The historic Grand Canyon Lodge, located at the North Rim and known for its stunning views, has been destroyed by wildfires sweeping through the area, leaving behind a devastated community and numerous memories.
**Grand Canyon Lodge Lost to Devastating Wildfires: A Community in Mourning**
**Grand Canyon Lodge Lost to Devastating Wildfires: A Community in Mourning**
The destruction of the Grand Canyon Lodge, a treasured landmark, leaves both locals and visitors heartbroken as wildfires rage through the region.
The article text:
Davy Crockett watched from afar as the initial small plumes of smoke rising from the Grand Canyon's North Rim quickly turned into sizable flames. As vice-president of the non-profit Grand Canyon Historical Society, his concerns kept him awake at night, especially with the historic Grand Canyon Lodge situated perilously close to the inferno. On Sunday, park officials announced that the beloved lodge had succumbed to the raging wildfires, breaking the hearts of many who cherished its beauty.
Mr. Crockett expressed his sorrow, stating, "It broke my heart. I was devastated." Social media has seen an outpouring of grief and tributes honoring the stone lodge, perched 8,000 feet (approximately 2,438m) high, which served as the sole accommodation within the national park's North Rim. One individual shared their feelings, saying the lodge was "stunning, a balm for my weary soul."
The Dragon Bravo Fire has already consumed over 5,000 acres, resulting in the loss of many cabins associated with the lodge. Local tour guide Karne Snickers, who has led expeditions in the North Rim for 24 years, noted that, unlike the busier South Rim, this area attracts fewer tourists due to partially obstructed views from magnificent ponderosa trees.
However, at the Grand Canyon Lodge's deck, where visitors often felt a spiritual connection, "there isn't one dry eye from any trip that I've ever done." Ms. Snickers described the loss as akin to "losing an old friend," shedding multiple tears in grief. Having been there just before the fires ignited, she recalled witnessing the devastating shift from the initially controllable blaze sparked by a lightning strike on July 4.
As firefighters attempted to safeguard the lodge, a water treatment plant caught fire, releasing toxic chlorine gas, forcing an evacuation. The destruction not only claimed the lodge but much of the surrounding natural beauty, including ancient trees. "Much of the beauty is gone," Mr. Crockett lamented, noting it could take decades for the landscape to regenerate.
This marks the second calamity for the lodge; its original version opened in 1928, designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, only to be devastated by a fire four years later. Resilient efforts were employed to create a new lodge during the Great Depression, repurposing stones and lumber from the previous structure.
A smaller, temporary lodge that housed construction workers also faced an unexplained inferno. According to Mr. Crockett, enduring a massive snowstorm cutting off supplies, some workers had to hike for help. The rebuilt lodge opened in 1938 and won the hearts of visitors, allowing them to encounter wildlife while marveling at spectacular canyon views from the dining room.
As of now, national park officials have not announced plans for rebuilding the iconic lodge, but hope remains among locals and visitors. Ms. Snickers emphasized the importance of rebuilding, asserting, "It’s going to take time, but it needs to come back. It was a part of history."
Davy Crockett watched from afar as the initial small plumes of smoke rising from the Grand Canyon's North Rim quickly turned into sizable flames. As vice-president of the non-profit Grand Canyon Historical Society, his concerns kept him awake at night, especially with the historic Grand Canyon Lodge situated perilously close to the inferno. On Sunday, park officials announced that the beloved lodge had succumbed to the raging wildfires, breaking the hearts of many who cherished its beauty.
Mr. Crockett expressed his sorrow, stating, "It broke my heart. I was devastated." Social media has seen an outpouring of grief and tributes honoring the stone lodge, perched 8,000 feet (approximately 2,438m) high, which served as the sole accommodation within the national park's North Rim. One individual shared their feelings, saying the lodge was "stunning, a balm for my weary soul."
The Dragon Bravo Fire has already consumed over 5,000 acres, resulting in the loss of many cabins associated with the lodge. Local tour guide Karne Snickers, who has led expeditions in the North Rim for 24 years, noted that, unlike the busier South Rim, this area attracts fewer tourists due to partially obstructed views from magnificent ponderosa trees.
However, at the Grand Canyon Lodge's deck, where visitors often felt a spiritual connection, "there isn't one dry eye from any trip that I've ever done." Ms. Snickers described the loss as akin to "losing an old friend," shedding multiple tears in grief. Having been there just before the fires ignited, she recalled witnessing the devastating shift from the initially controllable blaze sparked by a lightning strike on July 4.
As firefighters attempted to safeguard the lodge, a water treatment plant caught fire, releasing toxic chlorine gas, forcing an evacuation. The destruction not only claimed the lodge but much of the surrounding natural beauty, including ancient trees. "Much of the beauty is gone," Mr. Crockett lamented, noting it could take decades for the landscape to regenerate.
This marks the second calamity for the lodge; its original version opened in 1928, designed by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, only to be devastated by a fire four years later. Resilient efforts were employed to create a new lodge during the Great Depression, repurposing stones and lumber from the previous structure.
A smaller, temporary lodge that housed construction workers also faced an unexplained inferno. According to Mr. Crockett, enduring a massive snowstorm cutting off supplies, some workers had to hike for help. The rebuilt lodge opened in 1938 and won the hearts of visitors, allowing them to encounter wildlife while marveling at spectacular canyon views from the dining room.
As of now, national park officials have not announced plans for rebuilding the iconic lodge, but hope remains among locals and visitors. Ms. Snickers emphasized the importance of rebuilding, asserting, "It’s going to take time, but it needs to come back. It was a part of history."
