A wildfire that tore through a historic Grand Canyon Lodge​ had been allowed to burn for days before erupting over the weekend, raising questions about federal officials' decision not to aggressively attack it right away.

The Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim, often described as the park’s quieter, wilder side, is now closed indefinitely following a fast-moving wildfire that has engulfed more than 8,500 acres and destroyed dozens of structures, including one of the park’s most beloved landmarks, the historic Grand Canyon Lodge.

A South Rim mayor is clearing up confusion for tourists who believe the entire Grand Canyon National Park is closed due to wildfires.

A wildfire has forced the Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim to close for the rest of the 2025 season and destroyed the lodge located in the park, a historic landmark, the National Park Service said.