Over the years, we have found that many of the visitors who request help during an inner canyon hike have underestimated how difficult hiking in the Grand Canyon can be - especially in the heat of the summer months. They may also have overestimated their own abilities to handle the challenging environmental conditions.
The National Park Service recommends not hiking below the canyon rim during excessive heat warnings. Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and hyperthermia. Those who plan to hike into the canyon should take extra precautions to
hike smart: