Storm Damage Causes Temporary Closure of Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, AZ - Rock slides and associated damage caused by a flash flood early this afternoon have closed the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park.

The Bright Angel Trail is closed to all travel from the trailhead at the South Rim to the River Trail Junction at Pipe Creek, approximately seven below the rim. The closure includes Indian Garden Campground located approximately four and a half miles below the rim on the Bright Angel Trail. Although a complete trail assessment is currently underway, preliminary estimates indicate the trail may reopen within the next several days providing no additional damage occurs from expected storms.

One-day and overnight mule trips operated by Xanterra Parks and Resorts, LLC (Xanterra) will be suspended while the closure is in effect. Visitors holding reservations for mule trips may contact Xanterra at (928) 638-2631.

Visitors with backcountry use permits for the Bright Angel Trail should contact the park's Backcountry Information Center at (928) 638-7875. Permittees will be rerouted and accommodated at other inner canyon campgrounds where possible. Permit holders will also have the option of rescheduling their backcountry trips. No new permits will be issued for Indian Garden or Bright Angel Campgrounds until the closure is lifted.

The current weather forecast is calling for severe thunderstorm activity Thursday afternoon, clearing on Friday and Saturday.

The park and all other trails and facilities remain open. For additional park information call (928) 638-7888 or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/grca.