About 60 people were evacuated from the Grand Canyon National Park in the US state of Arizona due to flash flooding, and more than 20 more are still missing, the park administration said in a Facebook post. Several popular tourist sites are closed until further notice due to the destruction and the impossibility of safe passage.
The flooding began on August 29 around 2:30 pm local time in the Bright Angel area. Emergency responders evacuated 62 people from the Phantom Ranch area and the lower portion of the North Kaibab Trail.
The whereabouts of more than 20 people remain unknown. The U.S. National Park Service on Sunday urged anyone with information about hikers who were in the area of Bright Angel Creek on Saturday afternoon to contact park officials.
Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and the entire North Kaibab Trail are closed until further notice. This approximately 14-mile (22.5 km) route descends approximately 5,800 feet (1,700 m) from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River.
Park officials said the flood destroyed nearly all the pedestrian bridges over Bright Angel Creek, making it impossible to cross. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge are also closed. Traffic on the Colorado River is temporarily suspended due to debris falling into the water. People already in the canyon or traveling along the river receive instructions from lifeguards and through the Grand Canyon River Alert system.
SWEPT AWAY 👀: A sudden, powerful flash flood tore through the Grand Canyon, sending a bunkhouse drifting downstream through muddy, debris-filled floodwaters on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/RJPwmou309
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) August 30, 2026
“Almost all the footbridges over Bright Angel Creek have been destroyed, making it impossible to cross on foot. National park staff continue to assess damage to hiking trails, bridges, infrastructure and other structures,” the statement said.
Park officials asked visitors to stay away from closed areas. No casualties were reported as a result of the flooding.
The flooding occurred during the height of the monsoon season, which typically runs from late June to September in the southwestern United States. The worst-hit areas received 1 to 1.75 inches (2.5 cm to 4.4 cm) of rain, according to the Fox Weather Center. Despite the relatively small volume, the water quickly flowed down the slopes and flooded the area. At one campsite, water levels reached about one foot (30 cm), and the Colorado River rose about nine feet (2.7 m) in places.
Authorities warn that thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible in the Grand Canyon area on Sunday and Monday. The weather conditions could cause further flooding, mudslides and rockfalls, as well as rapidly deteriorating conditions on other tourist routes.
