Rescue operations continued Monday for at least 15 hikers and backpackers still unaccounted for after a devastating flash flood tore through the lower Grand Canyon over the weekend, claiming at least one life. The National Park Service, alongside local rescue teams, has been scouring the area after evacuating dozens of visitors by Sunday, including several airlifted by helicopter from a remote, vehicle-inaccessible section of the park.
Search Intensifies Amid Threat of More Severe Weather
Officials said the heightened search efforts come as they brace for another round of potentially destructive weather conditions. The body of a 46-year-old man was recovered from Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River, the park service confirmed Sunday evening. His name has not been released.
On Monday, approximately 7 million people were under a flood watch spanning a vast region of the Southwest, from southern Arizona to northern Colorado. The risk zone includes the Grand Canyon and extends westward into Utah, according to current weather projections. The most severe flooding threat was identified just north of the Grand Canyon.
Phantom Ranch and Trails in Danger Zones
Phantom Ranch, a historic lodge at the bottom of Grand Canyon National Park, and a nearby trail were designated as primary danger zones following the flooding. Park service officials reported that all footbridges along Bright Angel Creek were destroyed in the major flooding event that began Saturday, eliminating all crossings for hikers. Campsites and hiking paths in the vicinity have been closed until further notice.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Flood's Fury
Images from the scene show rivers of muddy water barreling through lowlands, sweeping cabins away from campsites and carrying branches and other debris. Evacuated visitors were still reeling from the experience.
David Gregory told NBC News that he crossed a footbridge to safety from Phantom Ranch just before the structure was wrecked by the flooding. He was later airlifted out of the area. “It was kind of crazy hearing after that the bridge that we crossed was wiped out, kind of makes you think that maybe we should have been in more of a panic,” he said after being taken to safety with about 50 others.
Another video captured a male visitor on a footbridge marveling at the natural disaster under his feet. “We’re cooked!” the man exclaimed.
Public Assistance Sought in Identifying Missing
The park service is asking for the public’s help in identifying anyone who may have been traveling through the affected area. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs expressed her concern on X, writing, “My heart is with the families and loved ones of every person unaccounted for after the flash flooding at the Grand Canyon.” Hobbs noted that the state Department of Emergency and Military Affairs and Coconino County Emergency Management are assisting the park service in the search.
