If you plan on hiking in Grand Canyon National Park, be forewarned that soaring temperatures have created dangerous conditions and park officials recommend limiting in the Inner Canyon to morning and evening hours.
“Hiking into the canyon during summer should be saved for morning and evening hours. We recommend avoiding strenuous hiking from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., as Inner Canyon temperatures can soar to 109°F/43°C — in the shade.”
Heat-related illnesses can come on quite suddenly and a hiker’s condition may deteriorate rapidly. Symptoms include but are not limited to, headache, disorientation, and confusion. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, do not proceed. Stop immediately and seek shade.
Prevention is key. Drink water. Ensure you have had enough salt. Sweating in an arid desert climate doesn’t always make a person wet, as sweat may evaporate quickly. Remember to be self-sufficient when it comes to hydration. Carry all the water you require, as not all trails in Grand Canyon National Park have water, and even those that do can experience water outages. If you are near flowing water, soak yourself and your clothing.
Remember, there are tons of options for hiking, walking and viewing the iconic landscape along the rim of the Grand Canyon.
