Deadly Flash Floods Impact Travel at Grand Canyon National Park

Image: Grand Canyon, Arizona. (Photo Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe)
Image: Grand Canyon, Arizona. (Photo Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe)
Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 8:55 AM ET, Mon August 31, 2026

At least one person has died and more than a dozen people are missing after flash flooding at Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park over the weekend.

Dramatic video posted to social media showed hikers and campers fleeing powerful flood waters that damaged paths and bridges along trails and also prompted harrowing rescue efforts Saturday afternoon.

The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered from the Colorado River on Sunday.

"The National Park Service is asking the public to provide information for approximately 15 individuals who may be missing or unaccounted for following a significant flash-flood event in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on August 29," NPS said in a news release over the weekend.

"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."

According to the park's official website, "the entirety of the North Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and Silver and Black Bridges are closed until further notice."

"The NPS is conducting an air evacuation of approximately 50 individuals from the Phantom Ranch area. Xanterra will inform guests with future Phantom Ranch reservations about the status of their reservations. Please do not attempt to access the closed areas," authorities said.

Meanwhile, overnight lodging and Stage 4 water restrictions take effect on Monday.

"Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim beginning August 31 at noon due to extensive flash flood damage to the Transcanyon Waterline," the park website states. "Overnight accommodations will close, and only dry camping will be permitted."

"The park will remain open for day use, with food and beverage services, the Grand Canyon Clinic, and Post Office remaining open. Visitors and residents are asked to conserve water."


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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