Search and evacuation operations are continuing in a remote section of Grand Canyon National Park after a major flash flood struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Aug. 29, 2026. The National Park Service said 62 people had been evacuated by Sunday morning and asked the public for information about approximately 15 people who may remain unaccounted for. Nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, while additional storms threatened to complicate the response.
Park personnel, Arizona emergency agencies and local authorities are working to identify hikers, campers and other visitors who may have been in the affected corridor. The search involves areas along the North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Campground and a section known as the Box. A Red Cross shelter has also been opened for people affected by the flooding.
| 1) | Search focuses on people unaccounted for |
| 2) | Flood damage disrupts the inner-canyon corridor |
| 3) | Agencies coordinate evacuations and recovery |
| 4) | Officials seek information from visitors and families |
| 5) | More severe weather threatens response efforts |
Search focuses on people unaccounted for
The National Park Service said approximately 15 people may have been in the Bright Angel Creek corridor when flooding struck on Aug. 29. Their status had not been confirmed by Sunday morning, and officials did not provide names or say whether those individuals were hikers, backpackers, campers or visitors holding reservations.
The agency is asking anyone who has information about people in the affected area to contact investigators. The request covers visitors traveling between the North Kaibab Trailhead and Phantom Ranch, people staying at Bright Angel Campground and those moving through the Box, a canyon section north of Phantom Ranch.
Flood damage disrupts the inner-canyon corridor
The flash flood sent muddy water and debris through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, a remote section at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The National Park Service reported that nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, making movement through the corridor more difficult and limiting access for rescuers and evacuees.
The flooding also damaged infrastructure, including a historic lodge near the bottom of the canyon. Officials described environmental damage and debris near the Phantom Ranger Station entrance. The destruction has affected both visitor facilities and routes commonly used by people traveling between canyon trails and Phantom Ranch.
Agencies coordinate evacuations and recovery
By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety were continuing evacuation and response operations while working to account for people who may have been caught in the flood.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said state emergency officials were coordinating with the National Park Service and Coconino County Emergency Management.
“DEMA is coordinating with NPS and Coconino County Emergency Management to support search and recovery efforts,” Hobbs said.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes also thanked first responders and described the damage as devastating.
Officials seek information from visitors and families
Investigators are seeking information from anyone who saw or communicated with hikers and backpackers in the inner canyon on Aug. 29. People with campground reservations in the affected area are also being asked to make contact so officials can compare visitor records with confirmed evacuations.
Information can be provided to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or by email at nps_isb@nps.gov. The public request is intended to help authorities determine who was present, who has safely left the area and who may still require assistance.
More severe weather threatens response efforts
The National Park Service warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rain were possible on Sunday and Monday. Such conditions could produce more flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall, creating risks for visitors and emergency crews and potentially delaying planned evacuations.
The American Red Cross opened a shelter at 8 p.m. at Grand Canyon High School, 100 Boulder St. in Grand Canyon Village, for people affected by the flooding. Those seeking additional information about the shelter can call 1-800-733-2767. Officials have not released further details about the unaccounted people or reported their conditions.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | About 15 people may be unaccounted for after the Aug. 29 flood. |
| 2 | At least 62 people had been evacuated by Sunday morning. |
| 3 | Nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed. |
| 4 | State, federal and local agencies are coordinating the response. |
| 5 | More storms could bring additional flooding, debris flows and rockfall. |
Summary
The Grand Canyon response remains focused on locating or accounting for approximately 15 people who may have been in Bright Angel Canyon and near Phantom Ranch during the flash flood. Evacuations have moved dozens of people to safety, but destroyed crossings, damaged facilities and renewed storm threats continue to complicate access. Authorities are relying on visitor information and coordinated work among park, state and local agencies to guide the search and recovery effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the flash flood occur?
The significant flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Aug. 29, 2026.
How many people may be unaccounted for?
Officials are asking for information about approximately 15 people who may have been in the affected area.
Where can people report information?
Information can be reported to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or at nps_isb@nps.gov.
