Grand Canyon Flash Flood Leads to Search for Missing Persons

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August 31, 2026
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Bright Angel Creek near the Phantom Ranger Station in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, experienced severe flash flooding due to recent storms. The National Park Service is requesting assistance in locating up to 20 individuals potentially missing after the flood.

If you know of hikers or backpackers who were in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29, or if you had a campground reservation in the affected area, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch. This request includes anyone traveling along the North Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or traversing the area known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch.

The flash flood occurred around 2:30 p.m. Saturday, causing substantial damage to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges were destroyed, making creek access impossible for hikers. On Sunday morning, 62 people were evacuated from the area, with ongoing evacuations from Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, and nearby sites. Evacuees have been transported to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where assistance is being coordinated by the American Red Cross.

Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch are closed until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River are also closed, with no reopening date estimated.

A flash flood watch remains in effect in the Grand Canyon area through Monday evening with showers and thunderstorms forecasted, according to the National Weather Service. The agency warned of potential flash flooding in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and recently burned areas. Dangerous currents may occur in side canyons and narrow slot canyons, with potential flooding at low-water crossings.