GRAND CANYON, Arizona — If you plan on hiking the Grand Canyon in the next couple of days, the National Park Service has a message for you.
Don’t.
More specifically, do not hike below the rim during the excessive heat warning because it can lead to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, hyponatremia and death, NPS said. State 48 will be experiencing temps above 100 degrees every day for the foreseeable future, and that means residents and tourists alike must be hypervigilant about hydration and sun exposure.
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for the canyon which will go into effect Thursday at 8 a.m. and last until 8 p.m. Friday. In a release, officials say temperatures in the shade will range from 105-111 degrees.
Park officials said efforts to assist hikers in distress during extreme heat are limited due to staffing, rescue call volume, limited helicopter flying ability and employee safety requirements.
The NPS said in a release that anyone who still plans to hike into the canyon should take extra precautions to hike smart. Hikers should plan to hike before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. and rest in the shade to avoid the worst heat of the day.
- Drinking when thirsty
- Eating salty foods like potato chips (Grand Canyon is no place for crash dieting!)
- Keeping track of how frequently you urinate
- Covering your skin to minimize sun exposure
- Avoiding peak sun hours
- Getting your clothes wet to benefit from evaporative cooling
- Taking long breaks in the shade
- Avoiding caffeinated beverages and alcohol
Heat Beat
Here are several videos about Arizona's extreme heat and how you can stay safe during the state's summer months.
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