More than 60 airlifted, 15 missing after Grand Canyon flash flood, Arizona

Flash flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, at approximately 14:30 MST (21:30 UTC) on August 29, destroying nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek and damaging the Transcanyon Waterline. More than 60 people were airlifted, while approximately 15 remained missing or unaccounted for.

The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River on the evening of August 30, according to the National Park Service (NPS). The Coconino County Medical Examiner was investigating, and authorities had not established whether the death was connected to the flash flooding.

NPS initially reported that 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail by the morning of August 30. Additional evacuations from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch continued in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Evacuees were transported to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross coordinated assistance.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Flagstaff issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Bright Angel Creek Basin below the Dragon Bravo Fire scar at 14:42 MST (21:42 UTC) on August 29.

At the time of issuance, Doppler radar estimated that 6.4–12.7 mm (0.25–0.5 inches) of rain had fallen over the warned basin, with another 6.4–12.7 mm (0.25–0.5 inches) possible. NWS classified the hazard as life-threatening flash flooding.

An NWS meteorologist later told the Associated Press that approximately 13–25 mm (0.5–1 inch) of rain fell within about 20 minutes over part of the steep basin. Two earlier storm systems had already saturated the area before the heaviest rainfall arrived.

NPS said nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating hiker access across the creek. Flooding also damaged trails, bridges, utilities and facilities throughout Bright Angel Canyon.

Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch were closed until further notice. Black Bridge and Silver Bridge across the Colorado River were also closed.

Metal structures, boulders, and other debris entered the Colorado River, prompting NPS to close the river to traffic until further notice. River parties already inside the canyon were receiving instructions from river operations rangers through the Grand Canyon River Alert system.

The flooding also damaged the Transcanyon Waterline, which carries water from the canyon for use inside the park. NPS said the line was not operational and available water reserves were limited.

Stage 4 water restrictions took effect on the South Rim at noon on August 31. All park concessioners were required to suspend overnight accommodations, while only dry camping was permitted on the South Rim.

Water spigots at campgrounds were shut off except at designated locations, and wood and charcoal fires were prohibited. The South Rim remained open for day use, with food, beverage, clinic and postal services continuing, although some facilities could operate with reduced hours.

NPS asked the public for information about approximately 15 people who might be missing or unaccounted for after traveling through the affected corridor. The areas of interest included Bright Angel Creek, Bright Angel Campground, the Box and the North Kaibab Trail between its trailhead and Phantom Ranch.

Officials asked anyone with information about hikers, backpackers or campground users in the affected areas on August 29 to contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch.

NWS defined the warned area as the Bright Angel Creek Basin below the Dragon Bravo Fire scar. Burned terrain in the North Kaibab corridor is more susceptible to flash flooding, debris flows, and rockfall during or after rainfall, although officials had not quantified the burn scar’s contribution to this event.

A Flood Watch remained in effect across northern and central Arizona through the evening of August 31. NWS said deep monsoonal moisture and saturated soils would maintain an elevated risk of additional flash flooding, particularly in creeks, narrow canyons, normally dry washes, and recently burned areas.

References:

¹ Significant Flash Flooding Closes Phantom Ranch and North Kaibab Trail – NPS – August 30, 2026

² Grand Canyon National Park to Close Overnight Hotel Accommodations Beginning August 31 – NPS – August 30, 2026

³ Grand Canyon flash flood leaves 1 dead and several missing or unaccounted for, park service says – AP – August 31, 2026