It’s a breathtaking refuge unlike any other: a remote enclave tucked at the bottom of Arizona’s Grand Canyon, nestled between towering cliffs. Suddenly, with little to no warning, those majestic slopes turned into raging waterfalls.

Torrents of water wiped out footbridges over the creek and significantly altered the landscape, widening the creek bed and creating what appeared to be a new river rapid.

Phantom Ranch evacuees described a sudden, frightening flood as visitors reacted with relief, sadness and concern over the Grand Canyon damage.