One person remains missing in the Grand Canyon following devastating flash floods that swept through the park, leading to the rescue of 80 hikers and the recovery of two bodies. The incident occurred on Saturday around 2:30 p.m. near the Colorado River, where heavy rainfall caused flash floods to inundate trails, sweeping away hikers and backpackers.
Search crews utilized night vision goggles and other specialized equipment to locate and rescue individuals during the deluge, according to Incident Commander Dave Black. By sunset on Saturday, 45 people had been rescued, with an additional 37 evacuated on Sunday. Authorities initially searched for 15 missing hikers, but through checks of the park's permit system and vehicle license plates, the number was narrowed down to one missing individual.
The flash flooding caused significant damage to the park's infrastructure, notably the sole water pipeline into the canyon, raising concerns about future water availability. Forecasters also warned of the potential for more flooding. As a precautionary measure, tourists have been temporarily barred from lodges and hotels within the Grand Canyon National Park, and emergency water restrictions have been imposed on year-round residents.
The flooding occurred in a remote area of the canyon frequented by hikers traveling between the rims, near popular lodges and camping areas. The National Weather Service reported that approximately half an inch to an inch of rain fell within a 30-minute period in the steep, rocky terrain.
Witnesses described the event as a massive deluge, with videos from the scene showing mudslides tearing through the landscape and large accumulations of debris floating in the water. Hiker Daniel Evans recounted being warned by rangers to evacuate as the rain intensified, describing the fear of a potential wall of water. Gabe Bergemann and his family were at Phantom Ranch when a monsoon-like event hit the campground, forcing them to evacuate across a footbridge that was destroyed shortly after their passage.
Among the victims was John Giusti, a 53-year-old Texas chiropractor, who was on a trip with two friends. His wife stated he was fulfilling a lifelong dream of exploring the Grand Canyon. A second body was recovered on Monday, though details about the victim have not yet been released.
The park's Transcanyon Waterline, a 12.5-mile pipeline constructed in the 1960s, sustained severe damage. Grand Canyon Deputy Superintendent Brian Drapeaux anticipates miles of the pipeline may be destroyed. The pipeline, undergoing a $208 million rehabilitation project expected to conclude next year, supplies water to visitors and approximately 1,600 residents of Grand Canyon Village. While sufficient water is available in storage tanks to last about two weeks, these will not be refilled while the pipeline is out of service.
Visiting the Grand Canyon during the summer monsoon season carries inherent risks of flash flooding. The lack of vegetation in areas like the Dragon Bravo fire scar from July 2025 exacerbates runoff, allowing water to flow more rapidly down the steep canyon slopes. A strong El Niño is contributing to higher water vapor in the atmosphere, leading to more intense rainfall events in the southwestern United States.