Hike Smart: Arizona Heat Awareness Week

Hike Smart Summer Programming at Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon National Park’s Hike SMART Program is designed to promote safe hiking practices at Grand Canyon, emphasizing preparation, hydration, and awareness of environmental conditions. This initiative is imperative due to Grand Canyon's challenging terrain and extreme temperatures. Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) rangers patrol the inner canyon trails and check in with visitors to ensure they are prepared for their hike. This program educates visitors on selecting appropriate trails, understanding their physical limits, and recognizing the importance of carrying sufficient water and food. It also advises hikers to avoid the midday heat (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). These measures aim to prevent heat-related illnesses, which have historically led to numerous search and rescue operations within the park. 

By adhering to the "Hike SMART" guidelines, visitors can enhance their safety and fully appreciate Grand Canyon's natural beauty while ending their hike with a smile - without requiring medical attention. 

6 Grand Canyon Summer Hiking Tips

Planning to hike Grand Canyon this summer? It's important to be prepared for the challenging conditions. Down is optional, up is mandatory. Here are six safety tips to help keep you safe while you enjoy Grand Canyon:

1. Bring plenty of salty snacks, water, electrolyte mix, water and food (at least 2L of water).
2. If you are feeling overheated and are in the inner canyon - seek a water source and if possible, lay in a creek for up to 60 seconds up to your chest to cool yourself down.
3. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down - coming up is hard!
4. Avoid hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the hot summer months.
5. Wear a backpack that fits you (and isn’t making its first appearance on this hike).
6. Stay up to date on trail information, including closures and water availability. View the latest alerts from Grand Canyon National Park park here.

#1 Bring Summer Hiking Essentials 

The less you carry, the more enjoyable your hike will be, but one thing you should never skip out on is water. Instead of relying on water spigots in the canyon, bring your own purification system—whether that’s tablets or a filter. A hydration bladder is a great way to carry water comfortably in a well-fitting backpack. Also, don’t forget to pack electrolytes to keep your energy up and stay hydrated throughout the hike.

When it comes to gear, keep it light. Wear footwear that’s most comfortable for you, whether that's trail running shoes or well-broken-in hiking boots. Bring hiking poles to help ease the strain on your legs, and pack a headlamp with spare batteries in case you’re out after dark.

A lightweight rain jacket can be a great addition in case temperatures suddenly drop from a storm or if you're hiking out later in the evening. For sun protection, a sun hoodie is a great option along with sunglasses and a hat. A small first aid kit, whistle, and signal mirror are also important for safety. And always remember—everything you bring in must come out, including biodegradable items. Leave no trace to preserve the beauty of the canyon for others. 

With the right gear and a light load, you'll hike Grand Canyon safely and comfortably while fully enjoying its breathtaking beauty.

#2 Don't Force Fluids, Drink When You are Thirsty

Hiking in Grand Canyon isn’t a casual stroll—it’s a serious challenge. The combination of extreme heat, elevation changes, and tough terrain makes it essential to manage hydration and nutrition like your life depends on it—because it does.

Hydration is Key, But Don’t Overdo It
Staying hydrated is non-negotiable. In the heat, especially while climbing, your body is losing water fast. If you see salt rings on your clothes, you're losing more water than you think. But here’s the kicker: drinking too much water can be just as dangerous as not drinking enough. Overhydration leads to hyponatremia, a condition where your electrolytes are dangerously low, causing nausea, confusion, and can be fatal. To avoid this, don’t just chug water. Sip small amounts consistently and balance it out with salty snacks and electrolyte water.

Fuel Up! Don’t Pay the Price!
Grand Canyon will take everything you've got, so don’t expect to just coast through. Regularly fuel your body with a mix of carbs, protein, and electrolytes. Even if you’re not thirsty or hungry, you need to keep eating and drinking—your body won’t always give you the signs. If you neglect hydration and nutrition, you’re asking for fatigue, cramps, and a painful hike out.

