At Grand Canyon West, summer temps start in June and end in September. During this time, highs will surpass 100 degrees, and lows will play in the low 80\’s. Regardless how you slice it, it\’s hot. And understanding how to travel in such extreme heat will help make your trip to the Skywalk safe and exciting.

The secret is to dress for the heat. This means loose-fitting apparel that let\’s your skin breath while protecting it from the rays of the sun. Shorts, non-constricting pants, t-shirts, long-sleeve shirt, sandals, and athletic shoes all work. What you opt to wear will depend on how sensitive your skin is to the sun and how active you expect to be at the Rim.

Further, consider bringing an article or two of \”dry wick\” clothing. This fabric is made of synthetic (polypropylene, polyester) and natural (silk, wool) materials. Its primary function is to lift moisture away from the body, thereby keeping it cool and dry. By comparison, cotton, for instance, absorbs moisture and remains wet. There are many brands of dry wick t-shirts, socks, and pants.

Hats are strongly recommended. Baseball caps are OK. But try to wear a full-brimmed hat, since it will shield your ears, neck, and cheeks. Types of such hats include sun hats, adventure hats, field hats and cowboy hats. It\’s also quite common to find hats that have UV protection (SPF 50) coated into their fabric and that protect your head from sunburn.

Which brings us to sunscreen: Bring a lot of it. Preferably a cream with SPF 50 (a rating system for how a cream blocks the sun). Use liberally on arms, face, ears, hands and legs. Trips to the Grand Canyon West can last up to a couple of hours or more, so be ready to use sunscreen at least twice during your visit.

Stay hydrated. A lot of it. Have a bottle of water along with you when outside. This will make certain you stay hydrated. Failure to drink enough water can result in heatstroke, a condition in which the body is not able to produce enough sweat to cool itself and overheats. Should you experience heatstroke symptoms, move into a shaded area, elevate your feet above your head, drink liquids, and get medical attention.

Many people take a luxury bus or a helicopter from Las Vegas to the Skywalk. In both cases, you\’re in a climate-controlled environment. It\’s tough to visualize wearing long pants, for example. It\’s only after your feet hit the ground that you experience the heat. Tour companies will update you on the weather. However the rule of thumb is this: Plan for the heat.

Summary

The Glass Bridge is open throughout the year and can be enjoyed during all seasons if visitors are correctly clothed and prepared for prevailing conditions. Summer, specifically, is hot, with temps ranging above 100 degrees during daytime. As a result, it\’s recommended that you wear appropriate clothing that reduces your exposure to the sun and helps to keep your skin cool. Sun block is recommended, as is keeping yourself hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. It doesn\’t happen often, but, if a person is overexposed to the sun, he or she could encounter heatstroke. By taking a few precautions, your Grand Canyon West tour will be one you\’ll enjoy for many years to come.

Author Bio: Mr. Kravitz is a travel writer who reviews Grand Canyon tours. Go here for his rankings of the Top 3 Grand Canyon tour operators. Ratings are based on safety, quality and price. Stop by and see if there\’s a canyon tour that\’s right for you.

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon, grand canyon tours, grand canyon skywalk, las vegas, vegas, national parks