The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is a great summer destination. Located in Northern Arizona, the Rim sits 7,000 feet above sea level, which makes for comfortable daytime temperatures. It’s the inner gorge where you have to take precautions from the heat.

Summer at Grand Canyon National Park starts in May and ends in September. May temperatures average about 70 degrees during the day and dip down to 39 through the evening. July, the hottest monthto vacation at the Park, reaches 84 degrees during the day and 54 during the night.

The Park’s most famous lookouts are at the top of the Rim, and include Yavapai Observation Station, Mather Point, Hermit’s Rest, and Yaki Point,and also Grand Canyon Village. Summer is also a fantastic time to go camping at Mather Campground.

There’s also a number of trails that go into the Canyon, the most popular of which are South Kaibab Trail and Bright Angel Trail. Both lead to the Colorado River at the bottom. If you consider going to the River, ensure you spend the night. It’s strongly discouraged to hike up and back in a day.

If you decide to hike into the gorge, bear this fact in mind: Temperatures in the Canyon are 20 degrees or more hotter than they are on the Rim. In July, by way of example, it will be 84 degrees at the top and 106 at the bottom.

Here’s some suggestions if you choose to hike into the Canyon;

1. Bring water. Lots of it. If you are in the Canyon during the day, your body may require up to a gallon of water an hour. Hydration packs are recommended.

2. Get an early morning or late evening start. It’s cooler, and, if you plan it right, hike back up during these more temperate times.

3. Carry salty foods. Trail mix. Sunflower seeds. Anything with salt, which you will lose as you perspire.

4. Dress for heat. Loose fitting clothing (dry-wicking material works well). Full-brimmed hats. Boots and running shoes are advised. Avoid flip-flops.

5. Sunscreen. Up to SPF 50. Use it often. The sun’s rays are strong.

Do not hike to the River and back to the Rim in a day. The distance is deceptive. It’s nearly a 5,000-foot vertical drop to the bottom. Hiking up that in 106-degree weather has generated heatstroke for a lot of uninformed hikers (heatstroke is a condition when the body is not able to produce enough sweat to cool itself).

The South Rim receives light, periodic rainfall, most of which happens during the Monsoon, a “season” that falls between July and August. Monsoons bring wind an big thunderstorms. Flash flooding is common. When you’re in the Canyon during a Monsoon, seek higher ground until it passes.

Temperatures are temperate at the top, making exploration comfortable and enjoyable. Inside the Gorge, temperatures spike, especially in July, when the difference between top and bottom is 20-plus degrees. Take a few simple precautions and a Grand Canyon tour can be the trip of a lifetime. Just remember: What goes down must come up. If you prefer to remain at the top, take a stroll on the Rim Trail, a flat, paved trail that gently follows the Canyon’s edge. In addition, bring plenty of water, dress appropriately, and walk during early morning and later afternoon. Following these simple guidelines will make certain you have a safe and pleasurable South Rim trip.

Author Bio: Visiting the Grand Canyon from Las Vegas? Check out Keith’s “Top 3” Grand Canyon tour reviews at GrandCanyon123.com

Category: Travel
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