GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — A woman has died while attempting an eight-mile hike in the remote Tuweep area of Grand Canyon National Park.
The hiker, a 57-year-old female, was pronounced dead at 1 a.m. Monday after a ranger arrived on the scene. According to a news release from the National Park Service, the hiker became distressed sometime Sunday as temperatures exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A park ranger first received a report at 6:30 p.m.
Grand Canyon National Park authorities urge visitors, especially inner canyon hikers and backpackers, to be prepared for excessively hot days in the coming weeks. An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued for inner canyon portions of the Grand Canyon through Wednesday, July 5.
The high temperature Sunday at Tuweep was well over 100 degrees, with the high temperature at Phantom Ranch, near the Colorado River along the North Kaibab trail, reaching approximately 114.
During the summer, temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach over 120 in the shade, the news release said. Park rangers strongly advise not hiking in the inner canyon during the heat of the day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia and death,” the news release said.
An investigation into this incident is being conducted by the NPS in coordination with the Mohave County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available at this time, the news release said.
Click here for more information on hiking safe during the summer season.
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