Officials warn against hiking on Inner Grand Canyon trails at hottest times

With three deaths at Grand Canyon National Park this month, officials are warning against hiking the Inner Canyon during the hottest parts of the day.

Park rangers responded to separate heat-related incidents on June 12 and 16, where hikers appeared to suffer from symptoms of heat-related illness, and despite rapid response and aerial support, they did not survive.

A 72-year-old male felt symptoms while hiking on the South Kaibab Trail, and a 67-year-old male and a 68-year-old female felt symptoms on the North Kaibab Trail.

Officials noted the investigation into the deaths is ongoing.

Summer is in full swing and that means temperatures have reached dangerous levels in the Inner Canyon, the release said. This creates conditions that can quickly overwhelm hikers during the hottest parts of the day, no matter what age.

NPS is encouraging visitors to stay off the Inner Canyon trails from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors can find more information about the Grand Canyon National Park and prepare for hikes online.

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