Eleven visitors had to be rescued after a powerful monsoon storm trapped four separate groups on trails inside Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah.
The flooding happened Monday, Aug. 24, between approximately 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Heavy rain, hail, lightning, mudslides and a sudden temperature drop moved through the park, causing the flooding.
All 11 visitors were adults, and none were swept away. Two were taken to a hospital with symptoms of hypothermia, while the other nine were evaluated and released.
KUTV later reported that one visitor was in critical condition when found. However, the station did not provide a more recent update on that person’s condition.
Rescuers Had to Wait for the Lightning to Pass
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The four groups were hiking around Fairyland, Navajo Loop, Peekaboo and Queen’s Garden when the flooding made it unsafe for them to continue.
About 15 to 20 people responded to help, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The rescue included National Park Service rangers, Garfield County Search and Rescue, sheriff’s deputies and emergency medical crews.
Lightning was still moving through the area, so rescuers had to wait before entering the canyon. When it was safe, they found each group and helped everyone make their way out. The Navajo Loop closed during the storm but later reopened.
The Storm Also Flooded a Nearby Highway
Unfortunately, it wasn’t just the trails that flooded. Water also crossed Highway 12 south of Tropic, a town near the park and drivers had to find an alternate route.
Shortly after 4 p.m., the National Weather Service received reports that the Paria River was running high and fast near Bryce Canyon. The water was expected to keep moving toward the Utah-Arizona border for several hours. Drivers were warned not to attempt to cross flooded roads.
Bryce Canyon Had Warned About Monsoon Storms
Less than two weeks before the rescue, Bryce Canyon shared a warning about the area’s monsoon season. The National Park Service said August and September weather can start with clear mornings followed by intense afternoon thunderstorms.
Visitors must be cautious because rain can quickly cause flash floods, trail washouts, and even waterfalls filled with debris and rockfalls inside the canyon. The park recommends checking the weather before hiking and watching for storms throughout the day.
If you’re planning to visit Bryce Canyon, be sure to check the park’s current conditions before entering the canyon and never walk around a closure.