Flash Floods in Grand Canyon: Many Missing and Infrastructure Destroyed

At least 20 people are missing or unaccounted for after flash floods hit a remote area of the Grand Canyon, including a historic lodge near the bottom of the site, officials reported on Sunday.

The National Park Service seeks information on anyone who may have been hiking or backpacking along the Bright Angel Creek. This includes campers who planned to stay at Phantom Ranch or the Bright Angel Campground. Officials are also trying to locate travelers who could have been stranded along the North Kaibab Trail.

By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail. Further evacuations from Phantom Ranch and the Cottonwood Campground were anticipated.

Park officials noted that footbridges along the Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating hiker access across the creek. Additionally, some Colorado River crossings were closed while damage assessment is ongoing.

The flash flood resulted in significant impacts to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon.”
— National Park Service

Remnants of stone bridge pylons remain along Bright Angel Creek following the flood that destroyed the footbridge on August 29.

Phantom Ranch is only accessible by hiking, raft, or mule transport. It has been a cherished Grand Canyon spot since it opened in 1922.

Traffic on the Colorado River was also halted due to the risk of floating debris.