Hiker Dies In Grand Canyon As Temperatures Soar To Dangerous Levels

A 67-year-old hiker from Alvarado, Texas, died on Tuesday (July 8) while hiking the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park. The man was attempting to reach the Colorado River for an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch but turned back at Skeleton Point due to extreme heat conditions. He was found unresponsive on the trail, and despite CPR efforts by bystanders and medical personnel, he could not be revived, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

The NPS has issued warnings about the dangers of hiking in extreme heat, especially during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, creating hazardous conditions for hikers. The temperature at the rim of the Grand Canyon reached 94 degrees on the day of the incident, with temperatures at the bottom of the canyon being about 20 degrees hotter.

This incident follows a similar case in May when a 74-year-old hiker from Washington died on the North Kaibab Trail. The NPS urges hikers to be self-reliant and cautious, especially during the summer months when extreme heat poses significant risks.