A significant flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park’s Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area prompted the evacuation of dozens of people and caused extensive damage to trails and infrastructure.
The flooding began at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. As of Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, according to the National Park Service.
Additional evacuations were planned Sunday from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch in coordination with the National Park Service and Arizona Department of Public Safety. Evacuees are being taken to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria on the South Rim, where the American Red Cross is providing assistance.
No injuries had been reported as of Sunday morning.
Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the entire North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch are closed until further notice. The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River are also closed.
The flooding caused significant damage throughout Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, leaving hikers without access across the creek. Park staff are continuing to assess damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities and other infrastructure.
The Colorado River is also closed to river traffic because metal structures and debris entered the river. River parties already in the canyon are receiving instructions from river operations rangers and through the Grand Canyon River Alert system.
Officials have not provided an estimated reopening date for the affected areas, and additional closures could be necessary as damage assessments continue.
More thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are possible Sunday and Monday, potentially creating additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfalls and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.
Hikers and river users should check the National Park Service’s latest trail and closure information before entering the canyon.
