Fire Archaeologist, Jason Nez, monitors the Dragon Fire on July 28, 2022. (NPS Photo)
GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, all Dragon Fire closure areas on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park have been reopened to the public. These areas include the Tiyo Point Trail, the Widforss and Outlet Canyon backcountry use areas, and the Widforss Forest Trail.
The 1,362-acre lightning-caused fire began on July 17, 2022. The Dragon Fire has been allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem.
Visitors should be alert to the following post-wildfire environmental hazards:
- Storms resulting in flash flooding that could wash out roads and initiate debris flows.
- Unstable burned trees (snags) that could fall or shed large limbs.
- Eroded and very rough roads resulting in dangerous driving conditions.
- Unstable terrain with potential for rolling debris (logs, rocks, boulders, etc.).
- Burned out tree stump holes that could cause injury if stepped in.
- Blowing dust on roads and hillsides.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in stage 1 fire restrictions which requires campfires always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.
Please visit https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/management/firemanagement.htm for additional information about wildland fire at Grand Canyon National Park.
— Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.