Grand Canyon North Rim Fire Closure 2025: Alternatives & Travel Tips
Updated July 17, 2025
When the Dragon Bravo Fire of July 2025 swept through the Grand Canyon’s North Rim and destroyed the historic North Rim Lodge and cabins, as well as several dozen other buildings, many travelers were left wondering: Is my Grand Canyon trip canceled? Is the North Rim closed indefinitely? Fortunately, your adventure is not lost for good – it’s shifted. The South Rim of the Grand Canyon remains open, and there are a still a plethora of things to do and see on the North Rim side of the Grand Canyon as well.
This guide provides everything you need to know about the North Rim closure, alternative adventures, and why you absolutely should visit the Grand Canyon region right now.
Before we dive into the nitty gritty, here is a selection of Grand Canyon North Rim tours and regional adventures that are currently open and available.
Before we dive into the nitty gritty, here is a selection of Grand Canyon North Rim tours and regional adventures that are currently open and available.
Grand Canyon North Rim Alternatives That Are Open Now
Grand Canyon Toroweap is OPEN!
Toroweap is located on the remote western end of the North Rim, reachable only by a 61 mile dirt road that culminates in several miles of high-clearance 4WD rock-crawling. Toroweap is the only drive-up spot in the Grand Canyon that allows visitors to experience a 3,000ft sheer drop straight down to the Colorado River. Guided day tours and fully outfitted overnight camping adventures are available.
Buckskin Gulch
Buckskin Gulch is North America’s longest slot canyon. Visiting this canyon means entering the belly of the earth, and staying in it for as long as you care to – the narrows run for almost 14 continuous miles! Thoroughly do your homework on flash flood risks or join a guided tour.
Coyote Gulch
Coyote Gulch is an incomparable canyon landscape in the heart of Grand Staircase Escalante, a ~3-4 hour drive north of the Grand Canyon. Coyote Gulch holds spectacular landscapes and photography, and is best enjoyed via a multi-day backpacking trip. Were you planning a Rim-to-Rim? Coyote Gulch is a teriffic alternative.
Grand Canyon North Rim Fire Updates
Last updated July 17, 2025
What Happened: Understanding the Dragon Bravo Fire 2025
On July 4, 2025, lightning sparked the Dragon Bravo Fire, impacting thousands of acres around the North Rim. In the early morning hours of July 13, iconic landmarks such as the Grand Canyon Lodge were destroyed by the fire, prompting the temporary closure of North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and associated facilities.
As of July 17, the fire is burning across more than 11,000 acres and still at 0% containment. The North Rim, North Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens all remain closed, as do Highway 89a and Houserock Valley Road South.
In addition to the Dragon Bravo Fire, the White Sage Fire also impacts the area. The White Sage Fire ignited during a thunderstorm in the evening of July 9, 2025, and as of July 13, 2025, had grown to more than 40,000 acres – thankfully without damage to any structures. As of July 17, the White Sage Fire is at 17% containment and 58,000 acres. Rain moving through the area in the afternoon of July 17 could bring some much needed additional relief.
What’s the good news amidst all these Grand Canyon fires and the North Rim being set ablaze? The Grand Canyon is vast. Despite tragic destruction in the North Rim developed area, much of the Grand Canyon’s spectacular beauty remains open for exploration.
North Rim Closure: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Last updated July 17, 2025
Is the North Rim currently open?
No, the North Rim remains temporarily closed for visitor safety and restoration.
Is the North Kaibab Trailhead currently accessible?
No, the North Kaibab Trailhead is closed. Aerial fire maps from as early as July 15 show that there is burn activity along the North Kaibab Trail down below the canyon rim, which makes it unlikely that the trailhead or trail will re-open any time soon. As of July 17, satellite data indicates that the fire has burned all the way down to the Supai Tunnel.
Is it currently possible to hike Rim-to-Rim?
No, Rim-to-Rim hikes are not currently an option. Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim is also not a possibility, as the closure includes all of the corridor trails (North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, and Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens).
Is Phantom Ranch currently open?
No, Phantom Ranch is also closed due to a chlorine gas leak on the North Rim which prompted concern about dangerous gases settling in the inner canyon.
Is it possible to hike to Phantom Ranch for rafting trip exchanges (passenger switchovers)?
Yes. Even though rafting parties are instructed to not spend time at Phantom Ranch or Boat Beach, Pipe Creek Beach on the south side of the Colorado River remains open for passenger exchanges and rafting party members are permitted to hike from the river to the rim, or vice versa, on Bright Angel Trail despite trail closures.
When will the North Rim reopen? When will the corridor trails reopen?
The reopening timeline is uncertain and depends on recovery efforts. Bookmark this page; we’ll provide ongoing updates.
