Hikers Vanish As Flash Flood Sweeps Through Grand Canyon

Rescue workers are searching for over a dozen hikers who went missing after a flash flood ripped through the Grand Canyon over the weekend. 

The National Park Service confirmed that at least 15 people were missing or unaccounted for in remote areas of the canyon after heavy rain on Saturday caused flash flooding. At least one 46-year-old man was killed during the flooding as authorities anticipate more severe weather to hammer the area on Monday. 

The flooding occurred Saturday in Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch. Bright Angel Canyon is reached by the most popular trail in the Grand Canyon, and Phantom Ranch is a well-known area at the bottom of the canyon where overnight lodging cabins are available.

Both areas were closed Saturday following the heavy rainfall, and over 62 people were evacuated by Sunday morning. 

“The flash flood resulted in significant impacts to infrastructure throughout Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating hiker access across the creek,” the National Park Service said. 

NPS Photo: J Thompson.

“Grand Canyon National Park staff, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are continuing evacuation and response efforts and working to account for individuals who may have been in the affected area,” the National Park Service said Sunday. 

Authorities also said that the Colorado River, which runs through the canyon, would be “closed to river traffic until further notice due to metal structures and debris entering the river. River parties already in the canyon are receiving direction through river operations rangers and the Grand Canyon River Alert system.”

The 46-year-old man found dead was discovered around Crystal Rapids, a well-known and challenging section of the Colorado River.

Evacuated hiker David Gregory said rescue efforts likely saved his life. 

“I definitely think we could have gotten caught up in that side creek, and if we would have fallen in or the water carried us in, I think it would have been game over,” he told AZ Family. “Because that creek was moving so quickly, there was so many rocks and tree branches and then once you get into the Colorado River, it was like a whirlpool in there with all the debris circling around.”

The National Park Service asked anyone who knows of someone hiking in the area or with a camping reservation to flag authorities. 

More rain is expected on Monday that could cause further flooding and damage to park infrastructure.