Park officials pushed for a Grand Canyon trail to remain closed. Then the floods came.

Months before August's devastating flash flood, park officials repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of the fire-damaged North Kaibab Trail, urging it remain closed due to potential risks. Despite these warnings, the trail was reopened, only to be destroyed by the floods that followed. This incident highlights ongoing issues with trail management and the urgent need for better safety protocols in national parks, especially in light of increasing extreme weather events. The reopening of the trail despite clear warnings underscores the challenges in balancing visitor access with safety in the face of environmental hazards.