Insight on historic Grand Canyon Lodge destruction

Wildfires near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona have destroyed dozens of structures and a water treatment facility. One of these structures included the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, a building that has been a part of the Grand Canyon since the 1920s.

There are two fires that are burning near the Grand Canyon. The Dragon Bravo fire began on July 4, 2025, and the White Sage fire, which is burning further north of the Dragon Bravo fire, began on July 9. Governor Katie Hobbs, alongside U.S. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, are calling on the U.S. Interior Department to conduct an investigation on the decisions made to manage the fires.

Author Roger Naylor joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the wildfires happening near the Grand Canyon.

Naylor explained the lodge was a spot of peace and where many experienced a different side of the Grand Canyon.

“It was one of those magical places that just existed, that was just perfect for the North Rim,” Naylor said. “The South Rim takes your breath away, but the North Rim gives it back. It’s that peaceful, secluded, quiet, forested little place.”

This is not the first time the Grand Canyon Lodge has burned down, according to Naylor.

“This is actually the second Grand Canyon Lodge,” Naylor explained. “The first one was built in the 1920s, and unfortunately didn’t last long. It burned down in 1932 due to a kitchen fire.”

While Naylor is confident the Grand Canyon Lodge will be rebuilt in some form, his advice to those wanting to travel and see the world is not to wait.

“Consider this a reminder not to postpone life,” Naylor said. “If there’s someplace you want to see, if there’s a thing you want to do, don’t wait. Nobody gets a peek at the cosmic calendar; just go and enjoy when you can.”

View photos of the Grand Canyon Lodge before the fire below.

Photos courtesy of Roger Naylor