GRAND CANYON, AZ. (THECOUNT) — Approximately 15 people remain unaccounted for following a powerful flash flood that swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park Saturday, prompting the evacuation of at least 62 people, according to the National Park Service.
The flooding struck Saturday afternoon after intense storms moved through the inner canyon. Park officials initially said more than 20 people could be missing or unaccounted for before revising the number to approximately 15 as efforts to account for hikers and backpackers continued.
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Additional evacuations were planned from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch. No injuries had been reported, according to park officials.
🚨 BREAKING: At least 20 PEOPLE are reportedly MISSING following a flash flood emergency at the Grand Canyon, per National Park Service
This is HORRIFIC. Search and rescue operations are underway.
Keep the victims in your prayers tonight 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/Xrb8GTT3mE
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 30, 2026
Hiker David Gregory told CNN that his group realized the danger when a creek near their campsite suddenly turned dark with debris and began rushing rapidly. The group was later rescued by helicopter.
The flood caused significant damage throughout Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating pedestrian access across the creek and leaving portions of the inner canyon inaccessible. Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and portions of the North Kaibab Trail were closed until further notice.
The National Park Service is asking anyone who knows hikers or backpackers who may have been in the affected Bright Angel Creek corridor on Aug. 29 to contact park investigators. Officials are also seeking information from people who had campground reservations in the affected area.
More thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were possible Sunday and Monday, creating the potential for additional flash flooding, debris flows and rockfalls. Evacuation and response operations remained underway as officials worked to account for those who may have been in the affected areas.
The Grand Canyon is located in northern Arizona, with the affected Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas situated deep within Grand Canyon National Park near the Colorado River.
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