A major Grand Canyon Flood Rescue operation is under way after sudden flash flooding swept through parts of the Grand Canyon, leaving about 15 people missing or unaccounted for and forcing emergency crews to evacuate dozens of visitors from the area.
The flooding hit Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch on Saturday afternoon. Officials said heavy rainfall caused water levels to rise quickly, sending powerful floodwaters through sections of the canyon where hikers and visitors were spending the day.
Rescue teams responded soon after the flooding began. Authorities confirmed that 62 people were airlifted to safety. More evacuations are expected as crews continue to search the area and check on visitors who may still be stranded.
No injuries have been reported so far.
The number of people believed to be missing changed as rescue efforts progressed. Early reports suggested that more than 20 people could not be located. Later reviews reduced that figure to approximately 15 people who remain missing or unaccounted for.
Park officials are working to identify everyone who was in the affected area when the flooding occurred. Search teams are also asking the public for information about hikers and backpackers who were traveling through the inner canyon on Saturday.
One visitor who experienced the flood described how quickly conditions changed.
Nikki Baggs, 41, was visiting Phantom Ranch with two friends when the storm arrived. She said the weather had been pleasant for most of the day. After checking into their cabin, the group headed out to enjoy the canyon.
Within a short time, rain began to fall heavily.
Baggs said people around the area suddenly started shouting and running as water rushed through the canyon. What had been a calm afternoon quickly turned into an emergency.
She and her friends immediately moved toward higher ground. At first, they gathered near a picnic area above the floodwaters. Later, park rangers instructed them to move again to a safer location as conditions continued to worsen.
The group remained there with other visitors for several hours while emergency teams organized evacuations.
Baggs and her friends were eventually taken out of the canyon by helicopter later that evening. She said the experience was frightening but praised the response from park staff.
According to Baggs, rangers acted quickly and gave clear directions throughout the emergency. Their efforts helped visitors stay safe during a difficult and uncertain situation.
The flood left visible damage across several parts of the canyon. Witnesses reported seeing structures swept away by the fast-moving water. Officials later confirmed that footbridges in the area were destroyed.
Photos released by park authorities showed damaged pathways, debris, and muddy conditions left behind by the flooding. Several trails have been closed while crews inspect the damage and determine when the routes can safely reopen.
The closures may remain in place for some time as workers assess the impact of the storm.
Weather remains a major concern for rescue teams. Forecasts indicate that more thunderstorms and heavy rainfall could affect the region over the next several days.
Officials warned that additional flash floods remain possible if new storms move into the area. They also noted that visitors could face other hazards, including falling rocks, unstable ground, debris flows, and rapidly changing river conditions.
Because of these risks, travelers have been urged to avoid restricted areas and follow all instructions from park staff.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Around five million people travel to the site every year to experience its famous landscapes and hiking trails.
Among those trails is the Bright Angel Trail, a popular route that attracts large numbers of hikers throughout the year. The flooding occurred near areas frequently used by visitors exploring the canyon.
As rescue operations continue, officials remain focused on locating everyone who may still be missing. Emergency crews are expected to remain active in the area while weather conditions are monitored closely.
Authorities said public safety remains the top priority as search teams work through challenging conditions created by the storm and its aftermath.
