Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 14-18, 2025

The recent Dragon Bravo Fire has profoundly impacted our Grand Canyon community, particularly for our colleagues on the North Rim who have bravely faced this devastating event. Many have experienced traumatic conditions, with some losing their homes and cherished belongings. The challenges have not been limited to our North Rim team; South Rim employees and the Grand Canyon community in and out of the park have felt the weight of this fire, as many have deep personal connections to the North Rim.

The destruction wrought by the fire is hard to fathom, and we acknowledge the emotional toll it has taken on all of us. In response to this crisis, we are adjusting our park management structure to better serve the needs of our affected employees, and the complex demands of the Grand Canyon. I continue to focus my efforts as the Agency Administrator of the Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT), comprised of skilled professionals who are dedicated to addressing the ongoing fire.

To further stabilize our response, we have assembled a regional Incident Management Team that is focusing on vital areas such as coordinating mental and physical health resources and planning for the ongoing needs of those affected.

As we navigate this difficult time, we are bolstered by the strength, resilience, and dedication that defines the GRCA community. Together, we will overcome these challenges.

-Ed

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update

As of this morning, the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim has burned an estimated 11,012 acres. The fire remains 0% contained and is being managed under a full suppression strategy. There are currently 594 personnel assigned to the incident and a Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT) assumed command of the fire on Monday, July 14.

Current Fire Activity:

Recent weather has moderated fire behavior slightly, but conditions remain dynamic and unpredictable. Firefighters are actively working along the northeast and southeast perimeters to protect cultural sites and remaining structures. Mop-up continues along the southern edge, where fire growth has been minimal. Efforts to keep the fire west of State Route 67 are ongoing, and crews plan to wrap infrastructure in the Kanabownits area for protection. A lightning-caused fire in the Swamp Lake area was successfully suppressed.

Weather & Smoke Conditions:

A storm on Wednesday brought increased humidity, cooler temps, and light precipitation. Thunderstorms and up to a 90% chance of rain are expected today before a return to hot, dry weather this weekend. Smoke will remain visible from many areas, including the South Rim. Staff and visitors can monitor air quality at: outlooks.wildlandfiresmoke.net

Key Priorities:

• Protecting firefighter and public safety
• Safeguarding remaining infrastructure
• Preserving cultural and natural resources

The CIMT distributes daily incident updates for the Dragon Bravo Fire. If you are not receiving these and would like to be included, please email: 2025.dragonbravo@firenet.gov.

Daily updates are also available on the Dragon Bravo Fire Inciweb page.

Donations to Support North Rim Staff

We greatly appreciate all individual donations shared with our North Rim colleagues over the past few days. As we manage storage space and work to identify specific needs, we ask that no more individual donations be brought directly to Albright Training Center. See the below guidance if you would like to continue to donate. Please note that the National Park Service cannot accept monetary donations or gift cards.

Food Donations—Individual donations of food can be coordinated through the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. To make a food donation, please contact Heather Lapré at 928-707-2755 or GCFoodPantryInc@gmail.com.

Clothing Donations—Individual donations of clothing can be coordinated through the Canyon Closet. To make a clothing donation, please send a message through their Facebook page: https://bit.ly/TheGrandCanyonSchoolPTA.

The Western Incident Management Team is actively working to identify additional needs beyond food and clothing in the coming days. More information on how to support these needs will be shared as it becomes available.

(Submitted by an evacuated North Rim employee)

The North Rim community and all who love it are grieving this week.

On July 10, the Dragon Bravo Fire breached the fire control lines, forcing evacuations and resulting in the loss of several structures—including homes for permanent and seasonal NPS staff, and members of the Aramark team. The shock is still settling in.

Many NPS employees have been relocated to the Albright Training Center, where they are regrouping and beginning to rebuild emotionally, physically, and as a community.

Grand Canyon Conservancy is standing with the North Rim during this difficult time in launching a fundraiser assisting with response and recovery efforts, meeting critical needs that emerge as the situation evolves, and supporting the long-term restoration and healing of this iconic landscape.

The North Rim is more than a place, it’s a community. Right now, that community needs our support.

As the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to impact the North Rim, many have asked about the status of the Kaibab Plateau bison herd. While wildlife biologists do not currently have real-time GPS data on bison movements, there is no indication the herd has been directly harmed by the fire.

Bison are highly mobile animals that have evolved alongside wildfire across North America’s grasslands and woodlands. Their movements are largely shaped by access to water and forage, and it is not uncommon for them to temporarily relocate in response to fire activity. Although some bison may have been within the vicinity of the fire when it ignited, they likely moved into unaffected areas of the park as conditions changed.

Currently, 14 bison are collared as part of a joint USGS-NPS research effort, though the data is stored on-board and will not be retrieved until autumn. That information will provide valuable insight into how the herd responded to the fire footprint.

