Grand Canyon Flash Flood Leaves One Dead, 15 Missing & All South Rim Hotels Shut Down

The U.S. National Park Service is seeking information on 15 individuals who are unaccounted for after a “significant” flash flood event in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Aug. 29, 2026. At least one victim has already been identified.

More than 60 people were evacuated from the area on Sunday morning after the flood hit on Saturday afternoon.

The areas impacted by the flooding includes the Bright Angel Creek corridor, the North Kaibab Trail, and Phantom Ranch. The North Kaibab Trail and Phantom Ranch are closed until further notice, as is the Colorado River, which was inundated with metal structures and debris.

Additionally, starting tonight, Aug. 31, overnight guest lodging on the South Rim will be closed to guests for the foreseeable future. This includes hotel facilities operated by Xanterra, such as El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, and Phantom Ranch, as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village.

The flooding also caused extensive damage to the park’s main waterline, which is currently not operational. The entirety of Grand Canyon National Park has limited water reserves and will require water conservation measures for the time being.

More rain is expected over the next two days, which could lead to more dangerous flash flooding.

A spokesperson for Trafalgar, which operates packaged tours in the region told TMR, “While current Trafalgar guests have not been directly impacted, several groups are affected by the closure of lodging within the park. The Trafalgar team is closely monitoring the situation, working to secure alternative accommodations and assessing the impact on future groups. Day visitation remains unaffected, and guests will continue to visit the Grand Canyon as scheduled in their itineraries.”

“Trafalgar’s thoughts are with those affected by the flash flooding at the Grand Canyon.”

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the flash flooding in the Grand Canyon… South Rim lodges cannot accommodate overnight guests through September 6,” said Andy Stiles, general manager, Grand Canyon South Rim. “Affected guests are being contacted directly. Lodging may be available at our Tusayan sister hotels, The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon and Grand Canyon Hotel and Suites. While our team has made every effort to rebook guests with existing reservations who are affected by this issue, refunds have been issued to those guests who could not be accommodated.”