
Just last week, I wrote about our very recent visit to Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim— I’d go so far as to call it a love story. We fell so hard that we booked a return visit for 2026, to hike Rim-to-Rim while we’re there. We set this goal for many reasons (like proving to ourselves that we can still do it), but a big one was ensuring we get to explore the North Rim. Several House of Highways members had expressed their preference for that side, so we quickly added it to our ever-growing list of Must Explore. As we follow along on social media while the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to rage while ravaging the North Rim, I find myself overwhelmed with sadness.
Almost 9,000 acres have been destroyed already, and the fire is still considered zero percent contained. The Grand Canyon Lodge is among the more than seventy structures that have been destroyed. It’s an almost one-hundred-year-old building, designed by Architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who is also responsible for designing lodges in Zion NP and Bryce Canyon NP. Though we haven’t had the privilege of visiting, it’s clear this lodge was the heart of the North Rim, and the kind of place that leaves a lasting mark on its visitors. When the official Grand Canyon National Park Instagram account confirmed the loss of the North Rim Lodge, they asked everyone to share their stories so “we can honor this beloved place together.” I don’t think I got through more than a handful before tears flowed—story after story of unforgettable highlight-reel-of-life experiences. If I feel this heartbroken over somewhere I’ve never been, what must it feel like for those who have known it personally? Or for those who call it home? Devastating.
The North Rim has been closed for the remainder of 2025, and it’s too soon to know the true scope of the devastation. The loss is more than scorched trees— it’s the displacement of staff, the destruction of wildlife and habitats, the destruction of an iconic American landscape and its historical structures. It’s the loss of 2025 tourism dollars. It’s so, so much. As we mourn the loss— and it’s a big one—for ourselves and those that come long after we’re gone, what can we do to help? What can we do to honor what no longer stands?
We at House of Highways invite you to stand with us to support the Grand Canyon Conservancy. The Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park. They aim to inspire people to protect and enhance the Grand Canyon for present and future generations, and they will know exactly how to make every dollar count! Donations there go to help displaced North Rim staff find stability. They go to meet emerging critical needs and to support long-term restoration efforts. Donations will go wherever needed to help heal all that makes the North Rim.
You know what else you can do besides donate? Explore whenever you can, wherever you can! May I humbly suggest starting with our National Parks! The destruction of the Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim is an acute reminder that just about everything on this earth is temporary. We are at the mercy of forces out of our control. It’s easy to assume there will always be a chance to double back, to plan the next time, to wait till retirement, or for life to get easier. But while we’re waiting for all that, just get out there and do what you can. Life is already too short, so start with that (overflowing) bucket list.
And to you, GCNP’s North Rim, we hope to meet you in 2026. We’ll take you in whatever condition you’re in, as long as you’ll have us.
Hope to see you out there, heavy hearts and all! — CL
Cristy Lee McGeehan, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of House of Highways, is a renowned figure in the hosting and hospitality industry, bringing her creative vision and expertise to the RV and nomadic travel space. Her work, highlighted in The Wall Street Journal, Magnolia Network, HGTV, and many others, centers on crafting rich, community-driven travel experiences and resources for modern nomads through technology and media. Through House of Highways, she inspires a vibrant, adventurous approach to life on the open road.
20 States, 20K Miles, 11 National Parks – and Counting!
Join full-time nomads Cristy Lee and Colan McGeehan, featured on Magnolia Network, WSJ, and NYT.
🌟 Follow Us:
✨ Roam free, and we hope to see you out there!