Grand Canyon extends closures after flash flood killed two and left one missing

The Grand Canyon National Park will keep some areas closed through the weekend as crews continue responding to a flash flood that killed two people and left another missing.

The National Park Service said it was still assessing the damage and beginning repairs and stabilization work. Trails, bridges, public utilities and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed in the flooding.

The flood struck Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area on Saturday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of about 100 tourists. Rushing water pushed large rocks and debris into the Colorado River and destroyed nearly all of the footbridges over Bright Angel Creek.

The storm also damaged the park’s main water pipeline, prompting restrictions on consumption. The National Park Service said closures were needed to give response personnel safe access and keep visitors away from dangerous areas. Authorities urged people visiting during the U.S. Labor Day weekend to check which parts of the park were open. The Grand Canyon ranks fourth among the most visited U.S. national parks, recording more than 4.4 million recreational visits in 2025.

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It is essential to maintain safe access for response personnel and prevent visitors from entering dangerous areas while this work continues.