11 visitors trapped as dangerous flash flooding tears through iconic national park

Eleven visitors became stranded during flash flooding at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah after heavy rain swept through the area.The hikers, all adults traveling in four separate groups, became trapped around 2:30 p.m.Monday as floodwaters affected several popular trails, according to FOX 13 in Salt Lake City.While none of the hikers was swept away, conditions left the groups unable to continue safely, the outlet reported.MAN PLUNGES 120 FEET INTO CREEK WHILE TAKING PHOTO AT FAMOUS NATIONAL PARKAbout 15 to 20 members of the county's search and rescue team, emergency medical services and the National Park Service responded to help the stranded visitors.The rescuers had to wait for conditions to improve in order to move people out safely.

 Heavy rain triggered flash flooding at Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park, pictured above, on Monday afternoon — stranding 11 visitors.(iStock)The rescuers then helped the groups make their way out of the affected areas, according to FOX 13.Following medical evaluations, two hikers showed signs of hypothermia and were taken to a hospital. The other nine were released, the outlet reported.The flooding affected several of Bryce Canyon's well-known trails, including Fairyland Loop, Navajo Loop, Queen's Garden and Peek-a-Boo Loop, according to reports.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERThe incident came during the Southwest's monsoon season, a period Bryce Canyon officials had warned visitors about earlier this month.In a recent news release, the National Park Service said August and September can bring rapidly changing weather to the region, with seemingly clear conditions giving way to intense afternoon thunderstorms.Two hikers showed signs of hypothermia following medical evaluations — and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

(iStock)Those storms can create hazards including flash floods, trail washouts, debris-filled waterfalls and rockfalls, according to the park service."Weather in the park can shift ...