Flash flood tears through Grand Canyon, leaving 15 hikers missing and dozens evacuated
A terrifying flash flood has swept through a creek leading to the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, prompting the evacuation of dozens and leaving at least 15 hikers feared missing.
Image is an AI-generated illustration, not a real photograph.
A sudden flash flood tore through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area of Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday, August 29, 2026, leaving approximately 15 hikers unaccounted for. The torrent of water, caused by heavy rainfall, swept large debris into the Colorado River and destroyed nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek, significantly altering the landscape.
In response to the dangerous conditions, park authorities evacuated at least 62 individuals from the affected areas, including Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail, with additional evacuations planned. As a result, several popular spots, including Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the North Kaibab Trail, have been closed indefinitely. No injuries have been reported among those evacuated so far.
The National Park Service, in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Public Safety, is continuing search and response operations to locate the missing individuals. Authorities have also warned that more thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are anticipated, which could lead to further flash flooding and changing trail conditions in the Grand Canyon.
What each outlet emphasizes
- CNN: reports on 15 people missing and dozens evacuated after the flash flood.
- BBC: emphasizes the 'terrifying' nature of the flood and hikers being airlifted.
- AP: notes dozens evacuated from a creek leading to the Colorado River.
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