North Rim Reopens For Day Use But Visitors Must Bring Their Own Water
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the U.S. Most of the visitation takes place at the South Rim and the Grand Canyon Village. But here in Southern Utah, we have closer access to the less visited yet equally spectacular North Rim. Of course, last year the North Rim was unavailable due to the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire.
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is open for the 2026 season, giving Southern Utah residents another opportunity to visit one of the region’s most stunning destinations. But this is not quite the North Rim visitors knew before last year’s fire. The National Park Service describes the 2026 season as one focused primarily on day use and limited backcountry opportunities, with recovery work continuing throughout the area.
The Dragon Bravo Fire began with a lightning strike on July 4, 2025, and ultimately destroyed approximately 70 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, the North Rim Visitor Center and numerous historic cabins. The fire also severely damaged portions of the North Rim’s water infrastructure. The National Park Service is taking a phased approach to rebuilding services, concentrating first on what can safely be restored.
Highway 67 And Several Viewpoints And Campgrounds Open
For visitors this year, access has returned to Highway 67 and the scenic roads leading to Cape Royal and Point Imperial. Several popular viewpoints and other scenic areas are available, allowing visitors to experience much of what makes the North Rim special. The North Kaibab Trail is also open to foot traffic, although trail maintenance and rehabilitation work will continue during the season.
The fire's presence is still very apparent, however, and it creates hazards beyond the obvious damage to buildings. Burned areas can be particularly vulnerable to falling trees and rocks, erosion, flash flooding and debris flows, especially during summer monsoon storms. The National Park Service is urging hikers to monitor weather conditions and be prepared to change their plans when conditions deteriorate.
Perhaps the most important thing for anyone making the trip is to plan for a much more primitive experience. Potable water is not available on the North Rim during the 2026 season, meaning visitors need to bring their own drinking water. The General Store provides bottled water, food and limited supplies, while the gas station offers 24-hour, pay-at-the-pump service.
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Camping is available at the North Rim Campground through Oct. 15, but there is no overnight lodging at the Grand Canyon Lodge this year. The lodge’s future will be determined through a separate planning and environmental review process.
So, yes, the North Rim is back. But 2026 is better viewed as a recovery season than a return to normal. For Southern Utah visitors, that may actually make a trip worthwhile for another reason: it is an opportunity to see one of the Grand Canyon’s most remarkable landscapes while witnessing firsthand how nature and a national park recover from a major wildfire.
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Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio
