Grand Canyon flash flood: 62 evacuated, about 15 people feared missing

August 31, 2026

Arizona (USA): At least 15 people are feared missing after a major flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon in the US state of Arizona, prompting the evacuation of dozens of people from the affected areas.

The National Park Service (NPS) said 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail as of Sunday morning following the significant flash-flood event in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon. Additional evacuations were also planned in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The flooding sent large boulders, logs, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River and caused extensive damage to infrastructure across Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, cutting off access across the creek.

Flash flood sweeps through Bright Angel Canyon

The flooding began at around 2:30 p.m. on August 29 following heavy rainfall in the area. Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the Colorado River, rose rapidly as water rushed through the steep canyon.

The force of the flood significantly altered the landscape, widened the creek bed and created what appeared to be a new rapid in the river.

The NPS has asked the public to provide information about people who may have been hiking, backpacking or camping along the Bright Angel Creek corridor and who remain unaccounted for. This includes people who may have been travelling on the North Kaibab Trail, staying at Bright Angel Campground or in the area known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch.

No injuries had been reported in the latest NPS update.

62 people evacuated, tourist areas closed

The NPS said 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, with further evacuations planned from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch.

Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the trailhead to Phantom Ranch have been closed until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge crossings over the Colorado River have also been closed.

Colorado River traffic has also been suspended after metal structures and debris entered the river. River parties already in the canyon are being guided by river operations rangers and the Grand Canyon River Alert system.

Heavy rain raises further flood concerns

The National Weather Service said heavy rainfall in the steep terrain caused rapid runoff, with the water quickly rushing through the canyon.

The Grand Canyon is particularly vulnerable to sudden flooding in steep watersheds. The NPS has warned that areas affected by the Dragon Bravo Fire are at increased risk of flash floods and debris flows during monsoon storms, with flooding capable of occurring within minutes of heavy rainfall.

More thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were forecast for Sunday and Monday, raising the possibility of additional flash floods, debris flows, rockfall and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.

Water infrastructure damaged

The flooding also damaged infrastructure and utilities in the canyon. The NPS is continuing to assess damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure.

The disruption has also affected water services, with authorities introducing additional conservation measures following damage to a key water pipeline serving the park.

The park remains open in areas unaffected by the flooding, but visitors have been urged to follow closure orders and monitor official warnings as conditions can change rapidly.

Authorities continue to assess the damage and account for people who may have been in the affected areas. The NPS has urged anyone with information about missing or unaccounted-for hikers, backpackers or campers to contact its Investigative Services Branch.