Grand Canyon's North Rim Could Partially Reopen in 2026 After Dragon Bravo Fire

Parts of the North Rim have been closed since the massive wildfire last year, but officials aim to restore access by May 15.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:15pm

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The Grand Canyon's North Rim, which was shut down last year due to safety concerns after the Dragon Bravo Fire, could partially reopen as soon as this summer. Park officials are planning a step-by-step approach to restore access to areas like the Arizona Trail and North Kaibab Trail, though the timeline depends on weather conditions and ongoing assessments of trail and infrastructure damage.

Why it matters

The North Rim closure has significantly impacted tourism and access to one of the Grand Canyon's most popular areas. Reopening the North Rim, even partially, will be an important milestone in the park's recovery from the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire that burned over 145,000 acres and destroyed numerous structures.

The details

The Dragon Bravo Fire, sparked by lightning on July 4, burned for over two months and became the seventh-largest wildfire in Arizona history. Due to hazards like fire-damaged trees, unstable ground, and debris, park officials were forced to shut down parts of the North Rim, including the entire North Kaibab Trail. Crews have been working to restore the area, with a focus on clearing fallen trees along Highway 67 and the main access routes.

  • The Dragon Bravo Fire started on July 4 and was 100% contained on September 28.
  • The North Rim has been closed since the fire last year.
  • Park officials aim to reopen parts of the North Rim by May 15, 2026, if weather conditions and assessments allow.

The players

Ed Keable

Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to provide access to the North Rim as quickly and responsibly as possible with an emphasis on safety. We are committed to keeping the public and our partners informed as we learn more about the impacts of winter weather and the Dragon Bravo Fire.”

— Ed Keable, Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park (ktar.com)

What’s next

Park officials will explain their detailed reopening plans for the North Rim no later than April 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The partial reopening of the North Rim is a significant milestone in the Grand Canyon's recovery from the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire, which caused extensive damage and forced the closure of one of the park's most popular areas. The step-by-step approach to restoring access emphasizes safety and transparency, as park officials work to balance the needs of visitors and the ongoing restoration efforts.