Grand Canyon National Park Evening Update | Oct. 3

Members of the Incident Management Team trail crew completed the construction of a temporary foot bridge. Stabilization efforts in the Phantom Ranch area of the inner-canyon of Grand Canyon National Park are complete. Future operations will shift from the IMT to park staff as recovery efforts continue in the park.

Grand Canyon National Park remains open on both the South Rim and North Rim, with modified operations and closures in some affected inner-canyon areas. Visitors should check current park conditions before traveling, arrive prepared with drinking water and conserve water throughout their visit.

Stage 4 water restrictions remain in effect after the flash flood on Aug. 29, which destroyed a water intake pump and other infrastructure that supplied water to facilities on the South Rim.

Visitors and residents are asked to conserve water by using designated portable bathrooms, handwashing stations and potable water tanks. When possible, visitors are asked to bring their own water for drinking and other needs.

NPS photo ~ The Incident Management Team trail crew pose for a picture on their completed temporary foot bridge near Phantom Ranch, Oct. 3.

Grand Canyon National Park Evening Update | Sept. 21

Department of Interior staff continue to stabilize and re-establish access to infrastructure in the inner canyon by clearing pathways filled with extensive debris from the Aug. 29 flash flood. This vital work helps re-establish supply lines and critical access as the National Park Service Incident Management Team continues to manage response efforts.

Crews are focused on redefining trail routes, clearing large amounts of debris and improving safety and access for workers in the Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground and Bright Angel Creek delta areas. This work is helping establish safer routes for crews and equipment as recovery efforts continue.

Grand Canyon National Park remains open on both the South Rim and North Rim, with modified operations and closures in some affected inner-canyon areas. Visitors should check current park conditions before traveling, arrive prepared with drinking water and conserve water throughout their visit.

For up-to-date information about the status of specific trails and restrictions, please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website.

If you have questions about a hotel reservation within the park, please check with your concessionaire. They will have the most updated information related to your reservation.

Stage 4 water restrictions remain in effect after the flash flood on Aug. 29, which destroyed a water intake pump and other infrastructure that supplied water to facilities on the South Rim.

Visitors and residents are asked to conserve water by using designated portable bathrooms, handwashing stations and potable water tanks. When possible, visitors are asked to bring their own water for drinking and other needs.

NPS photo ~ Trail crews remove debris and re-mark trails near Phantom Ranch Cabins, Sept. 21.

Grand Canyon National Park Evening Update | Sept. 14

Today, planning teams worked to refine the stabilization strategy for Phantom Ranch and drafted location and evacuation maps to support safe operations in the area.

Engineers and contractors continued preparation and construction on the new water intake project at the delta. Short and long-term planning also advanced for projects identified through damage assessments, with project tracking and milestone documents being developed to guide recovery efforts.

On the South Rim, crews responded to a leak in a portable water tank at Desert View and redistributed portable toilets to high-use areas. Four additional accessible mobile shower units were placed throughout the community. Sixty cases of bottled water were distributed to NPS administrative buildings, the community center, school and daycare.

NPS Photos ~ While the utilities in Phantom Ranch Area were heavily impacted by the flood, the structures remain mostly intact.

Grand Canyon National Park Evening Update | Sept. 13

Efforts to restore the water supply advanced today at the delta, where contractors used excavators to establish the footprint for the new water intake project. A wastewater treatment operator was also inserted to test the wastewater treatment plant as crews prepare to return the system to limited service.

At Phantom Ranch, a Starlink/FirstNet system was transported and installed, providing Wi-Fi and cellular service for crews in the area. Restoring these services is an important part of emergency stabilization efforts and will support overnight operations at Phantom Ranch while reducing the number of daily flights needed to support crews.

On the South Rim, the water treatment plant contractor is preparing to begin startup and testing once the new delta intake is able to provide raw water to the plant. The contractor is working closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality on approval to operate the plant as testing ramps up.

Information Technology personnel are repairing two of three dispatch consoles damaged by a lightning strike on August 31.

The Assessment Team continued work to process field data to develop cost estimates, project scopes and recovery plans.

