Sunset at Yaki Point, Photo Illustration: Brian Lane

Wow! April is already over and the heat of May will soon be wafting in. I know it's a busy time at the Canyon and I have been remiss in posting an update. But hey, I've been hiking! Coyote Gulch, Havasu, Upper Muley Twist Canyon...busy, busy with so many hikes, yet so little time.

Any way, here are some tidbits in the news...

Aerial Tram at the Confluence of Colorado River and Little Colorado River?
Say it ain't so, but it is true, the Navajo Nation has proposed building an aerial tram to take visitors from the remote East Rim of the Grand Canyon down to the canyon floor next to the confluence of these two major river systems where a restaurant and short hiking trail would be located. The Park Service doesn't seem too happy with developing this pristine area and I'm sure if the Navajo Nation proceeds with their plan it will cause a huge legal brewhaha! We'll see.

Cross Canyon (Corridor) Trails Water Availability: 
As of mid-April water was on everywhere along the corridor trails, save for the North Kaibab Trailhead and Supai Tunnel (N. Kaibab Trail). With a warm, dry winter many ephemeral sources my be dry. Check with the Backcountry Information Center for water availability updates in remote areas.

Trail and Road Conditions:
All trails are open, no need for crampons or traction devices, and all remote roads have been reported as passable. But, you should always call the Backcountry Information Center for updated information prior to using access roads to remote trailheads. 

Bottled Water is no Longer Available Inside the Park:
Water gallons are still available at the General Store but small bottled water is not available for purchase inside the park. This should save a lot of money since nearly a third of all park trash has historically been water bottles. Please use the various water bottle filling stations located along the populated areas of the canyon's rim to refill your bottles.

Hiker Express Bus:
The Hiker Express, serving South Kaibab Trailhead currently departs the Backcountry Information Center at 6am, 7am, and 8am, but times will change as summer heat kicks in.

North Rim Opens Soon:
The quiet North Rim will open for the summer season on May 15th, 2012. Services will remain available until mid-October, 2012.

Two Bodies Found Below Rim in Unrelated Incidents: 
On April 26th, 2012, folks with the Peregrine Fund reported spotting a body about 500 feet below the Mather Point area on the South Rim. The body is presumed to be that of 47-year-old Shaw Joseph Ostermann of Tempe, AZ. Mr. Ostermann was reported missing on April 16th.

Also on April 26th the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center rec'd a report out of Phoenix of a possibly suicidal woman at the park. After a bus driver reported seeing a woman fitting her description near the Trail View Overlook a helicopter was soon dispatched (when the weather cleared). The chopper spotted the body about 100 feet below the overlook. The woman's name is being withheld until positive identification has been made.

Both bodies were retrieved on Friday, April 27th. The Nat'l Park Service and Coconino County Medical Examiner are currently investigating both incidents.

Rare Annular Eclipse of the Sun:
On Sunday, May 20th, 2012, visitors to the canyon can witness a rare solar eclipse beginning at 5:28pm, through sunset at 7:32pm. Please check with park service personnel for more details on this amazing event as Rangers, NASA scientists, and other amateur astronomers will be collaborating to assist visitors in viewing the eclipse.

As always...Hike Safe and Have Fun!


Brian "Hikernut" Lane

Sunrise at Lipan Point (Photo: Brian Lane)

March has arrived and the canyon is getting busy with hikers wanting to visit before the heat builds. March, April, and May are the busiest months for canyon explorers with moderate temperatures and school vacations allowing folks to get out and visit without the scorching temperatures that will inevitably set in by late May. Dry, sunny conditions have prevailed so far this year and will continue by all accounts throughout the spring months. Inner canyon highs are already hitting mid-70s with nights in the low 40s; while on the rim the nights are still in the 20s, and daytime temps getting up into the low 60s. So come on by and experience the most majestic canyon in the world, just for the hike of it!

Other topics in the news...

Current Trail Conditions:
Fresh snow fell recently and the upper reaches of all trails continue to be slick as melting snow re-freezes at night. Crampons or cleats are still recommended for the first two miles hiking down from the rim. Early mornings may be icy, but the ice soon turns trails to a muddy, shoe clinging muck in many locations as the sun warms the trail.

