ARIZONA — At least 20 people are missing or unaccounted for after flash floods struck Grand Canyon National Park on August 29, 2026. The National Park Service has launched a search and information-gathering effort while coordinating large-scale evacuations from the inner canyon.

The agency is asking for information about hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29. Officials are seeking details on individuals traveling along the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch. The search also includes those staying at Bright Angel Campground and individuals traveling or staying in the area known as 'the Box' north of Phantom Ranch.

It is asking for information about anyone with a campground reservation in the affected corridor. The Investigative Services Branch tip line is 888-653-0009.

Infrastructure in the canyon sustained heavy damage during the event. Footbridges along Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating hiker access across the creek. Certain Colorado River crossings were closed while damage is assessed.

"The flash flood resulted in significant impacts to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon," the agency said. "Grand Canyon National Park staff are continuing to assess damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure." Phantom Ranch is accessible only by hiking, raft, or mule transport, complicating rescue and assessment operations.

Closures remain in effect across the affected areas. Bright Angel Campground is closed until further notice. Phantom Ranch, Phantom Ranch Canteen, and cabins are closed until further notice.

The entire North Kaibab Trail from North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch is closed until further notice. Black Bridge and Silver Bridge crossing the Colorado River are closed until further notice. Colorado River traffic was shut down due to the risk of floating debris. There is currently no estimated reopening date for the closed areas. Visitors with upcoming river trips are advised to contact their respective outfitter or NPS River Permits. Visitors with Phantom Ranch reservations will be notified by park concessionaire Xanterra. The park said more flash floods and hazardous conditions were possible over the next two days with potential thunderstorms and downpours.

Timeline

Flash flooding began on August 29, 2026. Also on August 30, 2026, the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch tip line is 888-653-0009.

By Sunday morning, August 30, 2026, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail. On August 30, 2026, the agency noted that the flash flood resulted in significant impacts to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon.

What's New

Later reporting provided additional details on the scale of the evacuation. Azdailysun.com reported that more than 60 hikers were evacuated by air from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park this weekend during a significant flash flood event. That the National Park Service said it was conducting an aerial evacuation of approximately 50 individuals in the Phantom Ranch area. FOX 10 Phoenix reported that 50 individuals were airlifted from the Phantom Ranch area after floodwaters surged through the canyon around 2:30 p.m. Additional information identified the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch tip line as 888-653-0009. The National Park Service and Arizona Department of Public Safety are coordinating evacuations from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch.

Why It Matters

The flash flood event has disrupted access to key inner-canyon facilities and trails, leaving at least 20 people missing or unaccounted for. The destruction of footbridges along Bright Angel Creek and the closure of major crossings like the Black Bridge and Silver Bridge have eliminated standard hiker access routes. Phantom Ranch, a primary lodging destination accessible only by hiking, raft, or mule transport, remains closed along with the surrounding campground and trail systems. The National Park Service indicated that more flash floods and hazardous conditions were possible over the next two days, extending the period of risk for any remaining individuals in the area and delaying damage assessments.