Brighty the Burro, a cherished bronze statue that once greeted visitors at the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim, survived the devastating Dragon Bravo Wildfire—but not without serious damage. The 600-pound statue is now missing both front legs and an ear, though his head and body remain mostly intact, after the fire destroyed the lodge and roughly 70 other structures this summer.
After being carefully removed from the North Rim, Brighty went on a five-hour journey to the South Rim, strapped into the back of a pickup truck. He’ll be temporarily housed in the Grand Canyon National Park’s museum collection, where conservation experts will decide whether the statue can be restored or if a new version will need to be created. While no timeline has been set for the restoration, park officials are committed to honoring Brighty’s history and the many memories visitors associate with him.
Brighty the Burro Grand Canyon statue – more than “just a statue”
Brighty isn’t just a piece of art—he represents a real burro that once helped pioneers build the camp in the early 20th century. According to Davy Crockett, vice president of the Grand Canyon Historical Society, the gentle burro returned to the Canyon each fall. His story became famous through Marguerite Henry’s 1953 children’s book “Brighty of the Grand Canyon,” later adapted into a film.
The statue holds a special place in the hearts of many visitors who recall taking family photos with Brighty in the background or reading the story to children. Social media has been full of well-wishes and suggestions for how to return him to his former glory. Park officials say they will take those sentiments into account as they plan Brighty’s future.
While North Rim closed, South Rim welcomes RVers
For RV travelers, Brighty’s journey is a reminder that even after disaster, the park’s history and charm remain intact. The North Rim is currently closed for the season as the area recovers from the Dragon Bravo Fire, but the South Rim remains fully open. RV visitors can take advantage of the larger campgrounds, amenities, and scenic drives at the South Rim while planning a stop at the museum to see Brighty’s temporary home. Even short visits offer family-friendly hikes, photo opportunities, and a chance to connect with the Canyon’s history.
Brighty’s story shows that, even with charred and missing parts, he remains a symbol of resilience—and an enduring icon of the Grand Canyon experience for visitors of all ages. For RVers, stopping to see Brighty in the future will provide a chance to combine history, literature, and nature in one memorable trip.
Sources include AP News and azcentral.com
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RVT1223b
Thank you for the update, Russ and Tina! DW went to the Grand Canyon as a pre-teen but I haven’t made it there. I do understand the symbolic significance of the statue, given that the memories of many people are tied to the book or the statue itself. Seems at least a bit of the restoration (replacement?) cost could be crowd-sourced, which might speed things along quite a bit. Have a great week and safe travels!
My thought is to see Brighty remain just as he is as a testimony and reminder to the devastating power of wildfires.
He would be in the ranks with Smokey the Bear.
I kind of like that, Bob. Good idea.
Great idea Bob!