Flash Floods Impact Grand Canyon’s Phantom Ranch Area

Flash floods have left at least 20 people missing or unaccounted for in a remote area of the Grand Canyon. This includes a historic lodge located near the bottom of the canyon, reported officials on Sunday. The National Park Service has requested information regarding anyone who may have been hiking or backpacking along the Bright Angel Creek. Additionally, they are seeking details about campers who planned to stay at Phantom Ranch or the Bright Angel Campground.

Efforts are also underway to identify travelers who may have been stranded along the North Kaibab Trail due to the floods. By Sunday morning, 62 individuals had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, with further evacuations anticipated from Phantom Ranch and the Cottonwood Campground.

Park administrators reported destruction of footbridges along the Bright Angel Creek, effectively blocking hiker access across the creek. Furthermore, certain crossings of the Colorado River are temporarily closed as damage assessments are conducted. Stone bridge pylons remain visible along Bright Angel Creek after a flash flood destroyed the footbridge on August 29.

“The flash flood resulted in significant impacts to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon,” stated the National Park Service. “Grand Canyon National Park staff are continuing to assess damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure.”

Phantom Ranch can be accessed only by hiking, rafting, or mule transport. It has been a popular destination within the Grand Canyon since its opening in 1922. Activities on the Colorado River have also been suspended due to the risk posed by floating debris.