Flash Floods Threaten Grand Canyon: Hikers Missing After Sudden Surge

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:30:43 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A sudden flash flood in Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel area leaves 20 people missing while authorities airlift 62 hikers to safety.

An unexpected torrent of water rolled through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch precinct this Saturday, leaving over 20 hikers unaccounted for. The National Park Service reports no injuries but 62 people have already been extracted by helicopter. Mencha of trails are closed, and forecasters warn that further storms could spark more flash floods, rockfall, and debris flows. Authorities are urging anyone who was in the Crosstown Creek corridor to contact them. The Grand Canyon, seen by about five million visitors annually, runs its most popular hike, the Bright Angel Trail, which is now hampered by the flooding.

By Madeline Halpert | Published 30 August 2026

Hikers Feared Missing After Flash Flooding Hits Grand Canyon

More than 20 people are thought to be missing or unaccounted for after flash flooding swept through parts of the Grand Canyon.

The surge hit at around 14:30 local time (22:30 BST) on Saturday in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

So far, 62 hikers have been airlifted out of the area, with further evacuations expected. No injuries have been reported to date.

The NPS has noted significant damage in some trail sections and has closed affected routes. Authorities warn that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast for Sunday and Monday, potentially leading to more flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and changing trail and river conditions.

The agency is calling on anyone who may have known hikers or backpackers along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday to contact them. The Grand Canyon remains one of the most popular U.S. national parks, drawing about five million visitors each year, and the Bright Angel trail is its most frequented hike.

The Phantom Ranch area can only be reached by foot, mule, or rafting the Colorado River, according to the park lodges.

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