Heat Wave Affects Horseshoe Bend Visitors

Be prepared for your visit to Horseshoe Bend

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 22, 2016

Contact: Katie Wood, [phone]

The recent heat wave in the Southwest has taken its toll on visitors to the popular Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Since Saturday, June 18, National Park Service dispatch has received nearly a dozen calls for help from heat stressed visitors hiking to the site, a figure which does not include the numerous calls responded to by Page Fire Department.

"Many visitors are attempting the 1.5 mile round-trip hike with little preparation, either because they don't know the length of the hike, or they don't realize just how hot it actually is out here," said Chris Cook, Acting Superintendent. Visitors with little to no water and no shoes, are not an uncommon sight at the trailhead.

With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, Glen Canyon has increased staff at Horseshoe Bend to try and reach visitors before they embark on their hike.

All visitors spending time outdoors in the park during these high temperatures should bring plenty of water, sun protection, appropriate footwear, and salty snacks to help replace the salts removed through perspiration. With physical activity, such as hiking to Horseshoe Bend, each person should plan to drink 1 gallon of water per day.