Grand Canyon trails reopen after deadly flooding in August

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

Several inner-canyon trails at the Grand Canyon have reopened after flash floods in August and September killed three men.

Several inner-canyon trails at the Grand Canyon have reopened following flash floods that struck in late August and September. The South Kaibab Trail below The Tipoff, the entire River Trail connecting the South Kaibab to the Bright Angel Trail, and part of the Bright Angel Trail between Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens have reopened, with the latter section accessible to hikers only.

Three men on a multiday trip to hike, fish and camp were killed in the floods. The flooding resulted from a combination of factors beyond rainfall alone. The Dragon Bravo wildfire, which destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge at the North Rim in 2025, left a burn scar above the canyons where flooding occurred, including above the Bright Angel Trail area.

Hikers face substantial restrictions. Water will remain off at Mile-and-a-Half and Three-Mile Resthouses and Havasupai Gardens through winter, requiring hikers to bring their own water and treatment supplies. The Black Bridge, Silver Bridge, Phantom Ranch and North Kaibab Trail remain closed. Hikers should expect delays and possible intermittent closures along the Bright Angel Trail as clearing work continues.

The National Park Service warns that damaged infrastructure could affect rescue operations, with emergency rescues potentially taking longer than usual or being impossible depending on conditions.

How it is being reported

• Several Grand Canyon trails reopen after deadly, destructive floodingParts of the Grand Canyon are reopening months after deadly flash floods, but hikers face water outages, closures and serious rescue concerns.KOLD · 26 Oct, 23:03
• Several Grand Canyon trails reopen after deadly, destructive floodingParts of the Grand Canyon are reopening months after deadly flash floods, but hikers face water outages, closures and serious rescue concerns.Azfamily · 26 Oct, 23:03

In this story: Grand Canyon National Park · Grand Canyon · Dragon Bravo wildfire · North Rim · Colorado River

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