Permits for Spring Backpacking Season Reaching Full Capacity:
Most of March, and all of April and May permits for Bright Angel and Indian Garden Campgrounds have been allocated at this time. Some permits for trails outside the Central Corridor (Bright Angel, S. Kaibab, and N. Kaibab Trails) are still available but are quickly being issued. Some walk-in or waiting list permits will be available for the lucky few. The North Rim is still closed until mid-May, 2012.

Woman Falls to Death:
On Sunday, February 26, 2012, a woman identified as 24-year-old Ioana Elise Hociota of Tempe, Arizona was reported dead from a 300 foot fall in a remote area of the South Rim known as Owl Eyes Canyon. Owl Eyes Canyon is located on the opposite side of the Colorado River from Tapeats Creek and Deer Creek, approximately 30 miles northwest of Grand Canyon Village, and northeast of Havasu. Mrs. Hociota was an experienced canyon hiker. She and her hiking partner were not on an established trail, although they had hiked in the area several times prior, and had acquired a backcountry permit. An investigation is being conducted by the NPS and the Coconino County Medical Examiner, but initial investigation indicates the death was accidental.
   
Grandfather Found Guilty of Child Abuse:
On February 29th an Arizona jury found Christopher Alan Carlson of Indianapolis, Indiana, guilty on three of six charges of child abuse during an August hike to the Grand Canyon with his three grandchildren. All three boys testified at the trial that Carlson had forced them on a grueling 19 mile inner canyon hike during a time of extreme summer heat, a day that also saw another canyon hiker, on a different trail, die from exposure. Carlson also withheld food and water while repeatedly choking and kicking the boys. The boys, at the time, were ages 8, 9, and 12. The eldest boy said he had thrown up repeatedly while Carlson drank from a jug, yet denied the boys any water. The boy also stated that he secretly asked another hiker to call 911 due to his vomiting, repeated falling down on the trail, and blurry vision.

A ranger with binoculars spotted the group during their August 28th, 2011 hike. He reported seeing the grandfather whipping the boys with a rolled up t-shirt. Rangers subsequently treated the oldest for heat stroke, and the other two boys for heat exhaustion and dehydration. Carlson will be sentenced on June 1st and could face up to life in prison. 

Report Shows GCNP to be an Economic Boon for the Region:
A recent National Park Service report shows that nearly 4.4 million visitors spent more than $415 million while visiting Grand Canyon National Park and in gateway communities around the park during 2010. Visitor spending supported 6,167 jobs in the local area.

In a statement issued by Grand Canyon Superintendent Dave Uberuaga, he said, "Grand Canyon National Park is an international icon, attracting visitors from around the world. It's no surprise that it has a substantial impact on the local economy. The opportunity to engage in a wide array of popular recreational activities in one of the world's premier geologic landscapes is a tremendous draw for tourism dollars." 

Hikernut's Grand Canyon Companion to be published by Countryman Press:
My little 96-page how-to book for the canyon was self-published in 2007. Winning many book awards, it was picked up for national distribution by Independent Publishers Group in 2008. With nearly 10,000 books sold The Countryman Press has recently signed on to publish the second edition. By September of this year you'll see the book go out of print for a short time before being reissued early in 2013. 

Also, Countryman Press has decided to publish my new hiking book titled, "Hikernut's Canyon Lands Companion - The Best Canyon Hikes in the American Southwest." Please look for it on shelves in the spring of 2013!

That's it for now.

As always...
...Hike Safe & Have Fun


Brian Lane (2012)

Lipan Point Sunset (photo: Brian Lane)

February is here but you surely wouldn't know it from the weather. Inner Canyon temperatures have been reaching 70 degrees lately, (although a brief series of storms will drop temps back to normal mid-month). The canyon is still very quiet as workers catch up on maintenance chores, and get ready for spring, with its impending return of the masses. By next month the canyon will begin to come alive with hikers and backpackers wanting to enjoy its depths before the summer heat sets in. Always a great time to travel and explore the Inner Canyon, these are my favorite months to be here basking within this geologic wonder.

So, what's going on?

Bridge to Ribbon Falls Closed for Repair:
The bridge access to Ribbon Falls will be closed for repair until mid-March. Ribbon Falls, 6 miles north of Phantom Ranch, is a popular day hike for those staying along the Corridor Trails (Bright Angel, South Kaibab & North Kaibab Trails). Access can still be gained by rock hopping across Bright Angel Creek along the clearly marked alternate route.


