Unexpected Weather Prompts Early Closure of Grand Canyon’s North Rim
In an unexpected turn of events, Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim will shut down earlier than anticipated due to an impending storm. The closure will take effect on Friday at 5:20 p.m., marking a premature end to what was initially expected to be a longer season until the end of November.
This decision follows forecasts predicting wintry conditions, including potential snowfall, that could affect northern Arizona this weekend. The park, still recovering from the extensive Dragon Bravo Fire that scorched nearly 150,000 acres last summer, is taking precautions to ensure visitor safety.
During the summer, the North Rim and parts of the adjacent Kaibab National Forest were closed. However, officials reopened key viewpoints like Cape Royal and Point Imperial on October 1 after successfully containing the fire.
Looking ahead, Grand Canyon officials have tentatively scheduled the reopening of the North Rim for May 15, contingent upon favorable weather, trail conditions, and infrastructure readiness. Additionally, the completion of hazard mitigation measures will be a critical factor in determining the official reopening date.
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