2 dead, 1 missing after Grand Canyon flash flood
More than 60 people were evacuated after floodwaters destroyed bridges, damaged a crucial waterline and closed popular trails.
AccuWeather’s Ariella Scalese explains how monsoon rain triggers canyon flooding.
A flash flood tore through the floor of the Grand Canyon on Saturday, leaving at least two people dead and one person remains missing as crews continued searching the damaged canyon corridor.
John Giusti, 46, was found Sunday night near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River, park officials said. Brent Rosenkranz, 42, was recovered during search and recovery in Bright Angel Canyon. Both hikers were from both of Granbury, Texas.
"One member of the hiking group remains missing," the NPS said. "Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams continuing efforts to locate the missing hiker and account for anyone else who may have been in the affected area at the time of the flood."
Flooding in Grand Canyon National Park on Aug. 29, 2026. (Image: NPS)
The flooding began Saturday afternoon in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, a remote section of Grand Canyon National Park accessible only by hiking, mule or rafting the Colorado River.
The deadly flooding situation was caused as deep atmospheric moisture was directed toward the Grand Canyon area by a southwesterly flow aloft, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Heather Zehr.
A radar loop between 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. EST on Aug. 29, 2026 near Grand Canyon National Park.
"This was between a sprawling area of high pressure over the southern Plains and a low pressure area along the West Coast. With this moisture in place, thunderstorms that developed over the region brought bursts of very heavy rainfall which was funneled downstream by the canyon walls," Zehr said. "Despite storms moving quickly, this resulted in flash flooding with rapid water rises and very swift water flow."
Zehr said between three and four rounds of rain dropped a couple inches over several hours.
The heavy rain fell across steep terrain and poured into Bright Angel Creek, sending water, mud, rocks and debris surging through the narrow canyon.
Search underway for missing hikers
Heavy rain caused severe flash flooding to drench Utah’s Zion National Park, leaving behind mud, rocks and debris in the area. Floodwaters poured from this cliff and into the roadway.
Grand Canyon National Park personnel and the Arizona Department of Public Safety were working to account for people who may have been hiking or camping along the Bright Angel Creek corridor.
Authorities are particularly seeking information about anyone who was traveling on the North Kaibab Trail, staying at Bright Angel Campground or visiting an area known as “the Box,” north of Phantom Ranch.
Nearly all footbridges across Bright Angel Creek were destroyed, eliminating access across the waterway and complicating search and evacuation efforts, park officials said.
At least 62 people had been evacuated from Phantom Ranch and the lower North Kaibab Trail as of Sunday morning.
Anyone with information about a potentially missing hiker or backpacker is asked to contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch at 888-653-0009.
Flood closes Phantom Ranch and Colorado River
Flooding in Grand Canyon National Park on Aug. 29, 2026. (Image: NPS)
The flooding caused widespread damage to trails, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure throughout the inner canyon.
Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, the Phantom Ranch Canteen and cabins and the entire North Kaibab Trail were closed until further notice. The Black and Silver bridges across the Colorado River were also closed.
River traffic was halted after metal structures and other debris washed into the Colorado River. Rangers were providing instructions to rafting groups already inside the canyon.
The flood also severely damaged the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water to the park. The line was not operational Monday, leaving the South Rim with limited reserves.
The NPS said preliminary assessments indicate approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline was damaged or destroyed.
Beginning Monday, the park halted overnight hotel accommodations and restricted camping to dry camping. The South Rim remained open to day visitors, but officials urged residents and visitors to conserve water.
Additional thunderstorms threaten the canyon
A photo captures a lightning strike in the Grand Canyon National Park before a deadly storms starts to roll in on Aug. 29, 2026. (Image: CHRISTOPHER DRY/CNN)
The threat of flooding was not over Monday. AccuWeather forecast a couple of heavy thunderstorms in the Grand Canyon area through early Monday evening, with the potential for additional flash flooding and localized damaging wind gusts.
Another afternoon thunderstorm is possible Tuesday.
Canyons and arroyos can be dangerous places to hike or camp in during the North American monsoon season. Even storms miles away can quickly funnel into narrow canyons and normally dry washes. AccuWeather experts warn a wall of water can move rapidly downstream at a pace too fast to escape. This is why it is important to not only be aware of the weather at the location, but in the hills and mountains upstream.
Park officials warned that additional storms could cause more flash flooding, debris flows, rockfalls and rapidly changing trail and river conditions.
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