Woman dies on 8-mile Grand Canyon hike in triple-digit heat, rangers say
A woman died on an 8-mile hike in the Grand Canyon in triple-digit heat, park officials said.
The 57-year-old hiker was trekking “in the remote Tuweep area” of Grand Canyon National Park, where the high temperature “was well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit,” on Sunday, July 2, the National Park Service said in a July 3 news release.
After the woman fell unconscious, rangers said they got a call about a “distressed day hiker” at around 6:30 p.m.
However, getting to the remote area of the park is a challenge, as “there is no water, gas, food, lodging, Wi-Fi, or cell service,” according to NPS.
A ranger made it on scene around 1 a.m. on July 3 and declared the woman dead, park officials said.
The woman’s “heat-related” death is under investigation, according to rangers.
Rangers warned park visitors to be ready for “excessively hot days in the coming weeks,” adding that an “excessive heat warning” was issued for parts of the park through July 5.
During summer, even in shaded areas of “exposed parts of the trail,” temperatures can hit more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, park officials said. As such, hiking the inner canyon during the day is discouraged.
“Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and death,” rangers said.
Beating the heat
When temperatures are extremely high, some people’s bodies can have trouble regulating temperature.
In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion and have muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If heat exhaustion persists for too long, however, it can lead to heatstroke, the most serious form of heat injury. People experiencing heatstroke can have hot, red, dry or damp skin. They also can have a fast and strong pulse, and they can become confused. People should move indoors immediately and call 911 right away if they have symptoms.
If people choose to hike or be outdoors in dangerously hot temperatures, officials recommend the following tips:
Carry and drink plenty of water and plan to replenish electrolytes.
Eat twice as much food as normal and have salty foods on hand.
Carry a first-aid kit.
Pack essentials only.
Bring a flashlight with spare batteries to hike during the cool evening.
Spray yourself with water to cool down.
Have a hat and sunscreen as protection from the sun.
Have a whistle or signal for emergency use.
Wear waterproof clothing.
This story was originally published July 3, 2023 at 3:32 PM with the headline "Woman dies on 8-mile Grand Canyon hike in triple-digit heat, rangers say."
