When a sudden, monsoon‑driven storm hit Bright Angel Canyon on Saturday afternoon, the torrent turned the cliff‑side into a raging river. The flood ripped footbridges, sent boulders downstream, and forced the National Parks Service to evacuate dozens of hikers.
Sixty‑two people were airlifted out of the canyon, while the body of a 46‑year‑old man was recovered near Crystal Rapids. The park is still searching for 15 people who are missing or unaccounted for.
"The whole thing was terrifying," said Nikki Baggs, 41, one of the hikers rescued. Baggs and two friends had been staying at Phantom Ranch before heading for a scenic walk. They joined a group of others at a high‑ground picnic table, later moved to a different ledge under rangers’ guidance and were evacuated after a tense wait.
The flood was an unexpected power of the westward‑moving monsoon storms that bring warm, moist air from the Gulf of California into Arizona. Because the ground is dry, heavy rain can surge suddenly, producing flash floods and leading to dangerous lightning and wildfire risks.
The National Weather Service has issued floods forecasts across Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, and more moderate storms are expected on Monday. Trail closures and safety alerts remain in force, while overnight accommodations on the South Rim are closed until further notice.
If you or someone you know was hiking in the Bright Angel Creek corridor and is missing, contact the park or fire department immediately. Stay tuned for updates on the search and rescue and safety information for the canyon’s next monsoon‑driven storms.
