The Dragon Warriors wildfire on the northern edge of Grand Canyon National Park forced a evacuation and closure of part of the park last weekend. Only the North Ring (not to be confused with the park’s more frequent southern edge) will remain closed for the rest of the 2025 season.
The release of chlorine gas related to the fire that destroyed the North Rim water treatment facility can also be effective for the North Kaibabu Trail, the South Kaibabu Trail and the Phantom Ranch.
Thankfully, no injuries or deaths were reported due to the fire, but many buildings on the northern edge, including the Visitor Center, the historic Grand Canyon Lodge and Cabins, were killed by the fire. This closure also affects hikers who may get a popular edge to Lihe license when the North Rim is closed.
Here is a guide if you plan a trip to the Grand Canyon in the near future.
North and South
Grand Canyon National Park is located in the northwest corner of Arizona and has three entrances.
South Ring Entrance
The most popular and most popular entrance is the southern edge of the town of Tusayan, Arizona, about an hour north of Flagstaff. The location has most accommodation and services in and around the park. It will take you to Grand Canyon Village, which has a visitor center, a leisure campground and a post office; it also features historic cabins such as El Tovar Hotel, Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins and Yavapai Lodge.
East Entrance
The east entrance to Interstate 64 can be accessed from the town of Cameron, Arizona. This connects the overlook road (Interstate 64) to the Desert View Tower and then returns to Grand Canyon Village and all South Rim locations.
North Edge Entrance
If you are on the southern edge, the northern edge is a five-hour trip by car – over 220 miles. The closest food and fuel service outside the entrance to the north edge of the park is the Lake Jacob Inn in Fredonia, Arizona. The northern edge is farther away, traditionally open from May 15 to October 15 each year (weather allowed) and is closed in winter due to road conditions.
Is it safe to go to Grand Canyon National Park?
Yes, it is safe to go to the southern edge of the Grand Canyon near Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village, but Interstate 67 on the northern edge and Lake Jacob enter the North Park entrance. Consultations on the current park website indicate: “Smoke is expected to remain visible from the southern edge, and air quality conditions may vary by fire behavior and wind direction patterns.”
The park’s website lists the closures of North Kaibabu Trail, South Kaibabu Trail and Phantom Ranch. If you plan to hike (including edge to lining hikes), we recommend you contact the licensing office in remote areas for alternatives and read the rules and restrictions on their website. Summer conditions in the canyon are always harsh and water supply may be affected due to losses from the North Rim facilities.
The National Park Service is updating multiple emergency messages on its website. We recommend bookmarking the action page, which details any updates, including hiking restrictions.
The NPS and Grand Canyon reserves have several webcams along the southern edge. These cameras allow visitors to check traffic at the South Rim Entrance Station, enjoy the views of the canyon from various viewpoints, and observe air quality and visibility.
If you plan to cross Fredonia north of the Grand Canyon and head to Kanab, Utah (toward Zion National Park), you can check the road conditions of Arizona 511. Currently, due to the second fire, some routes in northern Arizona 89A have been closed due to the second fire, the White Sage Fire.
When did the North Rim of the Grand Canyon reopen after the Dragon Warriors fire?
NPS announced the North Fringe location until the end of the year due to damage to NPS facilities on the northern edge. Due to weather conditions, it is usually closed around October 15 each year. At present, it is unclear whether any campgrounds on the Northern Edge survived or will reopen in the 2026 season.
NPS posted wildfire status links and consultations on its website.
What to do if you have accommodation or a campsite booked in Grand Canyon National Park?
Currently, the southern edge location of the park is still unaffected by wildfires; however, the location on the northern edge, including the Grand Canyon Lodge and the historic cottage run by Alamk, has been fired. A statement on the Lodge website announced that all personnel are safe and that guests with future bookings will soon receive their letters. There is also a link to the NPS official press release.
Campground reservations on the northern edge were also cancelled, a statement on the entertainment venue. The Gov website instructs guests to view Mather and Desert View Campgrounds (on the southern edge) as alternatives.
Will your credit card or travel insurance change?
TPG has a comprehensive credit card guide covering cancellations and interrupted travel, including what may be covered in natural disasters.
Related: Your credit card has 4 times travel insurance, which can help you encounter travel difficulties, and this won’t
Bottom line
If you have plans to travel to Grand Canyon National Park, double check your reservation location to see if your trip has been affected so you can take the appropriate steps to rewire or re-register. The latest updates and consultations will be posted on the park’s official website. TPG will continue to follow the story and report any updates.
