Grand Canyon expands inner canyon trail closures after destructive flash flood
South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails are now closed below the Tonto Trail, cutting off access to Phantom Ranch and the river corridor.
TOPSHOT - The campsite at Bright Angel Creek corridor at the Grand Canyon, which was hit with flash floods is seen from Grand Canyon Village, Arizona, on August 31, 2026. More than 20 people may be missing after the flash flood in Grand Canyon National Park according to the National Park Service. The floods hit the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch area on Saturday, the service said, adding that it was working with Arizona authorities to evacuate people and account for individuals in the affected area. (Photo by Ian Maule / AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by Ian Maule / AFP via Getty Images)
Even more of the Grand Canyon National Park is closing as crews assess damage from the Aug. 29 flash flood that tore through Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area, park officials announced Thursday.
Effective immediately, the South Kaibab Trail below the Tip-Off and the Bright Angel Trail below its intersection with the Tonto Trail are closed to visitors.
The new closures come on top of earlier shutdowns of the North Kaibab Trail, Cottonwood Campground, Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and the Black and Silver bridge, effectively cutting off hiker access to the canyon’s popular rim-to-river corridor.
Commercial and private river trips are still launching at Pipe Creek Beach along the Bright Angel Trail, park officials said.
Park staff and partner agencies are conducting damage assessments and beginning repair work on trails, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure that the flood damaged or destroyed.
There is no estimated date for reopening. The park said decisions will be based on conditions on the ground and its ability to safely restore access.
The flood forced dozens of evacuations Aug. 29 and knocked out the waterline serving the South Rim, where Stage 4 water restrictions took effect Monday.
Overnight accommodations at El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, Maswik Lodge, Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village were shut down as water reserves dwindled, though the park remains open to day visitors.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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