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Heat Might Have Played Role In Backpacker Death At Grand Canyon

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Published Date

September 6, 2022
View of Tapeats Creek from the Thunder River Trail/NPS file

A view of Tapeats Creek from the Thunder River Trail/NPS file

A heat wave baking the West might have played a role in the death of a 59-year-old Arizona woman who was on a multi-day backpacking trek through Grand Canyon National Park.

Park officials say that Delphine Martinez, of Window Rock, was hiking down the Thunder River Trail on Sunday about a mile from the confluence of Tapeats Creek and the Colorado River when she lost consciousness. Others in her group tried to resuscitate her without success. 

On that day, high temperatures in the inner canyon were well over 100°F (38°C), with the high temperature at Phantom Ranch approximately 115°F (46°C), the park reported.

Grand Canyon rangers urge visitors, especially inner canyon hikers and backpackers, to be prepared for excessively hot days in the coming weeks. In the summer, temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach over 120°F (49 °C) in the shade. Park rangers strongly advise not hiking in the inner canyon during the heat of the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and death. 

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