Grand Canyon Flood Strands Hikers, Expands Closures

A powerful flash flood hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park on August 29, sweeping debris into the Colorado River and destroying most footbridges. The National Park Service says between a dozen and more than 20 hikers are missing or unaccounted for, with at least 62 people evacuated by helicopter from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and sections of the North Kaibab Trail remain closed, and a damaged water pipeline has prompted water conservation measures and a suspension of overnight lodging. Eyewitnesses described debris including a bunkhouse carried away; meteorologists recorded about 0.5 to 1 inch of rain in roughly 30 minutes. Officials are asking for information about missing hikers or backpackers and coordinating with Arizona authorities to continue evacuations. The incident highlights the dynamic landscape and ongoing rescue and recovery challenges in remote canyon terrain.