More than 20 people remain missing or unaccounted for following a sudden deluge that swept through sections of the Grand Canyon on Saturday afternoon. The flooding struck at approximately 14:30 local time (22:30 BST) in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area, according to the National Park Service (NPS). Rescue teams have successfully airlifted 62 people from the affected zone, with additional evacuations ongoing, though no injuries have been reported so far.
The incident prompted immediate closures of critical infrastructure in the region. According to the National Park Service, the North Kaibab Trail and all facilities at Phantom Ranch—including Bright Angel Campground, the canteen and cabins—were shut down beginning on 29 August at 14:30 local time due to the flooding and its aftermath.
Nikki Baggs, 41, was among those evacuated from the canyon floor alongside two companions. She described the moment the weather transformed from serene to catastrophic.
"The whole thing was terrifying. It was a beautiful day and then people were screaming, running."Baggs and her friends had just deposited their belongings at a cabin in Phantom Ranch—a secluded lodge situated at the bottom of the Grand Canyon—when they decided to explore the area and take advantage of the pleasant conditions. Within moments, torrents of water began advancing through the canyon.
Upon recognizing the danger, Baggs and her companions immediately sought higher ground, initially taking shelter at a picnic table. Park rangers then directed them to relocate to a different ledge, where they remained with other stranded visitors for several hours before being evacuated around 21:30 local time. From their elevated position, Baggs witnessed the destructive power of the floodwaters firsthand.
"We watched from higher ground as bridges were swept away."
Despite having anticipated a steak dinner at Phantom Ranch, Baggs expressed gratitude for the coordinated response from park personnel.
"It was a really uniquely coordinated effort. That's what made us feel safe about all of it in an unsafe situation."
Where are the missing people located?
The missing individuals were distributed across several specific zones within the inner canyon. According to reporting on the incident, those unaccounted for include hikers and backpackers on the North Kaibab Trail between the trailhead and Phantom Ranch, visitors at Bright Angel Campground, and people in an area known as "the Box" situated north of Phantom Ranch. The NPS has urged anyone with knowledge of hikers or backpackers in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday, or anyone holding a campground reservation in the affected area, to contact authorities to help account for potentially missing individuals.
What damage has the flooding caused?
The deluge inflicted substantial damage across portions of the canyon system. The NPS confirmed that flooding had caused significant destruction in certain areas, and multiple trails in the region remain closed. Baggs's account of witnessing bridges being swept away underscores the severity of the water's force and the infrastructure damage sustained.
What are the ongoing weather risks?
Park officials have warned of continued hazardous conditions in the days following the initial flooding. The NPS forecasted additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall for Sunday and Monday, which could trigger further flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and unpredictable changes to trail and river conditions. Park Service officials said Sunday afternoon that the public should provide information on the more than 20 people who may be missing or unaccounted for, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in locating those still unaccounted for.
Why is this area significant?
The Grand Canyon ranks among the most visited national parks in the United States, drawing approximately five million visitors annually. The Bright Angel Trail holds the distinction of being the park's most heavily trafficked hiking route, making the incident particularly consequential given the volume of people who typically use these facilities and trails during peak seasons.
Key Facts
- More than 20 people remain missing or unaccounted for after flash flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch on 29 August at 14:30 local time
- Sixty-two people have been airlifted to safety, with no injuries reported
- The North Kaibab Trail and all Phantom Ranch facilities, including Bright Angel Campground, were closed beginning 29 August at 14:30 local time
- Additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were forecast for the following days, creating ongoing risks of flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall
- The Grand Canyon receives approximately five million visitors annually, with Bright Angel Trail being its most popular hiking route