Alternative Grand Canyon Adventures: What To Do Instead While the North Rim is closed and Rim-to-Rim hikes are not possible
The North Rim’s temporary closure opens up opportunities to explore lesser-known, but equally (if not more) spectacular areas along the Grand Canyon’s more remote North Rim, in the inner canyon, and in the adjacent region. If you are traveling in the region and wondering what to do instead of your intended North Rim visit, read on. If you had plans for a Rim to Rim, or even a Rim to Rim to Rim, we have a dedicated article just about the best alternatives for those two hardy hikes here.
Grand Canyon South Rim – Iconic Views & Easy Access
- Highlights: Bright Angel Trail, Mather Point, Desert View Watchtower.
- Benefits: Fully open and bustling with amenities and services.
- Why it’s not the best substitute for a North Rim visit: The South Rim is spectacular, yes, but also very, very busy.
Grand Canyon Toroweap Overlook – Dramatic Solitude on the remote North Rim
- Why visit: 3,000-foot sheer drops, breathtaking sunsets, and unbeatable stargazing.
- Why it’s off-the-beaten-path: Because getting there requires a 61-mile dirt road drive that is infamous for causing flat tires. In addition, the final four miles to the viewpoint involve rock crawling that requires high-clearance 4-wheel drive.
- How to visit: Join a guided tour with Dreamland Safari Tours for safe access and insider knowledge. Choose from Toroweap day tours and fully-outfitted small-group Toroweap overnight camping tours.
Modified Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Backpacking Trips: other Grand Canyon itineraries
- Adapt your adventure: Discover alternate routes starting from the South Rim or remote, non-impacted North Rim trailheads with Dreamland Safari Tours. Sought-after alternative itineraries include Rim-to-River-to-Rim, the Grandview-Horseshoe Mesa Loop, and (only for the intrepid and fit!) and Deer Creek/Thunder River.
- Benefits: Experience the canyon differently, away from impacted areas, yet equally awe-inspiring.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Backpacking: Hidden Gems within driving distance from the North Rim
Coyote Gulch – Spectacular Red-Rock Wilderness
- Why it’s special: Stunning natural arches, waterfalls, and canyons unlike anywhere else.
- How Coyote Gulch is similar to the Rim-to-Rim: Backpacking Coyote Gulch typically entails ~20-25 miles and can be done over the course of 3 days, just like the Rim-to-Rim. And just like the Grand Canyon, Coyote Gulch offers unforgettable vistas and towering red rock sandstone walls.
- How Coyote Gulch is different from the Rim-to-Rim: Far fewer people, offering a genuine wilderness experience. Also, none of those 10,000ft of Grand Canyon vertical change!
- Coyote Gulch Photography: Jaw-dropping photo opportunities around every corner
Paria Canyon – Remote Canyon Adventure
- Why it’s special: Endless narrows, vibrant red rock walls, and the rare chance to follow a river deep into the desert for days on end. The Paria is a bucket-list classic.
- How the Paria Canyon is similar to the Rim-to-Rim: Like the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, Paria Canyon offers a true point-to-point backpacking journey with dramatic scenery, rich geologic history, and the sense of traveling through a vast and ancient landscape. Both require advance permits and solid logistics.
- How Paria Canyon is different from the Rim-to-Rim: Paria’s elevation change is minimal compared to the Grand Canyon, and the trail is often the riverbed itself; expect wet feet and a slower pace. While the Grand Canyon stuns with vertical scale, Paria seduces with intimacy: towering walls that are sometimes just a few feet apart, changing colors with every turn.
- Paria Canyon Photography: Unreal lightplay, painted walls, and textured slot canyons make this one of the most photogenic multi-day routes in the Southwest.
Should You Visit the Grand Canyon Area Now?
YES! Here’s Why:
Traveling to the Grand Canyon area now helps local communities recover economically, as tourism is critical to the region. While the North Rim itself is temporarily off-limits, the closure area is small compared to the vastness of the canyon region, meaning countless spectacular adventures remain open and accessible.
By visiting alternative areas like Toroweap, Coyote Gulch, or the Paria Canyon, you not only experience unique beauty but also support local businesses and help sustain regional recovery.
Grand Canyon Fire Impact: Short-term Loss, Long-term Gain
Though wildfires bring short-term destruction, they do rejuvenate ecosystems over time, benefiting wildlife habitats and landscapes in the long run. While we mourn the loss of historic landmarks, the Grand Canyon’s natural resilience will lead to renewed beauty.
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Plan Your Grand Canyon North Rim Adventure Now
Don’t postpone your Grand Canyon dream. Experience alternative adventures with Dreamland Safari Tours: experts in Grand Canyon exploration and hidden gems.
