Summer Sightseeing at Grand Canyon South Rim
The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is a fantastic 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 in the evening. July, the hottest monthto go to the Park, reaches 84 degrees during the day and 54 in the evening.
The rim-top climate is perfect for exploring the Park’s key lookouts, including Mather Point, Yaki Point, Yavapai Observation Center, Hermit’s Rest, and more. It’s also a lot of fun to pitch a tent at Mather Campground.
The Park also offers a network of trails that go “below the rim.” Two of the most popular are Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail, which switchback to the bottom until they reach the Colorado River.
If you take one of these trails, know this: The Inner Gorge is up to 20-plus-degrees hotter than the top. For instance, in July, when it’s 84 degrees in Grand Canyon Village, it’s 106 degrees at Phantom Ranch, a lodging area at the bottom.
Here’s some suggestions if you decide to hike into the Canyon;
1. Bring water. As much as you can. During the middle of the day, the body may use up to one gallon an hour. Many people use hydration packs.
2. Hike/walk in the early morning or late evenings. It’s relatively cooler at these times. Plan your walk back during cooler times as well.
3. Bring salty foods. It sounds counter-intuitive, but as you perspire, you lose salts. A lot of people swear by salty trail mix and bottled water.
4. Dress for heat. Loose fitting clothing (dry-wicking material is effective). Full-brimmed hats. Boots and running shoes are advised. Keep away from flip-flops.
5. Sunscreen. Up to SPF 50. Use it often. The sun’s rays are strong.
Mentioned above previously, do not hike to the River and back in one day. The drop to the bottom is 5,000 feet. That’s big, especially when you consider that you’ll be hiking it in 106-degree conditions. A lot of people how attempt this have suffered heatstroke, which is a condition where your body is unable to produce sweat as a way 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. While you’re in the Canyon during a Monsoon, seek higher ground until it passes.
Top of the Rim temperatures are very nice and are conducive to exploration. The Inner Gore is where the heat picks up, especially in July, where temps can be 20 degrees or more higher than at the top. Don’t underestimate the amount of energy it takes to hike up from inside the Canyon back to the top of the South Rim. Bring plenty of water, use sunscreen, and dress for hot weather. Planning for for the heat will make your Grand Canyon trip safe and enjoyable.
About the Author
Visting Las Vegas and want to see the Grand Canyon? Go to http://www.grandcanyon123.com for reviews of the top Canyon tours.
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