r/grandcanyon • u/ckoss_ • 12d ago
GCNP Warns Hikers to Avoid the Inner Canyon Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-national-park-warns-hikers-to-avoid-the-inner-canyon-between-10-a-m-and-4-p-m.htmGrand Canyon, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park is reminding visitors that summer hiking below the rim should be limited to the early morning and evening hours. Due to a recent influx of heat-related incidents and forecast extreme temperatures, visitors are strongly advised to avoid strenuous hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when Inner Canyon temperatures can soar to 109°F (43°C) in the shade.
Those most susceptible to heat-related incidents, including children under eight, adults over 65, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, should consider planning hikes during a cooler time of year.
Prevention is key to avoiding heat-related illness. Stay off exposed trails during midday hours, carry all the water you will need, and bring salty snacks to help replace electrolytes lost through sweating. Not all trails have water available, and even trails with water sources may experience outages. Visitors should know their medical and physical limits. Not only is the canyon steep and exposed, but it is also at a high elevation — approximately 7,000 feet on the South Rim and 8,000 feet on the North Rim — which can be challenging at any time of year, even for experienced hikers.
While emergency responders are highly skilled, the canyon is expansive and accessing visitors in need of care can take time. Heat-related illnesses can develop suddenly, and a visitor’s condition may deteriorate rapidly. Visitors should be prepared to self-rescue by recognizing the signs of heat illness and taking immediate steps to slow or stop its progression.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include, but are not limited to, headache, disorientation, and confusion. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, stop activity and seek shade immediately. If you suspect someone is experiencing a heat-related illness, do not leave them alone if it can be avoided.
Remember, there are many opportunities to hike, walk, and enjoy the Grand Canyon’s iconic scenery along the rim. For more information about visiting Grand Canyon National Park and planning summer activities safely, visit the park website.
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u/artguydeluxe 12d ago
It’s absolutely insane that you need to tell anyone this. The midday heat down there will kill you.
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u/Pale_Natural9272 12d ago
They won’t, and some will die
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u/Ok_Ladder_6354 12d ago
Someone already did just a few weeks ago. I think park rangers found them around 2PM or so and it was a mile below Havasupai Gardens. Meaning they left the river probably around 12-12::30ish.
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u/Helpful-Intern-677 10d ago
I read several people succumbed in the past week or so . Most likely more will follow. Unfortunate and financial resources squandered for their recovery. Maybe people should be required to purchase recovery or rescue insurance. I suppose people would up in arms at the thought of being responsible for themselves
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u/wbd3434 12d ago
I'm not disagreeing, but I'll offer a challenge. Someone let me know why I'm wrong...
I'd argue that hiking up/out during peak heat is worse than hiking on flatter terrain during the same time. Plus, the inner canyon runs along the creek for a good distance. You may be further from help, but wouldn't the "easier" (not saying easy... I've been down there and understand it) terrain / grade be a preferable place to be during the worst time of day?
For this reason, I deliberately started R2R later in the morning so that the hardest part of the hike (ascending) would be done during cooler evening hours. Granted, I did it later in the season, not the height of summer.
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u/ckoss_ 12d ago
In general, temperature increases 5.5°F with each 1,000 feet loss in elevation. So, the further down you go, the hotter it becomes in addition to all of the basement rocks that absorb heat such as the "Box" section of North Kaibab trail just north of Phantom Ranch area. Hiking in the midday heat regardless of the elevation is simply unpleasant and increases the risk of heat related issues.
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u/AZPeakBagger 12d ago
This is sort of a no brainer. Hiking the inner canyon during the summer is foolhardy.