Bridge Access to Ribbon Falls (NPS Photo)

Grand Canyon Nat'l Park to end Sales of Disposable Water Bottles:
By early March inside the park sales of individual disposable water bottles in containers less than one gallon will cease. This action will help reduce waste at the canyon by a whopping 20%. Please bring your refillable bottles and use the various water bottle filling stations to keep well hydrated. Reduce, Recycle, & Reuse!

Artist Mark Lucas (65) Dies:
Arizona artist Mark Lucas passed away last November after a brief illness. According to his obituary: "Fred Lucas of Arizona was one of America's most notable fine art painters of the Grand Canyon and American West. His inspiring oil paintings have been hung in the Presidential White House, the Arizona State Capitol, museums, prestigious galleries and major hotels. Fred Lucas fine art originals and reproductions continue to command the admiration of collectors and patrons in every state and more than 30 foreign countries." A wonderful artist, he created many inspiring images.

Body Found January 12th Identified:
The body found along South Kaibab Trail last month has been identified as that of Peter Reichness (41) of Glenside, PA. The coroner has ruled the death an accident consistent with an unroped fall.

Have Fun, & Hike Safe!


Brian "Hikernut" Lane

Sunrise at Plateau Point (Photo: Brian Lane)

The winter is here at the canyon and it is quiet and calm. The throngs of visitors are home for the holidays, and save for Christmas vacations, kids are in school. It is the time of year when you can navigate the park with little or no traffic, no waiting in lines to eat, and no jockeying for position on the shuttle buses. Although you wouldn't know we are in winter from the weather as a high pressure system has settled in over the southwest and brought temperatures up almost twenty degrees above average (after the rainy autumn we experienced). This makes it an ideal time to hike into the canyon as there is only a slight chance of rain or snow for the near future, and with a La Nina weather pattern in place there is evidence that this pattern will remain in control for a while. Excellent! So, Happy Holidays...Hope you all have a wondrous New Year 2012!!!

On to what little news there is...

Cleats or crampons are recommended for the upper reaches of the canyon as snow melts during the day and re-freezes at night. This makes trails initially slick, and later in the day quite sloppy. Traction devices are available in the General Store at Marketplace Plaza.

Entrance fees will be waived in celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. The fee free weekend is from January 14-16, 2012.

The plan to ban plastic water bottle sales inside the park is back on. After Coca-cola said it would pull donations to the National Park Service over the planned water bottle ban, officials at Grand Canyon NP have stated they will again be working to implement the ban during 2012. Media coverage caused Coca-cola to back down a bit and the ban will likely be approved.

The body found below Navajo Bridge on November 17th, 2011 has now been identified as that of 52-year-old James Waibel of Glendale, AZ. He had been reported as missing since late October. This incident is still under investigation.

Hike Safe and Have Fun!

Brian Lane

Plateau Point Looking West at Sunrise (Photo: Brian Lane)

The cool (some would say cold) temperatures of November have arrived and it is a beautiful time to hike the canyon. Visitation begins to steadily drop as the holidays grow closer and the environment gets colder. It is this time of year I love best! No need to fight the crowds for parking, no leg cramps from the extreme heat of summer, and in mid-November the cottonwood trees absolutely glow a vivid yellow. It is so nice in fact that I just had to day hike out to Plateau Point for sunrise on Wednesday morning the 16th. I started the nearly thirteen mile hike in the dark at 5:00 a.m. by headlamp and was at the point just past 7:00 a.m. The morning sun was delightfully warm as it filtered into the canyon and I scrambled around taking pictures until about 8:30, then I was off again for the climb out, reaching the rim just before noon. A simply wondrous day!

On to other topics...

Rabies Alert at Phantom Ranch/Bright Angel Campground
Two rabid foxes were found at Phantom Ranch this month so all visitors to this area should exercise proper precautions including: not approaching or touching any wildlife, staying together as a group, keeping food stored at all times, sleeping in a tent, and remembering that it is not normal for animals to approach humans. If bitten by any animal, wash the site with soap and water and report the incident to a Park Ranger at once. Also, if you see a sick, dead, or oddly acting animal, report it to a Ranger.