In the long term, fire can actually enhance forage availability by promoting the growth of native grasses and other vegetation. It is likely that, in future seasons, the herd will return to the burn scar to take advantage of this regrowth.

At this time, bison management and reduction operations remain on hold. Park leadership will reassess those efforts following the fire response.

New Grand Canyon Speaks Podcast with Chris Lewis – Zuni Fiber Artist

In this episode, Chris Lewis discusses his work reviving traditional Zuni weaving and basketry, from belts and capes to yucca and willow baskets. He shares insights into his artistic journey, cultural preservation efforts, and his role with the Bears Ears Partnership and the Pueblo of Zuni.

Listen/download on NPS Podcasts, or on Apple Podcasts.

Cultural Demonstrators at Desert View Watchtower

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday — July 17, 18, and 19 — 9 am to 4 pm.

Virginia Batala – Diné Basket Weaver and Beadwork

Through her demonstrations, Virginia shares Diné basket weaving, beading techniques, and the cultural traditions behind her work.

Art Batala – Hopi Silversmith

Art is a silversmith with more than 50 years of experience. He began learning his art as an apprentice, working with World War II veterans. Guided by his father’s example, he was raised to become a strong leader in his community.

Special Desert View Sunset Talk with Carrie Cannon, Ehnobotanist

Monday, July 21, 2025 – 6:45 pm – Desert View Amphitheater

Join Carrie Cannon for a special talk on the plants of the Southwest and their deep significance in Hualapai culture. As an ethnobotanist, she leads projects that share traditional plant knowledge between generations, helping to preserve and revitalize this living cultural practice.

A member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and of Oglala Lakota descent, Carrie holds degrees in wildlife biology and resource management. Since 2005, she has worked with the Hualapai Tribe in Peach Springs, AZ, where she launched an intergenerational ethnobotany program.

Movie Night Under the Stars—Thursday, July 17

The Kaibab Learning Center is sponsoring a food sale and movie night night on Thursday, July 17. The food sale begins at 7 p.m. at the Grand Canyon Rec Center Ramada with the movie, ‘A Bug’s Life’ starting at 7:30 p.m.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Food Court, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Maswik Pizza Pub, 12-10 p.m. (food until 9:30 p.m.)
• Bright Angel Fountain, 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Harvey House Café/Fred Harvey Burger Restaurant, Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, (food until 9 p.m.)
• Arizona Steakhouse – Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9 p.m.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge – Breakfast 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (food until 9:30 p.m.)
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Fred Harvey Food Truck at Grand Canyon Visitor Center, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast 7-10:30 a.m., dinner 5-9 p.m.
• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m.
• Coffee Shop, 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
• The Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Camper Services, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Mather Campground Store, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Trailer Village Kiosk, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Labor Day
• Canyon Adventures Bike Tours and Cafe: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Verkamp’s, Yavapai Geology Museum, Visitor Center Plaza: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Kolb Studio: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 5:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Community Yoga & Wellness (at the Rec Center): Full class schedule can be found here. Use discount GCLOCALS at checkout.
• Shuttle Bus Summer Schedule (May 24-Sep. 7, 2025)
• Hermits Rest (Red) Route: 8:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
• Village (Blue) Route: 6:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route: 6:00 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Hikers’ Express: Daily departures from Bright Angel Lodge at 4, 5, and 6 a.m.
• Tusayan (Purple) Route, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. with service every 45 minutes
• Inner Canyon:
• CLOSED: River Trail east of River Resthouse to South Kaibab Trail junction: Oct. 21, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025
• CLOSED: Silver Bridge: Oct. 21, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025
• CLOSED: South Kaibab Trail, North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens (river exchanges to/from Pipe Creek still allowed)

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post, ice cream, and coffee shop, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower and store, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. with the last tower access at 5 p.m.
• The Desert View Deli and Market, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Desert View gas station (24 hours), retail: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

North Rim

• The North Rim will remain closed for the 2025 season.

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• Fire Information sign on the South Rim on July 17 (Photo courtesy of Dragon Bravo CIMT)
• Firefighters on the Dragon Bravo Fire protect the Greenland Lake Cabin along the Cape Royal Road (NPS Photo/J. Nez, Lead READ)
• ‘North Rim Strong’ (Graphic courtesy of Erosion Studio)
• Bison in the open meadow near mile marker 1 on Hwy. 67 on July 11 (NPS Photo/J. Nez, Lead READ)
• Hopi silver overlay pendant by Art Batala (Photo courtesy of A. Batala)
• Carrie Cannon, Ethnobotanist for the Hualapai Tribe (Photo courtesy of C. Cannon)
• A bighorn sheep overlooks the canyon on the South Rim (NPS Photo/K. Besom)