ABOUT 15 people are missing or unaccounted for after flash flooding swept through parts of the Grand Canyon, forcing the evacuation of dozens of hikers and visitors.
The flooding struck at around 2.30pm local time on Saturday in the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
At least 62 people have been airlifted from the area so far, with more evacuations expected. No injuries have been reported.
Nikki Baggs, 41, was among those airlifted from the bottom of the Grand Canyon with two friends after being caught in the sudden flooding.
"The whole thing was terrifying," she told the BBC. "It was a beautiful day and then people were screaming, running."
Baggs said she and her friends had just left their belongings at a cabin in Phantom Ranch, a remote lodge at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, when they decided to go outside to enjoy the weather.
Within moments, floodwaters swept through the area.
As heavy rain began, Baggs and her friends moved to higher ground and sat at a picnic table before park rangers instructed them to move again to another ledge.
They remained there with other visitors for several hours before being evacuated at around 9.30pm local time.
Baggs said she and her friends had been looking forward to a steak dinner at Phantom Ranch but were instead grateful to be alive following the rapid response by park rangers.
"It was a really uniquely coordinated effort," she said.
"That's what made us feel safe about all of it in an unsafe situation."
The NPS initially said it was seeking information about more than 20 people believed to be missing or unaccounted for before revising the figure to "approximately 15".
The agency has urged anyone who knows of hikers or backpackers who were in the inner canyon along the Bright Angel Creek corridor on Saturday to come forward.
Floodwaters caused significant damage in parts of the area, with trails closed as authorities assess the situation.
Baggs said she and her friends watched from higher ground as bridges were swept away by the floodwaters.
The NPS released images showing extensive damage, including destroyed footbridges and debris left behind by the flooding.
Authorities have warned that further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast for Sunday and Monday, potentially triggering "additional flash flooding, debris flows, rockfall and changing trail and river conditions".
The Grand Canyon is among the most visited national parks in the United States, attracting about five million visitors each year.
The Bright Angel Trail is the park's most popular hiking route. - August 31, 2026
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