Overview
- Park rescue teams used helicopters to remove roughly 50 people from the Phantom Ranch area after floodwaters surged through Bright Angel Canyon, and no injuries were reported.
- Grand Canyon officials have closed Phantom Ranch and the entire North Kaibab Trail until crews can inspect trails and campsites for damage and safety risks.
- Concessionaire Xanterra is contacting affected guests about reservations and officials are warning the public not to enter closed areas of the park.
- The flash flood was part of a larger monsoon pattern that produced record heat in Phoenix, blowing dust advisories with gusts near 55 mph, and flash-flood watches for the Phoenix metro.
- Southwest monsoon storms can produce sudden, life‑threatening floods in slot canyons, so parks routinely keep trails closed until hazards are fully assessed and cleared.