Several Grand Canyon trails reopen in wake of deadly flash flooding

Several inner-canyon trails that were closed after deadly flash flooding at the Grand Canyon in August have reopened, the National Park Service announced Monday.

The flash flooding killed three people and caused more than 80 to need to be rescued.

Hikers are now able to explore the South Kaibab Trail below the Tipoff as well as the entirety of the River Trail, which connects South Kaibab to the Bright Angel Trail. The Bright Angel Trail has reopened for hikers between Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens, but remains closed for stock use as trail crews are still repairing some of the damage.

Due to the technical repairs still being made along Bright Angel Trail, hikers should be prepared for intermittent closures and delays and follow crew instructions and posted signage. The park service noted that hikers should give themselves extra time and be prepared for slower travel as the closure times may change with little notice.

Hikers were also advised to bring their own water and filtration or treatment equipment as water will remain off at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, Three-Mile Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens for the remainder of the winter season.

The park service added that response times may be delayed in the inner canyon, stating that being rescued is not guaranteed. It emphasized that hikers need to assess their abilities, understand the risks before starting their trip and be prepared for changing conditions.

The entire North Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, Black Bridge and Silver Bridge remain closed. Anyone who enters the areas while the closure is in place could be cited.

Before visiting the national park, hikers should check the park’s key hiking messages for current trail condition, water availability, closures and more.

Related

IQ score of 53 could spare Phoenix mother from death penalty in daughter’s killingCalifornia man gets life sentence for conspiring to kill barber in ScottsdaleFormer World Series champ Cody Ross puts Scottsdale home on the market for $14MOutside groups pour millions into Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District in final weeksAuthorities ask public for help finding Mercedes linked to deadly hit-and-run on I-17 in Phoenix2026 Arizona propositions: What to know about all 8 ballot measures