More than 60 people were evacuated as flooding damaged footbridges, closed popular trails and knocked out the park’s main water pipeline.
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ — One person died and about 15 people remained missing or unaccounted for after a major flash flood swept through parts of the Grand Canyon, forcing dozens of evacuations and causing extensive damage to trails, bridges and the park’s main water system.
The National Park Service said Sunday night that the body of a 46-year-old man had been recovered near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. Officials did not immediately release his identity or additional details about the death. The agency’s latest estimate of about 15 people unaccounted for was lower than an earlier working figure of more than 20 as authorities gathered information about hikers, campers and other visitors who may have been in the affected area.
The flooding began at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, in Bright Angel Canyon and around Phantom Ranch, a remote destination near the bottom of the canyon. By Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, according to the Park Service. Additional evacuations were planned from Cottonwood Campground and other affected areas with help from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Park officials said nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, cutting off normal pedestrian crossings and leaving crews to assess damage to trails, utilities, buildings and other infrastructure. Large boulders, metal structures and other debris were also pushed into the Colorado River. River traffic in the affected area was suspended while rangers evaluated conditions and directed river groups already inside the canyon.
The Park Service asked for information about people who may have been hiking or backpacking along the Bright Angel Creek corridor when the flooding occurred. Authorities were particularly trying to account for visitors who may have been on the North Kaibab Trail between the trailhead and Phantom Ranch, at Bright Angel Campground or in the narrow section of canyon known as the Box. Officials cautioned that the number of people unaccounted for could continue to change as visitors are located and travel plans are confirmed.
The flood also damaged the Transcanyon Waterline, the system that carries water from the inner canyon to facilities used by visitors and residents. With the line out of service and water reserves limited, the park announced Stage 4 water restrictions for the South Rim beginning at noon Monday. Overnight hotel accommodations inside the park were also being suspended beginning Aug. 31, while day use remained open.
The lodging restrictions affect major properties inside the park, including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village. Dry camping will still be allowed, although most campground water spigots on the South Rim will be shut off. Food and beverage services, the Grand Canyon Clinic and the Post Office are expected to remain open, though some operations may have reduced hours. Lodging outside the park in Tusayan is not covered by the restrictions.
Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail remained closed until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge across the Colorado River were also closed. Officials said there was no estimated reopening date and warned that other inner-canyon closures could become necessary as crews inspected the damage.
The flooding followed intense rainfall over steep terrain. National Weather Service meteorologist Darren McCollum told The Associated Press that roughly one-half inch to 1 inch of rain fell in about 20 minutes on a rocky slope after earlier storms had already soaked the area. The combination caused water to run rapidly into Bright Angel Creek and surrounding drainages. Additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall remained possible through Monday, bringing the risk of more flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and quickly changing trail and river conditions.
The flood comes as parts of the Grand Canyon remain especially vulnerable to runoff following the Dragon Bravo Fire, which affected several North Rim watersheds that drain toward the Colorado River, including Bright Angel Creek. The Park Service has warned that burned terrain can produce rapid flooding and debris flows during heavy monsoon storms because damaged soils and vegetation are less able to slow runoff.
Search, evacuation and damage-assessment efforts were continuing as authorities worked to determine who was still missing and whether additional people remained in isolated sections of the canyon. The Park Service said the affected trails, campgrounds and river crossings would remain closed while conditions are evaluated and water service is stabilized.
Author note: Last updated August 31, 2026.