The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park has closed earlier than expected for the season, shutting its gates to visitors on Nov. 14.
According to a news article by SFGate, park officials said the decision was prompted by incoming winter weather, as well as lasting damage from a massive wildfire that burned in the area over the summer.
The Dragon Bravo Fire, which ignited from a lightning strike on July 4, became the seventh-largest fire in Arizona’s history and the largest fire in the continental United States this year, consuming nearly 150,000 acres.
Over several months, the blaze destroyed 113 buildings along the North Rim, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and facilities associated with the inn, campground, and administrative headquarters.
Fire suppression costs exceeded $135 million by the time the fire was declared fully contained in late September.
In the aftermath, park officials cited multiple hazards, including fire-damaged trees, unstable ground, and unmitigated debris.
While some sections of the rim have reopened over the past six weeks, other areas remain dangerous. T
he North Kaibab Trail, for instance, is closed indefinitely pending a trail assessment due to burn damage and the potential for rockfall.
Recent visitors reported seeing large rocks “big enough to damage our vehicle” on park roads.
Weather has also been a concern, with incoming storms expected to bring mixed precipitation, including rain and snow, which could create icy roads and hazards for park crews.
The closure, initially scheduled for Nov. 30, was moved up to protect visitors and staff.
The canyon’s South Rim will remain open through the winter, including the visitor center and popular trails such as the South Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch and the Tonto Trail to Havasupai Gardens.
Portions of the North Rim are tentatively scheduled to reopen for the 2026 season beginning May 15, depending on weather and ongoing recovery work.
The early closure highlights the challenges wildfires and extreme weather pose for national parks, emphasizing the importance for RV and outdoor travelers to check conditions and plan visits carefully in wildfire-affected or high-altitude areas.