GRAND CANYON VILLAGE, AZ — Flash flooding at Grand Canyon National Park has left about 15 people unaccounted for and forced 62 evacuations, according to park officials. The flooding hit Saturday afternoon in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas, where water, mud and debris swept through the landscape.
No injuries have been reported so far, but the National Park Service said it is asking the public for help identifying people who may be missing. More evacuations were planned for Sunday as crews continued working through the affected area.
Floodwater tore through Bright Angel Creek
The park said the flood in Bright Angel Creek, which flows into the Colorado River, pushed large boulders, metal structures and other debris downstream. Officials said footbridges over the creek were wiped out and the terrain was changed significantly.
Park staff also reported that the creek bed widened and what appeared to be a new rapid formed in the river corridor. The damage made clear how quickly flash flooding can reshape the canyon floor and surrounding trails.
Parth Desai, who was hiking in Bright Angel Canyon with a group of doctors and a park ranger when the storm arrived, described waterfalls appearing suddenly, along with boulders, mud and landslides moving through the area.
Closures remain in place across the park
Popular visitor areas, including Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch and parts of the North Kaibab Trail, stayed closed Sunday while officials surveyed the damage. Rafting trips on the Colorado River were also halted for now.
The National Park Service said it is coordinating with the Arizona Department of Public Safety as the response continues. Officials have not said when the closed areas will reopen, and the extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Jack Schmidt, director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, said the event was a reminder of how active and changing the Grand Canyon landscape can be. His comments came as crews dealt with the aftermath and prepared for more work.
More storms are forecast through Monday
Weather concerns are not over yet. More rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the Grand Canyon area into Monday, raising the risk of additional flooding while search and cleanup efforts continue.
Officials said the focus remains on locating people who may still be missing or unaccounted for and on safely clearing the park’s damaged routes and facilities. Visitors heading to the area should expect ongoing restrictions and possible new evacuations if conditions worsen.
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