, an administrative building, and employee housing. No injuries have been reported.
Two wildfires are currently active near the North Rim. The Bravo Dragon Fire has burned around 5,000 acres inside the park. The White Sage Fire, located just outside the park, has burned over 40,000 acres. Together, the fires have affected more than 45,000 acres of land. The White Sage Fire was first spotted after a thunderstorm on July 9. Smoke was seen in the area shortly afterward, prompting a full evacuation order from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.
The Grand Canyon’s North Rim is less visited than the South Rim and is only open during warmer months. It was evacuated on July 11 and will not reopen this year. Phantom Ranch, a popular stop for river rafters, has also been closed. Park officials have advised visitors on the Colorado River to avoid the area for safety.
The burning of the water treatment plant led to the release of chlorine gas. This gas, which is heavier than air, spread into the inner canyon. As a result, firefighters and hikers were removed from the area due to health risks. Chlorine gas can cause serious breathing problems, especially in lower areas where it tends to settle.
The Grand Canyon Lodge was a major highlight for visitors. It featured a sloped roof, large wooden beams, and a limestone exterior. Many guests saw the lodge before even viewing the canyon. Inside, a bright sunroom offered the first dramatic view of the Grand Canyon through wide windows. Visitors often described the lodge as a place that felt frozen in time.
All employees and guests were evacuated safely, according to Aramark, the company that operated the lodge. A company spokesperson said they were heartbroken by the loss. The lodge originally opened in 1928 but was destroyed by a kitchen fire in 1932. It was rebuilt in 1937 using much of the original stone.
Fire crews are making progress in some areas. Containment lines around parts of the White Sage Fire are holding. Bulldozers and hand crews are working along the southern edge, and the fire has not moved much in that direction. However, the fire is still spreading to the east and north, where dry grass and dead trees are fueling its growth. Crews are building buffer zones in hopes of stopping it before it reaches new locations, including the Vermilion Cliffs area.
The situation remains active and dangerous. Authorities continue to monitor the fires and are adjusting their response as conditions change. Visitors are urged to follow park alerts and avoid the North Rim until it is safe to return.
