GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. — Three hikers died from apparent heat-related illnesses in separate incidents inside Grand Canyon National Park over the past week as temperatures in the inner canyon soared above 109 degrees Fahrenheit, park officials said.
Grand Canyon National Park rangers and emergency personnel responded to two incidents, one on June 12 and another on June 16, the National Park Service reported in a statement released June 19. A 72-year-old man became ill while hiking the South Kaibab Trail on June 12 and died before rescuers could reach him.
Four days later, on June 16, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found on the North Kaibab Trail and appeared to have succumbed to heat-related symptoms, although investigations into those deaths continue, officials said. Temperatures in the shade in the inner canyon can exceed 109 degrees during midday hours.
The North Kaibab Trail is described by the park service as one of the most difficult of the major inner canyon trails. An extreme heat watch was in effect on June 16, authorities noted.
Park officials urged visitors to avoid strenuous hiking in the inner canyon during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Temperatures at the canyon bottom can be 20 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than at the rim, creating deceptive and dangerous conditions, meteorologists and rangers have said.
The deaths come as the region faces continued extreme heat, with another heat watch issued for early next week, potentially bringing highs up to 110 degrees or more at low-elevation areas such as Phantom Ranch. Officials are advising hikers to start early, carry ample water and know their limits.
Grand Canyon National Park sees millions of visitors annually, many of whom attempt hikes into the canyon. Heat-related illnesses have been a recurring risk, particularly for older hikers or those unprepared for the elevation gain on return trips.
As of Saturday, no additional fatalities had been reported. Investigations into the circumstances of the deaths remain ongoing, park officials said. The broader park area continued to operate with increased safety messaging for visitors.
