Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim is partially reopening on Oct. 1. The news comes as the Dragon Bravo Fire is nearly — but not completely — extinguished.
The fire burned an area nearly the size of Tucson and seethed for almost three months. It’s now 94% contained, and officials say a phased reopening will now begin.
Road access to Cape Royal and Point Imperial are included in the reopening though only during daylight. Fire Point and Swamp Ridge are also reopening. These spots will stay open until the North Rim closes for the first snow or Nov. 30, whichever comes first.
There is no cell service, electricity, running water or visitor services in the reopened areas. The rest of the region will remain closed. The North Kaibab Trail is among the closed areas.
Lodging is available outside the national park at the Kaibab Lodge, Jacob Lake, Marble Canyon, Page, Fredonia and Kanab in Utah. The nearest fuel is available at the North Rim Country Store and at Jacob Lake.
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Last summer, the Grand Canyon’s North Rim suffered catastrophic damage from the Dragon Bravo Fire. Now, park officials are seeking public input on their long-term recovery plans for the area.
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Grand Canyon National Park is dealing with ongoing recovery efforts from recent flash floods and a destroyed water pipeline, as well as the 20-25 Dragon Bravo Fire.
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