Significant flash floods struck Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, beginning around 2:30 p.m. The sudden surge forced water into the canyon, killing one hiker and leaving fifteen individuals unaccounted for. A 46‑year‑old man’s body was recovered on Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River.
National Park Service (NPS) helicopters, assisted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, conducted extensive searches of the North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Creek, and the Colorado River corridor. More than 60 people were airlifted from the canyon, and additional evacuations were organized from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch. The NPS later revised its missing‑person count to fewer than the initial estimate of 20 or more.
The flood displaced large boulders, damaged footbridges, and knocked out the Transcanyon Waterline—the sole pipeline supplying water to the park’s lodges, residents, and visitors. With the waterline inoperable, the park has limited potable water reserves and has ordered water‑conservation measures, including the cessation of overnight hotel accommodations and a shift to dry camping beginning Monday.
All of the North Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and the Silver and Black Bridges remain closed, and the Colorado River is closed to navigation due to debris. The NPS has issued a flood watch through Monday, warning of continued thunderstorms, possible flash flooding in creeks and washes, and hazardous currents in side and slot canyons.
Visitors and residents are urged to stay informed, avoid the closed areas, and conserve water while authorities assess damage and determine when infrastructure can be restored.
