In brief
A catastrophic flash flood struck the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area, generating at least 20 missing hikers and 62 rescues by helicopter. No injuries were reported, but the National Park Service closed key trails and warned of further storms. The NPS has called for anyone who may have been hiking or backpacking in the flooded corridors to come forward. The disaster underscores the vulnerability of the park’s most popular hike, the Bright Angel Trail, during heavy rainfall.
A heavy thunderstorm that struck the Grand Canyon on the afternoon of Saturday triggered intense flash floods in Bright Angel Canyon and the nearby Phantom Ranch area, according to the National Park Service (NPS). The storm left more than 20 people unaccounted for, while 62 hikers and travellers were successfully airlifted to safety by helicopter.
Authorities reported that no injuries were sustained during the inundation, though the floods caused significant damage to trails and infrastructure. The NPS closed various sections of the Bright Angel Trail and surrounding routes, and has warned that additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected across Sunday and Monday, which could lead to further flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and altered trail conditions.
The NPS urged anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers who may have been inside the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday to contact park officials immediately. With about five million visitors each year, the Grand Canyon remains the United States’ most frequented national park, and the Bright Angel Trail is its most popular hike.
The rescue operations continue to unfold, with more helicopters expected to land in the area over the coming days. Park officials also highlighted that the Phantom Ranch area can only be reached by foot, mule, or by rafting the Colorado River, which may pose additional risks during flooding conditions.
