20 Hikers Unaccounted for After ‘Significant’ Flash Flooding Swept Through Grand Canyon

**Grand Canyon National Park Sees Flash Flooding, Twenty Hikers Reported Missing**

A catastrophic flash flood swept through Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on Saturday, 29 August 2026, leaving devastation in its wake and prompting the search for twenty unaccounted hikers. The flooding, described by officials as “significant,” struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas, resulting in the destruction of several footbridges and the scattering of debris across the Colorado River.

The National Park Service (NPS) reported that large boulders, along with metal structures and other materials, were deposited into the iconic river. Following the deluge, emergency evacuations were undertaken, with dozens of individuals needing assistance in leaving the area. In light of the situation, officials are appealing to the public for help in locating the missing persons.

“We ask anyone who may have seen or been in contact with hikers or backpackers in the Bright Angel Creek corridor on the day of the flood to come forward,” stated the NPS in a public announcement. The agency is particularly keen on reaching those who had campground reservations in the affected areas or who had trekked along routes such as the North Kaibab Trail to Phantom Ranch.

Joelle Baird, a spokesperson for Grand Canyon National Park, confirmed that the individuals now reported missing were either engaged in backcountry hikes within the inner canyon or were believed to have been participating in day hikes in the vicinity of North Kaibab and Phantom Ranch. Initially, it was estimated that around 15 hikers were unaccounted for, but this figure has since risen to 20.

The flooding event began around 2:30 p.m. local time, and the response to the crisis saw around 62 individuals evacuated from one of the nation’s most popular tourist destinations. In their report, the NPS noted the sweeping destruction of nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek, which effectively severed pedestrian access across the creek and intensified the urgency of rescue efforts.

Evacuation efforts included transporting those displaced to the Maswik Lodge Cafeteria located on the South Rim of the canyon. The American Red Cross joined in to provide support and aid for those affected, further highlighting the community effort to respond to the disaster.

In terms of search efforts, helicopters were deployed by the Park Service and the Arizona Department of Public Safety to survey the North Kaibab Trail corridor and the Colorado River itself, stretching from the mouth of Bright Angel Creek to Deer Creek Narrows. Unfortunately, no missing individuals were spotted during these aerial searches, leaving families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones.

Additionally, the NPS issued warnings regarding the potential for renewed thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, which could lead to further flash flooding, debris flows, and hazardous changes to the landscape. Consequently, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the entirety of the North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch are closed until further notice to ensure the safety of the public.

The agency is urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the missing hikers to reach out via the Investigative Services Branch tip line. Interested individuals can submit tips anonymously by either calling (888) 653-0009 or emailing nps_isb@nps.gov. Those contributing information are encouraged to provide relevant details about the missing person, including their name, travel plans, and the last known location.

As the search continues amidst the ongoing threat of additional adverse weather conditions, the NPS remains committed to finding those who are missing while ensuring the safety of the visiting public. The recent flooding serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather events and their capacity to disrupt even the most serene natural landscapes.