UPDATE: A devastating wildfire has obliterated the historic Grand Canyon Lodge in Grand Canyon National Park, as the White Sage Fire rapidly expanded since it ignited on July 9, 2025. Fueled by extreme temperatures, strong winds, and dry vegetation, the fire has charred tens of thousands of acres and significantly altered the landscape of the North Rim.
This less-visited area of the park, known for its challenging access, has suffered catastrophic losses. The Grand Canyon Lodge, designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in 1927, served as the only accommodation in the North Rim, catering to adventurous hikers for nearly a century. Tragically, within hours of the flames reaching its logs, the lodge was engulfed, leaving a gaping void in the park’s offerings.
Firefighters have been battling the blaze under “dangerous and fast-changing conditions,” according to the National Park Service (NPS). They conducted aerial bucket drops to slow the fire’s progression, but efforts were hampered by a chlorine gas leak at a nearby water treatment facility, leading to an evacuation of critical firefighting personnel.
The wildfire has also destroyed essential infrastructure, including a gas station, a wastewater treatment plant, an administrative building, and over 50 cabins used for guest and employee housing. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries related to the fire.
“It’s tragic, it really is,” lamented former NPS chief historian Robert K. Sutton about the loss of the lodge and its historical significance. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed deep sorrow in a statement, saying,
“My heart goes out to every person impacted by the Dragon Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.”
The lodge was not just a building; it was a cherished landmark, with its original structure having burned in a fire back in 1936. The rebuilt lodge, incorporating salvaged stonework, stood as a testament to resilience until this recent disaster.
The implications of this destruction are profound. The North Rim now lacks any form of lodging, leaving camping as the only option for visitors. This loss not only affects tourism but also disrupts the experience for those seeking to explore this remarkable part of the Grand Canyon.
As firefighters continue their efforts amid ongoing threats, officials urge everyone to remain vigilant. The nearby communities are on alert for potential evacuations as conditions remain precarious.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation evolves. The Grand Canyon National Park and its iconic features face an uncertain future as the recovery from the White Sage Fire begins.