On May 15, 2026, the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will reopen to the public.
The North Rim was fully closed after the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire in July 2025, ignited by a lightning strike, and partially reopened for a short period in fall 2025 before closing again for the winter.
With the reopening, the North Rim will still be operating in a reduced-capacity recovery mode. Add in the fact that the White House is poised to gut funding for the national parks again in its 2027 budget and lay off more rangers, and the impact will mean even more decreased park offerings if Congress approves the budget.
Though Grand Canyon South Rim is by far the more popular side of the national park, open year-round with lodges, hotels, campgrounds and restaurants and easy access, the North Rim attracts approximately 10 percent of Grand Canyon visitors.
The North Rim sports a higher elevation, is more remote, more forested, less developed, ideal for peace and solitude, hiking experiences, fewer crowds and cooler summer temperatures. Visitors, however, should be prepared for no water, food, services, sanitation facilities or lodging due to the Park’s significant fire damage, destruction of campground areas and budget restraints.
Hiking the Grand Canyon. (Photo Credit: maislam/Adobe)
Karla Kennedy of Intrepid Travel has been a researcher and guide in the region for more than 15 years and has done the Grand Canyon to rim hike more than 70 times. Her on-the-ground insight and practical tips for navigating the North Rim reopening and what visitors can expect in terms of partial closures, detours and safety considerations make it easier for those planning a trip here. Her best piece of advice is to “just be flexible.”
Kennedy said, “Visitors should be aware that the North Rim will reopen with staff shortages, fewer entrance gates, fewer opportunities to interact with rangers, an absence of ranger talks, and a focus on day use with limited backcountry activities. Due to staff shortages, the Native American Transept Ruin near the lodge/campground area remains closed. Trail assessments are ongoing.”
She added, “This is where tour companies come in. Though visitors will incur the cost of a guided tour, for example, from Intrepid Travel, they will have access to the North Rim’s select scenic spots, viewpoints and trails and guidance from a knowledgeable National Parks expert.” Intrepid and Wildland Trekking summer tour offerings include Summer Rim to Rim, Premium Hiking, Best of Grand Canyon and more.
The National Park Service is taking a phased approach to restoring services—bringing back what is safe and feasible while prioritizing visitor safety, resource protection, and long-term recovery. Services and facilities are expected to gradually return in future seasons (2027–2028 and beyond) as infrastructure is repaired and conditions and budget allow.
Kennedy’s remaining advice for all summer visitors to the North Rim includes:
- Visiting the park with its lack of facilities means total preparation before a trip. Be sure to have plenty of water, food, and personal hygiene items.
- Be patient and understanding during your visit.
- Follow the Grand Canyon National Park closure and re-opening schedules, including the status of the gas station.
- Follow all Park rules and respect the space.
- Be aware of the importance of minimizing impact in a fragile ecosystem under stress.
- Take your trash out with you when leaving the Park.
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