08/30/2026
Yesterday afternoon at about 2:30 p.m., flash flooding began down in the Grand Canyon in Bright Angel Canyon where the North Kaibab Trail passes through. It was reported that Bright Angel Creek was flowing about nine feet higher than usual. It was serious enough that about 50 people had to be airlifted from the Phantom Ranch area. There have been no reported injuries.
Footbridges have been washed out across the creek. Damage to the area has closed down Phantom Ranch and the entire North Kaibab Trail for the foreseeable future. Traditional rim-to-rim hiking is likely closed down for the remainder of the season.
There have been many serious flash floods through this canyon over the decades, the worst being in December 1966 when a 1000-year flood destroyed the entire trail along with the trans-canyon water pipeline that was being built. During that event, about ten inches of rain fell in six hours and continued for three days. It destroyed much of Phantom Ranch.
Photo: Bridge washed out near Phantom Ranch - from 12news.com