Search efforts continue along the river corridor for the one person who remains unaccounted for following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.

We remain grateful to the search and rescue personnel, partner agencies, park employees, concessioners and community members who continue to work together through this response.

Photo 1 ~ Excavator works in new Phantom Ranch water intake site.

Photo 2 ~ New Phantom Ranch water treatment plant remains intact.

Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the significant August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search operations remain active, while crews continue infrastructure assessments, stabilization work and efforts to restore a reliable water supply to the South Rim. 
The park now has a path forward to restore water service and, based on current progress, expects that work to take weeks, not months. 

Crews are moving forward with construction of a temporary water intake at Bright Angel Creek to replace the intake destroyed by the flood. Engineers are in the canyon designing the temporary intake, the existing Transcanyon Waterline contract has been modified to support the work, and construction activities are beginning this week. 

The temporary intake is being designed to pump approximately 500 gallons per minute, the same capacity available before the flood. Once operational, it will allow water to move through the new Transcanyon Waterline system and begin replenishing South Rim storage while work on a permanent intake continues. 

The August 29 flood caused extensive damage to the legacy Transcanyon Waterline, including approximately 40% of the old pipeline between the Phantom Ranch area and the North Rim. The Bright Angel Creek and Roaring Springs intake areas also sustained significant damage. 

Importantly, the new pipeline infrastructure on the south side of the canyon was not damaged by the flood. Prior to the flood, the park was just over a month away from beginning operation of the new system. The park is now accelerating work that was already underway to bring that infrastructure into service. 

Electrical service necessary to support work on the temporary intake system has been restored, debris removal is underway, and crews continue preparing the site for construction. 

Testing and commissioning work is being accelerated at the new South Rim water treatment plant. The National Park Service is working closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to meet applicable requirements and bring the plant online safely and as quickly as possible. 

While repairs move forward, water conservation remains critical.

The South Rim continues to rely on stored water. During the latest operational period, stored water declined approximately 0.37 feet, compared with approximately 0.7 feet per day under normal operating conditions. 

Current conservation measures are offsetting approximately 137,000 gallons of potable water use each day,  extending the amount of time available for crews to complete critical work on the water system. 
The park is asking residents, employees, visitors, businesses and partners to continue conserving. Every gallon saved gives crews additional time and flexibility to complete the temporary intake and restore the system. 

Teams are also actively monitoring the distribution system for leaks and unusual water use. Some leaks can be addressed immediately, while others require a more careful calculation. Certain repairs require the affected portion of the water system to be flushed before it can safely return to service. In some cases, flushing would consume more water than the leak is currently losing. Crews are evaluating each situation individually to determine which action will conserve the greatest amount of water overall. 

To further reduce demand on the South Rim system, potable-water tanks, bottled drinking water, handwashing stations, portable showers, laundry facilities and portable toilets are being deployed throughout the community. Five 2,500-gallon potable-water tanks have already been placed, with additional tanks planned. More than 13,500 gallons of potable drinking water has also been staged throughout the South Rim. 

The park is also evaluating responsible options for supplementing the water supply. Any water introduced into the existing system must meet specific water-quality and chemical compatibility requirements to avoid damaging the distribution and treatment systems. The National Park Service is working with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, contractors and potential suppliers to evaluate those options. 

South Rim tap water remains safe to use, and there is no boil-water advisory in effect. 

Grand Canyon National Park remains open on both the South Rim and North Rim. Visitors should expect modified operations and closures in affected inner-canyon areas and should check current park conditions before traveling. Visitors to the South Rim are encouraged to arrive prepared with drinking water and to conserve water throughout their visit. 

Search operations also remain active following the August 29 flood. One person remains missing and unaccounted for. Search teams continue working in the delta area near Phantom Ranch, while river patrol crews are searching downstream along the Colorado River and adjacent areas where flood debris may have been carried. 

The National Park Service and its partners remain committed to the search while response, repair and longer-term recovery work continues throughout the affected area. 

