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Parts of Grand Canyon North Rim back open
Point Imperial is open again after fires on the North Rim at the Grand Canyon.
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Months after a massive fire destroyed the Grand Canyon North Rim visitor center and lodge, some viewpoints are now open from sunrise until sunset, according to news release from the National Park Service.
The view areas, which opened Oct. 1, are scheduled to be accessible until the first major snowfall or at latest through Nov. 30, the National Park Service said. The Grand Canyon National Park remains open during the U.S. government shutdown as part of President Donald Trump’s orders, though some services are limited on the South Rim as well.
During past government shutdowns, the Grand Canyon remained open with funding from the Arizona state government. But this shutdown, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office said the state could not spend taxpayer dollars to keep national parks open, according to the Arizona Republic.
The North Kaibab Trail, which connects the North and South Rim, is closed because of extensive damage in the Dragon Bravo Fire. The park service allowed it to burn for days in early July before it exploded and consumed the Grand Canyon Lodge, cabins and other structures, forcing the summer closure of the area, according to Associated Press reports.
Updates on trail conditions are posted on the Grand Canyon website, nps.gov/grca.
“Hazards remain, including dead standing trees, the potential for flash flooding even in areas not directly affected by the fire, and the presence of crews and equipment actively working on recovery operations,” the National Park Service said.
“There is no power, running water, cell service or visitor services currently available in the reopened areas.”
