Eleven visitors became stranded at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah after flash flooding swept through the area on Monday. The hikers, all adults traveling in four separate groups, were trapped around 2:30 p.m. as floodwaters affected several popular trails.
According to reports, while none of the hikers was swept away, conditions left the groups unable to continue safely. A response team consisting of 15 to 20 members from the county's search and rescue team, emergency medical services, and the National Park Service was dispatched to assist the stranded visitors.
The rescuers had to wait for conditions to improve before moving the people out safely. Following medical evaluations, two hikers were taken to a hospital after showing signs of hypothermia. The other nine visitors were released.
The flooding affected several of Bryce Canyon's well-known trails, including Fairyland Loop, Navajo Loop, Queen's Garden, and Peek-a-Boo Loop. The incident occurred during the Southwest's monsoon season, a period that park officials had warned visitors about earlier this month.
Park officials had cautioned that flash floods can pose a serious threat inside the canyon and advised visitors to check weather forecasts and flash-flood potential before heading onto trails.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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