How about sitting down for lunch with this view next to your table? That was our lunch spot in August 2019, when we visited the North Rim of the Grand Canyon for the second time. We had previously visited the more crowded South Rim, but when it was time to revisit the Grand Canyon, there was no hesitation in our minds: the North Rim was our destination. After our morning hike, we went to the lodge for lunch. By the time we got there, the lunch crowds had passed. We were seated in a prime location, right by a large window overlooking the canyon.
Unfortunately, on July 4, 2025, lightning started the Dragon Bravo Fire. This past weekend, with wind gusts up to 40 mph (64 km/h), the fire spread and consumed the Grand Canyon Lodge and several other buildings. No lives were affected.
It is a terrible loss to our national park system. Those structures were beautiful. In our first time at the North Rim, we stayed at cabin 90, not too far from the main lodge entrance.
According to the National Park Service, “preliminary assessments indicate that between 50 to 80 structures have been lost, including NPS administrative buildings and visitor facilities. No injuries or loss of life have been reported, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated prior to the fire’s escalation.” The North Rim is closed for the rest of the 2025 season.
One of several things I like about the North Rim is that you get outstanding views right there next to you, just like our lunch table. Do you see those chairs outside? Here’s a better view.
These chairs are prime seating at the end of the day, when people flock to see amazing sunset views at Bright Angel Point. On this particular afternoon, some storms began clearing just in time for a stunning sunset. This is where we had dinner that evening: al fresco.
Our second trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon allowed us more time than the first time we went there. Without being in a hurry, we were able to enjoy more hikes and sights around the park.
That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Bright Angel Point, Grand Canyon Lodge, Grand Canyon NP, Landscapes, National Parks, and North Rim. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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norasphotos4u
What a terrible loss. Hopefully they recover. Love your last photo
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Nora. I hope they rebuild soon, too.
SoyBend
I’m so sad this building was destroyed, Egidio. I hope they will rebuild it. Beautiful skies in the last picture. I visited that area years ago as part of a Desert Ecology class.
Egidio Leitao
Siobhan, I’m hoping they’ll rebuild, too.
Wandering Dawgs
Egidio, Oh no! I had not heard about the fire. the Grand Canyon North Rim is a very special place and you captured it’s beauty. In 2006 we camped in the Kaibob National Forest just outside the North Rim shortly after a fire had spread through the forest. As we drove to the park each day we saw many of the burned trees and could still smell the smoke. I remember the Lodge was beautiful on the outside. We didn’t go inside. I’m glad you were able to enjoy it when you went.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Beth. You know how beautiful that area is.
Marie
😥😥😥
restlessjo
What incredible views, and how sad about the fires.
Egidio Leitao
It is sad. I just saw a photo after the fire and noticed the main stone structure is still partially standing. Hopefully, the lodge will be rebuilt. Thanks for writing.
Tranature - quiet moments in nature
Beautiful captures Egídio and such treasured memories. It is so sad to see what’s been lost through the wildfires, including the wildlife and their habitats and these historic lodges 💔
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Xenia. Big losses.
Toonsarah
I heard about this fire yesterday and was saddened by it. We had a fabulous stay in one of the cabins there in the early 1990s and have never forgotten the amazing views from that terrace and through the huge picture window inside 😲 I hope they can restore it.
Egidio Leitao
You experienced the same we did. The cabins were small and comfortable. The setting was amazing. I hope they won’t take too long to rebuild the affected structures.
Terri Webster Schrandt
I’m so saddened to read about the fires at the Grand Canyon north rim, Egidio. Another former blogger, Donna, posted similar shots on her Facebook page yesterday. I’ve always wanted to visit the North Rim, but we seem to visit AZ in winter when its closed. I am glad to read no lives were lost, but losing historical buildings is tragic. Like Anne said you have fond memories with your lovely images.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Terri. They will rebuild, but it’ll be a while.
philosophy through photography
Thank you for sharing that, Egidio. It’s bittersweet reading it—such a beautiful memory paired with real loss. Nature’s grand views stay, but places like that lodge become part of our personal history. Glad you caught those moments before they turned into just photographs and stories.
Egidio Leitao
Bittersweet is an excellent word choice. It’ll be a while before they rebuild the lodge. Thanks for writing.
philosophy through photography
Welcome, Egidio
Anne Sandler
Whenever one of our National Parks is devastated it’s a big loss. Your beautiful pictures are now even more of a precious memory.
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anne. I agree with you about damages to our national parks. I’m glad we have those memories now.