Grand Canyon National Park will continue providing updates as work progresses

NWS: Flood Watch for entirety of Colorado River from 8/12 12PM - 8/13 12AM. Flash flooding and elevated flows possible.

National Park Service personnel and partner agencies are searching for a missing hiker on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. 

At approximately 5 p.m. on July 21, the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report from an individual who said he had become separated from his hiking partner. The two were hiking in a remote area of the North Rim near the park's northeast boundary along Forest Service Road 610 (Dog Saddle). 

The missing hiker has been identified as Gerald Guinn, 83, of Kanab, Utah. 

Search efforts began July 21 and include personnel from Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino County Search and Rescue, and Kane County Search and Rescue. Operations on July 22 are focused on ground searches as well as aerial searches using drones and helicopters. 

Guinn is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 140 lbs. with gray hair. He was last seen wearing a tan long sleeved shirt, blue jeans, and a ball cap. He was not carrying any hiking gear or camping equipment. 

Anyone who may have seen Guinn or has information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the NPS ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009. 

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, AZ — Officials in Northern Arizona have positively identified remains found last year as those of a man who went missing in the Grand Canyon National Park area in 2012.

William Anthony Ott, a hiker from Oregon, set out for a solo hike in the area of the Hualapai Indian Reservation on April 5, 2012. 
The 65-year-old man was set to return on April 28, but hadn't been seen since he was dropped off for his trip. 

According to a missing person flyer from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, he did not have a cell phone with him, but he did have a GPS.

On Tuesday, CCSO said DNA testing by the Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed that human remains found by members of the Hualapai Tribe in December 2025 are those of Ott.
The remains were reportedly located in the general area where the original search had taken place.
No other information about the finding or Ott's disappearance was released.

Affected Areas

Coconino, AZ

Timing

Until 7/21/2026, 10:15:00 PM MST

Details

FFWFGZ

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
The Bright Angel Creek Basin below the Dragon Bravo Fire scar in...
Coconino County in north central Arizona...This includes the
Colorado River between river miles 87 and 89...and between river
miles 99 and 100.

* Until 1015 PM MST.

* At 714 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing
heavy rain over the Bright Angel Creek Basin below the Dragon Bravo
Fire scar. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing
flash flooding in and around the Bright Angel Creek Basin
below the Dragon Bravo Fire scar.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of areas in and around the
Bright Angel Creek Basin below the Dragon Bravo Fire scar.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
Phantom Ranch, North Rim Visitor Center, Cape Royal Point, Bright
Angel Point and Vista Encantada.

This includes the Colorado River between river miles 87 and 89...and
between river miles 99 and 100.

This includes the following recreation areas and campgrounds...
Ribbon Falls, Bright Angel Campground, North Rim Campground,
Cottonwood Campground, Clear Creek Camp Site, Upper Cremation Camp
Site, Lower Cremation Camp Site, Roy's Beach Camp Site, Boat Beach
Camp Site, Crystal Camp Site, Ego Beach Camp Site, Above Tuna Creek
Camp Site, Above Tuna Rapids Camp Site, Manzanita Rest Area and
Roaring Springs.

This includes the following creeks, washes and rivers...
Kwagunt Creek, Crystal Creek, Zoroaster Canyon, Clear Creek, Bright
Angel Creek, Lava Canyon, North Canyon, Shinumo Creek, Slate Creek,
South Canyon, Nankoweap Canyon, Tuna Creek, Unkar Creek and
Colorado River.

Recommended Actions

Flash flooding is occurring or imminent downstream of the Dragon
Bravo Fire scar. Severe debris flow are expected downstream of the
North Rim into Bright Angel Creek and Crystal Creek. Campers and
hikers should get away from creeks and move to higher ground
immediately! Stay away or be swept away!

The National Park Service is inviting the public to review and comment on a draft programmatic agreement that outlines how historic properties will be considered during planning and implementation of fire management activities at Grand Canyon National Park. Public comments will be accepted from July 16-August 15, 2026.  

