FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Diya TV) — Two people have died, and about 15 others remain missing after major flash floods swept through parts of Grand Canyon National Park over the weekend.
The powerful floods sent boulders, debris and damaged infrastructure into the Colorado River. A storm dropped heavy rain across the canyon in a short period, triggering fast-moving water in the steep terrain.
The National Park Service recovered the body of a 46-year-old man Sunday evening near Crystal Rapids on the Colorado River. Officials recovered a second body Monday. They have not released more details about either death.
Meanwhile, park officials continue to search for people who may have been in the hardest-hit areas when the flooding began Saturday afternoon.
The National Park Service urged anyone with information about hikers or backpackers in Bright Angel Canyon or near Phantom Ranch to contact park authorities. Search teams also continue to check the North Kaibab Trail, Bright Angel Campground and an area known as the Box, north of Phantom Ranch.
Officials said the number of missing people could change as they gather more information.
At least 62 people escaped the affected areas during evacuation efforts. However, the flooding caused extensive damage across the inner canyon.
Nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek collapsed or suffered major damage. As a result, people can no longer cross the creek safely on foot.
The National Park Service closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, and the Phantom Ranch Canteen until further notice. Officials also closed the North Kaibab Trail, Black Bridge, and Silver Bridge. They also restricted traffic to the Colorado River in the affected area.
The flooding also damaged the Transcanyon Waterline. The system normally carries water from the canyon for use in the park. Officials said about 40% of the waterline suffered damage.
The damaged system has left the park with limited water reserves. Therefore, officials have ordered significant water conservation measures.
About half an inch to an inch of rain fell in only 30 minutes in the area, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow in Flagstaff. Most of that water quickly ran off the rocky terrain.
The flooding also created a dangerous situation for visitors at Phantom Ranch.
Gabe Bergemann said he stayed at Phantom Ranch with his family when what looked like a powerful monsoon storm hit the campground. Rangers quickly ordered people to leave their cabins and cross a footbridge.
The group reached safety, but the flood destroyed the bridge about 10 minutes later.
David Gregory, who traveled with Bergemann’s family, said the rushing water carried debris through the area. He said cabins and equipment from a maintenance site became part of the debris field.
The group later left the canyon by helicopter.
Meanwhile, forecasters warned that more thunderstorms and heavy rain could hit northern and central Arizona. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch through Monday evening.
Officials warned that additional rain could cause more flash floods, debris flows, rockfalls and sudden changes in trail and river conditions. They also warned of dangerous currents in narrow canyons and normally dry washes.
The risk remains high because the ground has already absorbed significant rainfall. In addition, deep monsoonal moisture remains across the region.
Three earlier waves of rain had already increased water levels in local drainage areas. Then, the fourth wave brought the deadly flooding.
Forecasters also warned about runoff near the Dragon Bravo fire scar. A wildfire burned a large area there in July 2025, leaving the landscape more vulnerable to flooding and debris flows.
Grand Canyon National Park remains one of the most visited national parks in the United States. It recorded more than 4.4 million recreational visits in 2025.
For now, officials urge visitors to avoid closed areas and follow all safety warnings as crews continue rescue, evacuation, and damage assessment efforts.
