Grand Canyon trail reopened against staff warnings

What happened. Months before the deadly flash flood of 29 August 2026, several current and former National Park Service staff say they pressed not to reopen the fire-damaged North Kaibab Trail. After the 2025 Dragon Bravo wildfire, the upper route crosses a burned slope: unstable ground, rockfall, debris flows, and sharp runoff in thunderstorms. Park trails supervisor Adam Gibson already in spring judged the risk elevated “for several years” and, according to local media, recommended keeping the route closed for the entire 2026 season.

What was decided. The trail opened in spring anyway, and the North Rim followed before peak season. Staff quoted by The Washington Post and KJZZ say political and economic logic won: pressure from Washington (a review at the U.S. Department of the Interior) and bipartisan backing from Arizona’s congressional delegation to bring tourists and rim-to-rim crossings back. The department’s official line is different: the route opened after assessments and repairs, “as safe as reasonably possible.”

What followed. On 29 August a surge destroyed bridges over Bright Angel Creek and closed Phantom Ranch and the entire North Kaibab Trail. There is no reopening date. Flood and evacuation details are in our earlier report.