Grand Canyon Flash Flood: More than 20 people are reportedly missing following a powerful flash flood in the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, United States. The sudden flooding struck the Bright Angel Creek, Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas, carrying large rocks, metal structures and other debris toward the Colorado River.
The National Park Service said it was working with Arizona authorities to evacuate visitors and determine the whereabouts of people who may have been in the affected areas. Officials have also appealed to the public for information about missing individuals and hikers who were in the region.
Grand Canyon Flash Flood Causes Major Damage
The flash flood began at Bright Angel Creek at around 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Fast-moving water destroyed footbridges and dramatically changed sections of the landscape.
Videos from the area showed large amounts of water and debris moving through the canyon. The flooding also appears to have widened parts of the creek bed and created a new rapid in the Colorado River.
🇺🇸: Flash floods sweep Grand Canyon, 62 evacuated and more than 20 still missing.
— World In Last 24hr (@world24x7hr) August 30, 2026
A flash flood hit Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch at Grand Canyon National Park on Aug. 29, 2026. By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated with no injuries reported; officials say… pic.twitter.com/BT2YxN49uy
Jack Schmidt, director of the Centre for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, described the event as another example of how rapidly the Grand Canyon’s landscape can change.
What Caused the Flash Flood?
National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow said around 0.5 to 1 inch of rain fell within roughly 30 minutes in the area.
Because the Grand Canyon has steep terrain, much of the rainfall quickly flowed downhill, producing a sudden surge of water and debris.
Bright Angel Creek flows from the North Rim toward the Colorado River, dropping roughly 6,000 feet (1,828 metres). The steep elevation change can make heavy rainfall particularly dangerous in the region.
Hikers Evacuated From Phantom Ranch
At least 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch by Sunday morning, according to the National Park Service. Additional evacuations were also planned.
Phantom Ranch, located near the Colorado River, includes a historic canteen and accommodation facilities and is a popular stop for river rafters.
No injuries had been reported at the time of the update.
Grand Canyon Areas Closed After Flooding
Several popular areas were closed while officials assessed the damage, including:
- Bright Angel Campground
- Phantom Ranch
- Sections of the North Kaibab Trail
- Parts of the Colorado River used for rafting
The National Park Service also warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could bring further flash floods, debris flows, rockfalls, and rapidly changing trail and river conditions through Monday.
Officials continue to assess the damage and search for people who may still be unaccounted for in the affected areas.
