A heat wave lingering across the Western United States is making some of the nation’s hottest national parks even more dangerous. This summer, two hikers in Canyonlands NP, three hikers in Grand Canyon NP, and a motorcyclist in Death Valley NP have died from heat-related causes.
Death Valley National Park infamously boasts some of the hottest temperatures in the US. This month, temperatures reached at least 125 F (51.7 C) for nine consecutive days from July 4-12, the park’s second-longest streak of high temperatures since 1913. The recent heat wave included three daily heat records and peaked at 129.3 F (53.9 C) on July 7.
Meanwhile, at Grand Canyon National Park, temperatures on exposed parts of the trails can reach over 120 F (49 C) in the shade. Park rangers have strongly advised against hiking in the inner canyon during the heat of the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
National park officials are making visitors aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather. Emergency medical helicopters, which are used to airlift hikers in distress from the Grand Canyon, cannot generally fly safely over 120 F.
The National Park Service has published information to help park visitors “Beat the Heat” during their trips to the park this summer. Parks with limited shade, high humidity and high elevation are especially prone to heat warnings and visitors are encouraged to seek shade often and avoid strenuous activities during the heat of the day.
