KTAR (May 17, 2026) by Serena O’Sullivan

Visitors returned to Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim on Friday for the first time since the Dragon Bravo Fire scorched the area last year.

The fire burned about 145,000 acres over more than two months, becoming the seventh largest wildfire in Arizona history.

Because of safety concerns tied to the fire, the National Park Service closed parts of the Arizona Trail and the entire North Kaibab Trail, a 14-mile route connecting the North Rim to the Colorado River. Those trails can also close seasonally because of ice and snow.=

Park officials had said last year they hoped to reopen the North Rim by May 15 using a phased approach. With Friday’s reopening of the entrance gate, they met that goal and kicked off the area’s annual summer visitor season.

The reopening also carries added significance because of the fire’s impact, according to Gov. Katie Hobbs.

“This is a proud moment for all Arizonans, and I’m thrilled that visitors from near and far can once again experience the awe-inspiring beauty found only here,” Hobbs said.

However, park officials also urged visitors to remember that the North Rim is operating with limited services.

What to know before you go to the newly reopened North Rim

Because the North Kaibab Trail is under major construction, park officials said only experienced hikers should walk down that route. Further, hikers are urged to stay within on parked paths because crews are still working to stabilize the land around it. Additionally, mule and stock trips are not running at this time.

Campers should know that while the Cottonwood Campground is open for hikers using the North Kaibab Trail, the North Rim Campground is currently closed.

There also will be no overnight lodging on the North Rim during the 2026 season, park officials said. Lodging is available outside the park at places like Kaibab Lodge, North Rim Country Store and Jacob Lake Inn, where visitors can also find fuel, food and water.

“As an international symbol of Arizona, the reopening of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim this year holds special significance,” Hobbs said. “It reflects the resilience of the landscape and the tireless dedication of the teams working to restore access to this iconic part of the park.”

 

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