Flash Flooding Closes Phantom Ranch and North Kaibab Trail
A significant flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area has closed several major inner-canyon destinations and routes at Grand Canyon National Park. The flooding began at approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 29, and park officials report substantial damage to trails, bridges, utilities, facilities, and other infrastructure.
As of the morning of August 30, 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail. More evacuations were planned from Cottonwood Campground and Phantom Ranch in coordination with the National Park Service and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. No injuries had been reported in the latest information provided by the park.
Phantom Ranch and North Kaibab Trail closed until further notice
Grand Canyon National Park has closed Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins, and the full North Kaibab Trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch. There is no estimated reopening date for these locations.
The flooding caused major impacts throughout Bright Angel Canyon. Nearly all footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, which means hikers can no longer cross the creek along those routes. National Park Service staff are continuing to evaluate damage and determine what other inner-canyon closures may be needed.
- Phantom Ranch is closed until further notice.
- Bright Angel Campground is closed until further notice.
- The entire North Kaibab Trail is closed from the North Kaibab Trailhead to Phantom Ranch.
- The Black Bridge and Silver Bridge over the Colorado River are closed until further notice.
- Additional inner-canyon closures may be necessary as damage assessments continue.
Visitors planning hikes or overnight trips should check the park’s Key Hiking Messages webpage for the latest trail and closure information before traveling.
Colorado River traffic also suspended
The Colorado River is closed to river traffic until further notice because metal structures and debris entered the river during the flooding. River parties already in the canyon are receiving instructions from river operations rangers and through the Grand Canyon River Alert system.
People with upcoming river trips should contact their commercial outfitter or the National Park Service River Permits office for information specific to their trip. The park’s release does not provide an estimated date for when river traffic may resume.
More storms could change conditions
Additional thunderstorms and heavy rainfall were possible on August 30 and August 31. The National Park Service warned that more rain could bring flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall, and further changes to trail and river conditions.
Because the damage assessment is ongoing, visitors should rely on the latest Grand Canyon National Park closure notices and hiking messages rather than assuming that a route or facility is available. Conditions may change as park staff continue inspecting Bright Angel Canyon and the surrounding inner-canyon infrastructure.
Official source: Read the original Grand Canyon National Park news release.
For more current park information, see Grand Canyon News & Updates.
GrandCanyonVisitorCenter.com is an independent visitor-information resource and is not operated by the National Park Service.
