Grand Canyon flash flood forces evacuation for 60; At least 20 unaccounted for

Spencer Levering, Las Vegas Review-Journal on Aug 30, 2026

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A large flash flood swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday, prompting 62 people to be evacuated from the area throughout the weekend.

The National Park Service said Sunday that more than 20 people may be missing following the flood. Officials are seeking information from the public to account for them as park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety continue evacuation and response efforts. No injuries were reported as of Sunday morning, park officials added.

Bright Angel Canyon stretches from the Colorado River to the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, a roughly 260-mile drive from Las Vegas. Phantom Ranch, at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, has cabin lodging and is a popular destination for hikers and mule riders.

Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins and the entire North Kaibab Trail are closed until further notice, park officials said Sunday. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge, which both cross the Colorado River, are also closed until further notice.

“There is currently no estimated reopening date for these areas and other inner canyon closures may be necessary,” park officials said.

The flash flood created significant infrastructure damage throughout Bright Angel Canyon, according to the park service. Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, officials said, and park staff are continuing to assess the damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure.

The Colorado River is also closed to river traffic until further notice due to metal structures and debris entering the river, park officials said. Visitors with upcoming river trips should contact their commercial outfitter or National Park Service River Permits for trip-specific information.

The National Park Service is asking anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor Saturday, as well as anyone who had a campground reservation in the affected corridor, to provide information to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.

This includes individuals who may have been traveling along the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground, or traveling or staying in the area known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch.

If you know of anyone who may have been hiking or backpacking in these areas, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009.

When submitting a tip, please provide any information you have about the individual, including their name, approximate location, travel plans, group size, clothing or backpack description, or when they were last known to be in the area. You do not have to provide your name.

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