GRAND CANYON, AZ — Flash flooding in Bright Angel Canyon prompted an emergency air evacuation of roughly 50 people from the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday after water surged through the canyon around 2:30 p.m. National Park Service crews carried out the rescue as severe monsoon weather hit northern Arizona.
No injuries have been reported. Park officials closed Phantom Ranch and the entire North Kaibab Trail until further notice, and authorities are warning visitors to stay out of all closed areas while conditions remain unstable.
What Park Officials Closed
The closures are centered on one of the Grand Canyon’s most heavily used backcountry corridors. Phantom Ranch sits at the bottom of the canyon near the Colorado River, and the North Kaibab Trail is a major route used by hikers heading in and out of the inner canyon.
Concessionaire Xanterra is contacting guests about future reservations. Park officials have not announced when either area will reopen, and the immediate concern remains safety after floodwaters moved quickly through the canyon floor…