The National Park Service has confirmed that more than 60 individuals were evacuated from Grand Canyon National Park following the onset of flash flooding on August 29. Additional evacuations remain scheduled as the park monitors ongoing hazardous conditions, with officials anticipating further thunderstorms and heavy downpours over the coming two days.
Authorities are requesting that any individuals who were hiking or backpacking within the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on August 29 come forward. This request specifically includes anyone who held a campground reservation in the affected area, those traveling along the North Kaibab Trail between the North Kaibab Trailhead and Phantom Ranch, visitors staying at Bright Angel Campground, or those present in the area known as "the Box" north of Phantom Ranch. Information can be reported to the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch via the tip line at 888-653-0009.
The park has enacted closures for several areas until further notice as staff conduct damage assessments. Currently, there is no established date for when these locations might reopen, and officials have noted that additional closures within the inner canyon may be required. Significant damage has been reported, with nearly all footbridges crossing Bright Angel Creek destroyed. Furthermore, the Colorado River is closed to all river traffic due to the presence of debris in the water.
Visitors with upcoming river trips are encouraged to contact their specific outfitter or the National Park Service River Permits office. Those holding reservations for Phantom Ranch will be contacted directly by the park’s concessionaire, Xanterra.
Contributing: Jose R. Gonzalez, Arizona Republic