The draft agreement outlines the framework for the Section 106 compliance process required under the National Historic Preservation Act; it does not authorize any projects. This Section 106 compliance process helps to ensure historic properties are considered when planning and carrying out fire‑related work. The draft agreement replaces and updates the Park’s expired 2009 agreement, expanding the Section 106 scope to include fire management activities below the canyon rim and the use of mechanical, non‑fire fuel reduction treatments throughout the park. 

The draft agreement is being developed in consultation with the Arizona State Historic Preservation Officer and the 12 Tribes that were consulted on the 2009 programmatic agreement.  

How to submit comments: 
During the comment period, individuals and organizations can submit comments electronically through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website. Visit the project page at the PEPC site using the provided link and select “Open for Comment.” 

All comments become part of the public record and may be publicly available at any time, including personal information submitted with comments. The NPS will respond to substantive comments on the PEPC website after the review period closes. 

Effective July 11, 2026, the National Park Service (NPS) has issued a drinking water advisory for all water in the vicinity of Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and along the North Kaibab Trail. This includes the Phantom Ranch Canteen, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Delta Restroom, Phantom Boat Beach, Cottonwood Campground, and Manzanita. Bright Angel Trail water sources remain unaffected.

All drinking water in these areas should be boiled or treated. These processes should be applied to water for any consumptive use, including drinking, making ice, preparing food, washing dishes and brushing teeth.

If treating water:

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions on water filtration systems.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions on water treatment tablets.
• To boil water, fill a pot with water, heat it at ground level, and allow bubbles to form. Allow water to boil for at least one minute. Cool completely before drinking.

The advisory will remain in effect for at least 48-hours or longer until the NPS and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality are confident there is no longer a public health concern. Visitors and residents in all other areas of the park are not affected by the advisory.

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park law enforcement rangers are asking for the public’s help identifying an individual involved in damage to a Hopi headpiece inside Desert View Watchtower on Wednesday, June 17.

The incident occurred sometime between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the ground floor of the watchtower, near the fireplace. According to witnesses, a male visitor climbed onto historic handcrafted furniture near the fireplace to take a photo. The furniture tipped beneath him, and the individual reached out to steady himself, striking the Hopi headpiece and causing it to fall. The headpiece broke in two places and was damaged in three others.

After the fall, park staff assisted the visitor with a first aid kit. The visitor and an adult woman believed to be his daughter left the Watchtower shortly afterward, before law enforcement rangers were notified or able to identify them.

The male visitor is described as a Caucasian-American man in his 60s or 70s, approximately 6 feet tall, with a slender build, white or gray hair, clean shaven, and wearing cargo shorts. The woman with him is described as a Caucasian-American woman in her late 30s to 40s, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, with an average build and dark hair below shoulder length.

The damaged headpiece, created by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie, has been secured by Grand Canyon National Park museum staff.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, recognizes the individuals described, or has information that could help identify them is asked to contact Grand Canyon National Park law enforcement (e-mail us). The NPS asks that anyone with information contact investigators directly and not post names or personal information in public comments or on social media platforms.

Desert View Watchtower is one of Grand Canyon National Park’s most significant historic and cultural spaces. Visitors are reminded not to climb, sit or stand on historic furnishings, railings, walls or other protected features. These actions can damage irreplaceable park resources and create safety hazards for visitors and staff.

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – The U.S. Wildland Fire Service is responding to the Cliff Spring Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire below the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The fire is currently estimated at 171 acres, is zero percent contained, and is burning in grass, brush, pinyon pine, and juniper.

There are currently no trail or area closures. The park has temporarily paused issuing permits for trips in the Walhalla Plateau area while fire managers continue to evaluate conditions.

Resources assigned include one U.S. Wildland Fire Service engine, one cooperating engine, and a USWFS helicopter. Firefighters are currently using a direct extinguishment strategy through helicopter bucket drops. Because the fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain, crews cannot work directly at the fire’s edge and are instead working from safer locations to limit fire spread while reducing unnecessary risk to personnel.

Visitors may see smoke in the area as firefighters continue suppression efforts. Fire activity, weather and operational needs can change rapidly, and visitors should be prepared for changing conditions.

The National Park Service and the USWFS will continue to track conditions and provide updates as information becomes available.

