Grand Canyon Flood Prompts Evacuations and Search Effort
A flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park has prompted evacuations and a search for more than 20 people who may be missing or unaccounted for. The flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29, 2026, damaging infrastructure and creating hazardous conditions in the remote inner canyon.
As of Sunday morning, park officials reported that 62 people had been evacuated from the affected area. Additional evacuations were planned as National Park Service personnel and the Arizona Department of Public Safety continued response operations. Nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, complicating travel and rescue efforts along the canyon corridor.
Officials warned that thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could continue Sunday and Monday. The forecast raised concerns about additional flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall, all of which could endanger visitors and emergency personnel.
The National Park Service is seeking information about hikers, backpackers, campers and other visitors who may have been near Bright Angel Creek when the flooding occurred. Investigators are particularly focused on people traveling along the North Kaibab Trail between the North Kaibab Trailhead and Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or passing through the narrow section known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch.
The agency is also asking people with campground reservations in the affected area, or anyone who knows someone who may have been there, to provide information. Officials have not released identities or further details about those who remain unaccounted for.
Anyone with relevant information can contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or send an email to [email protected]. Emergency teams continue to monitor weather conditions, conduct evacuations and work to determine the status of every person potentially affected by the flood while response efforts proceed across the damaged, isolated inner canyon area.