Eleven visitors were stranded by flash flooding at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah on Monday afternoon after heavy rains swept through the area.
The hikers, who were in four separate groups, became trapped around 2:30 p.m. as floodwaters impacted several popular trails. Search and rescue teams, along with National Park Service personnel and emergency medical services, responded to the scene. Rescuers had to wait for conditions to improve before they could safely extract the stranded groups.
Following medical evaluations after their rescue, two hikers displayed signs of hypothermia and were transported to a hospital for treatment. The remaining nine hikers were released.
Monsoon Season Hazards
The flooding affected well-known trails including Fairyland Loop, Navajo Loop, Queen's Garden, and Peek-a-Boo Loop. The incident occurred during the Southwest's monsoon season, a period Bryce Canyon officials had previously warned visitors about. Park officials noted that August and September can bring rapidly changing weather, with intense afternoon thunderstorms developing even when conditions initially appear clear.
These storms can create hazards such as flash floods, trail washouts, rockfalls, and debris-filled waterfalls. The National Park Service advises visitors to remain aware of current conditions and to check weather forecasts, including flash-flood potential, before venturing onto trails. Park Superintendent Allana Olbrich emphasized the importance of information and awareness for visitor safety and enjoyment.
The National Park Service recommends checking park alerts and National Weather Service forecasts before entering the canyon and adjusting plans as weather conditions change.