05/07/2023
Super Hot Temps this WeeeK! (And maybe longer).
If your plans persist, and you can't resist that beautiful Grand Canyon. (I'm a poet and didn't even.... ok too much). Ideally reschedule, but if you can’t, and must go, here are some tips to make the best of your canyon time.
1. Plan your hike so you’re not within the Inner Canyon between 10AM-4PM. Hiking during this time in these temps is unpleasant, and not safe, you risk not only your life but the lives of NPS that may have to rescue you.
2. Drink water regularly with electrolyte additives or graze on salty snacks. Drinking water only is not enough, you must have something in you to help retain that water. Hyponatremia is a constant risk below the rim, you need your sodium levels to stay up, which people often dilute with excessive water consumption.
3. Bring at least 3L capacity of water, and a purifying device (sawyer mini is great). Depending on your hiking logistics you may not need all 3L filled at every chance, but you don't want to be stuck without it. There have been many times where mid-hike water has been turned off leaving us with the NK and BA ascent out with no water refilling opportunities after Manzanita/Havasupai Garden.
4. Wet your hat, shirt, and a neck towel as often as possible. If you're crossing water, re-wet it! If your hat/towel has dried, take a break at the first opportunity to walk down to a NEARby creek.
5. Don't Push the Pace! If you know you're running behind your "Ideal" time, don't over-exert to "catch up". Your pace should never exceed a comfortable talking level, meaning it should never be hard to conversate through your breath. You should be able to hold a comfortable conversation. Hopefully, you have a hiking partner if hiking during extreme times, if not, talk to yourself. Make sure you're not over-exerting by holding a conversation. If you can't hold a conversation slow down, speed will not get you out of the heat quicker. It will force you to rest more.
Best Option - Hook up with an experienced guide to make sure you have the best time you can have. They know all the shortcuts too. 😉