Park Alert—Potential APS Public Safety Power Shutoff
beginning June 27, 2026

Arizona Public Service (APS) has announced the potential for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
beginning Saturday, June 27, at 10 am due to forecasted critical fire weather, including strong winds that may affect electrical infrastructure. If implemented, APS estimates the outage could last approximately 30 hours, although the duration will depend on weather conditions and the time required to safely inspect and restore the electrical system. The outage may affect Grand Canyon Village, Desert View, and the Inner Canyon.

While the park expects to maintain visitor services, some facilities and services may be limited if the outage is extended. Visitors should check the park website and official social media channels for the latest updates before and during their visit.

Anticipated impacts to visitor experiences:
> All public restrooms will remain open.
> Park lodging will remain open with limited services; inquire with your individual hotel for more details.
> Food and beverage facilities will be limited; check park website for more details.
> Retail services may operate on a cash-only basis.
> Ranger-led programs will continue as scheduled.

How to plan ahead for your visit during this time: > Purchase your park pass in advance if possible.
> Download park maps and other important information before arriving.
> Fully charge phones and other electronic devices before arriving to the park; bring a portable battery pack if possible.

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will lift trail closures related to the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project at 7 a.m. Friday, June 26, five days ahead of schedule.

The closures are being lifted following the completion of reconstruction work on the River Trail, which was damaged by a rockfall during work associated with the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project. The rockfall required additional geologic hazard assessments, new design features and engineering work before the trail could be rebuilt and this portion of the project could be completed.

Trail closures related to the project will remain lifted for the duration of the summer months. Future closures associated with the Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project are planned to begin in mid-October 2026. Visitors can learn more about current and future closures via the park’s Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project webpage.

The Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project is one of the largest and most complex infrastructure projects in the history of Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors should continue to check the park’s website for current trail conditions, project updates and closure information before beginning their trip.

Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park is reminding visitors that summer hiking below the rim should be limited to the early morning and evening hours. Due to a recent influx of heat-related incidents and forecast extreme temperatures, visitors are strongly advised to avoid strenuous hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when Inner Canyon temperatures can soar to 109°F (43°C) in the shade.   

Those most susceptible to heat-related incidents, including children under eight, adults over 65, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, should consider planning hikes during a cooler time of year.  

Prevention is key to avoiding heat-related illness. Stay off exposed trails during midday hours, carry all the water you will need, and bring salty snacks to help replace electrolytes lost through sweating. Not all trails have water available, and even trails with water sources may experience outages. Visitors should know their medical and physical limits. Not only is the canyon steep and exposed, but it is also at a high elevation — approximately 7,000 feet on the South Rim and 8,000 feet on the North Rim — which can be challenging at any time of year, even for experienced hikers.  

While emergency responders are highly skilled, the canyon is expansive and accessing visitors in need of care can take time. Heat-related illnesses can develop suddenly, and a visitor’s condition may deteriorate rapidly. Visitors should be prepared to self-rescue by recognizing the signs of heat illness and taking immediate steps to slow or stop its progression.  

Symptoms of heat-related illness include, but are not limited to, headache, disorientation, and confusion. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, stop activity and seek shade immediately. If you suspect someone is experiencing a heat-related illness, do not leave them alone if it can be avoided.  

Remember, there are many opportunities to hike, walk, and enjoy the Grand Canyon’s iconic scenery along the rim. For more information about visiting Grand Canyon National Park and planning summer activities safely, visit the park website.  

On June 3, 2026, at approximately 1:40 p.m., the Grand Canyon National Park Regional Communications Center received reports of an 18-year-old male experiencing heat-related symptoms below Havasupai Gardens on the Bright Angel Trail. National Park Service rangers responded and located the individual approximately 30 feet below the trail in a remote area near Garden Creek.

Despite rapid response efforts by park rangers and a coordinated helicopter rescue operation, lifesaving measures were unsuccessful.

The individual was on a day hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back via the Bright Angel Trail. The incident is under investigation in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office. The individual’s name is not being released pending next of kin notifications. No additional information is available at this time.