Grand Canyon flash flood leaves one dead and about 15 missing

A significant flash flood hit Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon.

The flooding began around 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

A 46-year-old man's body was recovered Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River.

The National Park Service initially said more than 20 people may have been missing or unaccounted for.

At least 62 people were evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail.

Additional evacuations were planned Sunday, including from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch, with the Arizona Department of Public Safety helping.

The flood swept large boulders, metal structures and other debris into the Colorado River.

Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed.

Floodwaters widened the creek bed and appeared to form a new river rapid.

The flood knocked out the park's water pipeline that serves tourists and residents.

Overnight stays at lodges and hotels inside the park were halted starting Monday because the water line was out.

Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the canteen and cabins, and the North Kaibab Trail were closed until further notice.

The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River were also closed until further notice.

Colorado River traffic was halted because of debris in the water.

The National Park Service asked the public for information about hikers and campers who may have been in the affected inner canyon.

The search included the North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Campground, and the area known as the Box north of Phantom Ranch.

Evacuees were taken to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross was helping.

Officials said no injuries had been reported among those accounted for.

About a half-inch to an inch of rain fell in a short burst on steep rocky slopes.

Officials warned more thunderstorms and rain Sunday and Monday could bring more flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall.

The National Weather Service had a flash flood watch in effect through Monday evening.

The National Weather Service warned that raging killer currents would be possible in side canyons and slot canyons.

Hiker Parth Desai said the group saw the creek flood, waterfalls, boulders, mud and landslides.

The park recorded about 4.4 million recreational visits in 2025.

The Bright Angel Trail is the park's most popular hike into the canyon.

The park said water-conservation measures were needed to keep remaining supplies available.

The flood caused significant damage to infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon.

Parth Desai was hiking a narrow Bright Angel Canyon passage with other physicians and a ranger when the downpour started.

David Gregory said his group crossed a footbridge that was destroyed minutes later.

David Gregory said a creek near camp turned black with debris and flowed rapidly.

David Gregory's group was flown out of the canyon by helicopter.