Grand Canyon re-opens areas restricted during Dragon Fire, lifts water restrictions

Local resources monitor fire behavior on the Dragon Fire, Grand Canyon National Park, Ariz., date unspecified | Photo courtesy of National Park Service/ Fire Effects, St. George News

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, all Dragon Fire closure areas on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park have been reopened to the public.

Tiyo Point Trail, the Widforss and Outlet Canyon backcountry use areas and the Widforss Forest Trail now are accessible, following the 1,362-acre lightning-caused fire, which began on July 17. The Dragon Fire has been allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem, the National Park Service reports.

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.

The Colorado River flows through the Grand Canyon on the Hualapai reservation Monday, Aug. 15, 2022, in northwestern Arizona| Associated Press file photo by John Locher, St. George News

Grand Canyon officials also announced they have lifted its mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim. Water storage reached an acceptable level on Aug. 15, the NPS said in a press release.

Water is available at Supai Tunnel on the North Kaibab trail. However, the water at Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile rest houses will remain off until crews are able to complete repairs to the damaged pipe above the rest house at Mile-and-a-Half.

For the most up-to-date information on water availability in the inner canyon, visit the Critical Backcountry Updates page.

Day hikers and backpackers should always be prepared to carry drinking water or be able to filter or treat creek water for drinking purposes.

The National Park Service encourages all hikers to be prepared and to Hike Smart. More information is available on the park website.

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