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Triple-Digit Temps Felling Grand Canyon National Park Visitors

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June 22, 2020
With high temperatures at Grand Canyon National Park, visitors are being urged to prevent heat-related illnesses and a trip like this/NPS

With excessively high temperatures at Grand Canyon National Park, visitors are being urged to prevent heat-related illnesses and a ride out of the canyon like this/NPS

It's not yet July, the worst of the summer's high heat is yet to come, and already Grand Canyon National Park rangers are having to save visitors who are overheating from triple-digit temperatures.

This past weekend saw rangers respond to multiple heat-related search-and-rescue incidents. Hikers and backpackers attempting hikes in the inner canyon are strongly encouraged to be prepared for excessively hot temperatures this week and to understand their own physical limitations in order to prevent emergency situations for themselves and responders.

On Saturday, June 20, Phantom Ranch rangers responded to a river runner experiencing heat illness and fatigue on a Colorado River trip. The river runner drank an excessive quantity of water, leading to hyponatremia and an altered level of consciousness. The park's helicopter and ambulance transported the patient to the Flagstaff Medical Center in Flagstaff, Arizona.

On Sunday, June 21, Indian Garden rangers responded to a hiker experiencing an altered level of consciousness on the Bright Angel Trail. When rangers arrived they observed the hiker was in heat stroke and immediately used active cooling measures. The patient was transferred via helicopter to the Flagstaff Medical Center.

Other incidents this weekend involved assists for hikers experiencing heat exhaustion on the Bright Angel and South Kaibab trails.

Currently, there's an excessive heat warning in the park for elevations below 4,000 feet through Wednesday evening with high temperatures possibly reaching 116 degrees Fahrenheit.

Day hikers on Bright Angel trail should descend no further than 1 1/2 miles. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. physical activity is discouraged," the National Weather Service said. "Hikers should attempt to be out of the canyon (or) at Indian Garden or Bright Angel campground between these hours."

Grand Canyon rangers are strongly urging those who plan to hike in the canyon to take extra precautions and hike smart. Hikers should hike before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., rest in shade whenever possible, and avoid hiking during the heat of the day. Rangers advise that anyone hiking in heat needs to balance food and water intake, drink when thirsty, and get wet to stay cool.

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