As flames engulf Northern Arizona, the devastating impact on local businesses becomes increasingly evident. The raging wildfires have not only ravaged Grand Canyon National Park, claiming over 100 structures, but have also significantly disrupted the tourism-driven economy.
Canyon Trail Rides, a company that offers mule rides through the iconic Grand Canyon, has been particularly affected. The company was forced to cancel approximately $100,000 worth of prepaid reservations after the historic Grand Canyon Lodge was destroyed by the Dragon Bravo Fire on July 12. This fire began on July 4, sparked by a lightning strike, and quickly spread due to strong winds, consuming over 11,000 acres along the North Rim as reported by the National Interagency Fire Center.
The fire has prematurely ended the tourist season on the North Rim, which typically runs from May 15 to October 15. The loss of the lodge, cabins, and staff housing has been a significant blow. “That’s almost 90 days of reservations from July 12 through Oct. 15,” noted Crystal Mortensen of Canyon Trail Rides, which also operates in Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park in Utah.
The economic impact extends beyond lost reservations. Mortensen highlighted the challenges faced by their employees, stating, “Then you have the impact of our employees that are without a job out there. We had about 12 to 14 employees.” Efforts have been made to relocate staff to other parks, but not all could be retained.
Amidst the chaos, all 53 mules from the North Rim were safely evacuated. Staff opened the gates on July 11, allowing the animals to roam freely until they were retrieved two days later. “They are our biggest asset. We are very attached to them,” Mortensen expressed, reflecting on the family’s 40-year legacy with the business. Fortunately, the mules remained near their barn, safe and accessible.
The broader community also feels the strain. Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., emphasized the significance of tourism, calling it the “economic bloodline” of the region. He is advocating for financial relief through grants or low-interest loans for affected homeowners and businesses. The North Rim is expected to stay closed for the remainder of the 2025 season, with inner canyon trails and campgrounds also closed until further notice. However, the South Rim remains open to visitors.
Gallego noted the dire situation for local businesses during a press call, stating, “For these small businesses, and when they no longer have the tourism that goes there or the infrastructure around it, they’re going to lose business.”
Efforts to combat the fires continue, aided by improved weather conditions. Firefighters are working to protect structures and park areas from the Dragon Bravo Fire and the larger White Sage Fire, which has burned over 58,600 acres since July 9 and is only 9% contained, according to the Bureau of Land Management. Meanwhile, the Dragon Bravo Fire remains uncontained as reported by the National Park Service.
Xanterra, a company managing park and resort services, has been assisting in relocating guests and tourism partners. They have paused mule rides from the South Rim temporarily. Andrew Heltzel, Xanterra’s chief commercial officer, remarked on the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge, a historic building from the late 1920s, saying, “The main thing that we’re hearing is just how sad and unfortunate of a loss it is of these legacy buildings.”
The Grand Canyon Lodge, which was rebuilt in 1932 after a previous fire, served as the sole lodging facility on the North Rim, offering breathtaking views from an elevation of 8,000 feet. “We will definitely help however we can but I think that step number one — really what everyone is focused on — is getting the fire out right now,” Heltzel added.
For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.
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