Heat Kills, Be Prepared, Hike Intelligently

Don't become a statistic

Hiking in the Grand Canyon during the summer months presents unique hazards, the result of extreme heat and some of the steepest and most rugged terrain on Earth. Every year, scores of unprepared hikers, lured by initially easy downhill hiking, experience severe illness, injury and death from hiking in the Canyon. Consequently, for both public and employee safety, the National Park Service urges SPECIAL CAUTION for all hikers during the summer months. The park seeks your voluntary compliance with the hiking guidless listed below. However, individuals creating a hazardous condition for themselves or others through unsafe hiking practices are subject to citation and/or arrest. DAY HIKERS Assuming you are physically fit and have adequate food and water, the following day hikes are considered reasonable for most people. Bright Angel Trail to the 3-Mile Rest House South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel Hermit Trail to Santa Maria and Dripping Springs Grandview Trail to Designated Turnaround at Coconino Saddle Short day hikes by river parties returning to river All other day hikers, with origins or destinations beyond those outlined above, should begin their hike before 7a.m. or after 4 p.m. Do not hike during the hottest part of the day! Under no circumstances should you attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back, in one day! OVERNIGHT BACKPACKERS should begin their trip, daily changes of camp, and return hike to the rim, before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. ALL HIKERS should be aware that efforts to assist you may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and the limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat. CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE HIKE--DON'T HIKE BEYOND YOUR ABILITY. WATCH YOUR TIME. ALLOW 1/3 OF YOUR TIME TO HIKE IN AND 2/3 TO HIKE OUT. DON'T HIKE DURING THE HOTTEST PART OF THE DAY. THE DEEPER YOU GO THE HOTTER IT GETS. EAT AND DRINK REGULARLY WHILE HIKING. FLUID AND ELECTROLYTES MUST BE BALANCED. EAT CARBOHYDRATE-RICH FOODS. CARRY AT LEAST ONE QUART OF WATER PER HOUR OF HIKING.

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