Authorities are trying to determine the whereabouts of about 15 people after a powerful flash flood swept through a remote section of the Grand Canyon, triggering an urgent appeal from the National Park Service.
Grand Canyon National Park reported that, as of Sunday morning, 62 people had been evacuated from Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, which were hit by significant flooding on Aug. 29.
Park officials are now asking anyone with information to help account for roughly 15 individuals who may have been in the flood-impacted area when the waters surged through.
“Additional evacuations are planned today,” the park said, adding that thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could continue Sunday and Monday, increasing the risk of more flash flooding, debris flows and rockfall.
Floodwater and debris are visible in Bright Angel Canyon following a significant flash flood near Phantom Ranch on Aug. 29, 2026. (J. Thompson/NPS Photo)
The flooding struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Aug. 29, according to the National Park Service, adding that nearly all footbridges spanning Bright Angel Creek were destroyed.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said state emergency officials are coordinating with federal and local authorities as the search continues.
“My heart is with the families and loved ones of every person unaccounted for after the flash flooding at the Grand Canyon,” Hobbs wrote on X. “DEMA is coordinating with NPS and Coconino County Emergency Management to support search and recovery efforts.”
She also thanked first responders “working to keep our communities safe when disaster strikes.”
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes called the flash flooding “devastating” and thanked first responders for searching for those still unaccounted for and evacuating others from the affected area.
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“The physical damage includes a historic lodge near the bottom of the site and untold environmental upheaval,” Fontes said in a statement. “I send my prayers to the community as the search for those unaccounted for continues.”
Debris and muddy floodwater are seen near the Phantom Ranger Station entrance after flash flooding swept through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. (X/@GrandCanyonNPS)
Park staff and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are continuing evacuation and response operations as they work to account for people who may have been caught in the affected corridor.
Officials are asking anyone with information about hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along Bright Angel Creek that day to contact investigators.
The request also applies to anyone with a campground reservation in the affected area.
The National Park Service said it is trying to identify people who may have been traveling on the North Kaibab Trail between the North Kaibab Trailhead and Phantom Ranch, staying at Bright Angel Campground or traveling through an area known as “the Box” north of Phantom Ranch.
The agency did not release details about the people who may be missing or unaccounted for, including whether they were hikers, campers or park visitors with reservations in the area.
The American Red Cross is opening a shelter at 8 p.m. at Grand Canyon High School, 100 Boulder St. in Grand Canyon Village, for people impacted by the flooding. Those seeking more information can call 1-800-733-2767.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or nps_isb@nps.gov.