Bottom line: Don’t mess around with hydration and nutrition. Stay on top of it, and you’ll be much more likely to finish your hike safely and with a smile.

#3 Wait for the Shade! Don't Hike 10 AM to 4 PM

Hiking in Grand Canyon is a serious endeavor, and even if you're eating and drinking properly, you should avoid hiking in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. Daytime summer temperatures in the inner canyon can exceed 110°F (43°C), the farther you descend into the canyon, the hotter it gets. 

Plan your hike to avoid being out in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Early does not mean 6 a.m.—it means 4 a.m. Start your hike before the sun rises and aim to finish in the late afternoon. The most severe heat occurs midday.

If you're considering a rim-to-rim hike this year, be aware that if you plan to use the Bright Angel Trail, it will not be possible due to trail closures near the Silver Bridge. The only viable rim-to-rim route is via South Kaibab and North Kaibab. However, South Kaibab is fully exposed to the sun with no water, making it especially dangerous during peak heat hours. Do not underestimate the risks—timing and route selection are critical to your safety.

#4 Stay Wet, Stay Cool

Staying soaking wet is one of the best ways to manage the extreme heat while hiking in Grand Canyon. The heat, especially in the inner canyon, can quickly raise your core body temperature, so it’s essential to cool down whenever possible. If you have access to a creek, take the opportunity to soak yourself for up to 60 seconds, submerging your body up to your chest. This will help regulate your temperature and keep you cool longer.

Wear clothing that holds water well (cotton is ideal in the desert) and soak a hat or bandana to keep cool. This strategy will keep you more comfortable, energized, and protected from heat exhaustion. Remember, staying wet isn’t just about comfort—it’s a critical safety measure for maintaining your energy and preventing overheating.

Disclaimer: We do not promote or encourage swimming in the Colorado River for your safety. Individuals who choose to wade should be cautious of slippery surfaces, hidden hazards, and strong eddy lines.

#5 Watch Out for Health Hazards

Heat-related illnesses are serious and can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly. These conditions are preventable with proper hydration, nutrition, and awareness of your surroundings. Hiking up the South Kaibab Trail during the summer months is extremely strenuous and potentially dangerous due to intense heat, minimal shade, and no water sources. Similarly, the Tonto Trail between The Tipoff and Havasupai Gardens offers no water and very limited shade. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and hyponatremia, so you can take action before they become emergencies.

Heat Exhaustion is caused by dehydration from intense sweating, common in summer hiking. Symptoms include pale face, nausea, vomiting, cool skin, headache, and cramps. Treat by drinking water with electrolytes, eating high-energy foods, resting in the shade, and cooling your body by getting wet.

Heat Stroke is life-threatening. Symptoms include flushed face, dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, and unconsciousness. Cool immediately with water, shade, and medical help.

Hyponatremia (Water Intoxication) results from drinking too much water, diluting sodium. Symptoms include confusion, nausea, and vomiting. Treat with salty foods and sports drinks. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

#6 Check Park Alerts Before Hitting the Trail

It's important to check the park website for the most update to date information on trail closures, water availability and more before hitting the trail.

Note: Trail users will need to use Black Bridge through September 30 to cross the Colorado River.  Beginning May 15, Bright Angel Trail will be open from the South Rim to Pipe Creek Beach and River Resthouse. There will be no access to Bright Angel Trail from Bright Angel Campground/Phantom Ranch along the Colorado River. Hikers may traverse between the Bright Angel Trail and the South Kaibab Trail via the Tonto Trail. There are two options to reach the South Rim from the Bright Angel Campground: (1) Hike all the way up the South Kaibab Trail to the rim (7 miles), or (2) hike up South Kaibab to The Tipoff (2.5 miles), follow the Tonto Trail to Havasupai Gardens (4.6 miles), then up the Bright Angel Trail to the South Rim (4.5 miles). This route adds 4.5 miles of hiking with no reliable water source.  These detour routes are also not recommended in the excess heat of the summer. View the latest alerts from Grand Canyon National Park park here.