Grand Canyon Warns Hikers Off Inner Canyon Trails 10 a.m.-4 p.m. as Heat Hits 109F
Updated
Updated · National Park Service · Jun 18
Grand Canyon Warns Hikers Off Inner Canyon Trails 10 a.m.-4 p.m. as Heat Hits 109F
3 articles · Updated · National Park Service · Jun 18
Summary
Grand Canyon National Park urged visitors to avoid strenuous Inner Canyon hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., steering summer trips below the rim to early morning or evening.
109F temperatures in the shade and a recent influx of heat-related incidents prompted the warning, with officials saying illness can develop suddenly and worsen quickly.
Children under 8, adults over 65 and people with pre-existing medical conditions were told to consider hiking in a cooler season instead of during peak summer heat.
The park said hikers should carry all needed water and salty snacks, expect some trail water sources to be unavailable, and be ready to self-rescue because emergency access can take time.
At roughly 7,000 feet on the South Rim and 8,000 feet on the North Rim, the canyon's elevation and exposure can challenge even experienced hikers, while rim walks remain a safer option.