Inner Canyon Water Resources Along the Cross-Canyon Corridor:
Water is on at: Bright Angel & South Kaibab Trailheads, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom 
Ranch, and Indian Garden (these are all year-round water sources unless the pipe breaks).

Water is off at: Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, Three-Mile Resthouse, Plateau Point, Cottonwood Campground, Roaring Springs, Supai Tunnel, and North Kaibab Trailhead.

All other backcountry and wilderness water resources may or may not be available. Always check with the Backcountry Information Center about wilderness water supplies before entering the canyon.

Trails Starting to Get Icy
Although the upper sections of most Inner Canyon trails are starting to get some ice forming the traction is still pretty good. But, with wintery storms always on the horizon it won't be long before hikers entering the canyon will need cleats or crampons to navigate the slick upper sections (available inside the park at the General Store). Again, check with the Backcountry Information Office for the latest on trail conditions.

Gate to North Rim to Close on November 27
As of November 28 at 8:00 a.m., the gates to the North Rim entrance will be closed to all motorized vehicles. Hikers and cross country skiers still have access to the North Rim during the winter months, but must have a valid backcountry permit (available at the South Rim Backcountry Information Center or at the Visitor Center - Pipe Spring National Monument in Fredonia, AZ).

Backcountry Roads
Any hikers using dirt roads to access remote trailheads need to call ahead to verify road conditions as some of these road my be impassable. For latest road conditions please contact the Tusayan Ranger District: Kaibab National Forest at (928)635-4061 for South Rim roads, the North Kaibab Ranger District: Kaibab National Forest at (928)643-7395 for the North Rim roads, or at the Backcountry Information Center.

Body Discovered Below Navajo Bridge
On Thursday, November 17th around 10:30 a.m. , Park Rangers at Lees Ferry were notified by Peregrine Fund employees of unusual condor activity near Navajo Bridge (Hwy 89A). Rangers responding to the area discovered the body of an unidentified male just below the bridge about 20 feet from the edge of the Colorado River. An investigation into the death is currently being conducted by the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner.

Hope you have the happiest of holidays!

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian Lane

Colorado River near Tanner Beach (Photo: Brian Lane)

Autumn is beautiful! Yellow is the color of fall in Arizona with tall cottonwoods beginning to turn and rabbitbrush flowering everywhere. The weather in the southwest has suddenly and dramatically changed from summer heat to a winter chill as the jet stream shifts for a short time. While most of September had remained hot, October has come around with snow flying in the higher elevations of Northern Arizona, including Flagstaff and the North Rim of the Canyon. But take heart, temperatures will moderate back to more seasonal averages during mid-October with Inner Canyon temperatures in the mid-80's and nights in the 50's.
 
What else has been happening you ask?

North Rim Closes
Just a reminder that the North Rim services (including lodging) are set to close on October 15th. The North Rim Visitor Center, campground, self-serve gas station, and the road itself (Hwy 67) will stay open until November 27th, unless snow forces an early closure of the road. On the morning of November 28th the entrance gate into the park will close to motorized vehicles until mid-May 2012.

Water Along the Corridor Trails
Water at North Kaibab Trailhead will be turned off on October 15th at noon. All other drinking water sources along the Cross-Corridor Trails (Bright Angel, S. Kaibab, and N. Kaibab) are still on at this time. As winter arrives many spigots will be turned off for the season so always check with the Backcountry Information Center before heading into the canyon.

Trail Damages
The rock falls along North Kaibab Trail have been cleared. Dripping Springs Trail sustained some damage from a rock slide during recent rains. Footing on the loose rock may be compromised and the NPS suggests day hikers visit Santa Maria Spring along Hermit Trail as an alternative. Update: As of October 10, 2011 the damage to Dripping Springs Trail has been repaired.

Man Dies of Natural Causes
70-year old Donald Haney of Cherokee Village, Arkansas died of natural causes on October 3rd. His body was found near the Cape Royal Trailhead.

Hiker Death on Tanner Trail
The body of 52-year old Stephen Norman O'Keefe of Flagstaff, AZ was found near Tanner Beach on the morning of August 28th after other hikers reported a man in possible distress. The Coconino County Medical Examiner has determined the death to be a combination of hyperthermia and dehydration due to environmental exposure.

River Runner Dies
On September 18th, while on a commercial rafting trip, 64-year old Gary Aus from Leavenworth, KA was swept out of his boat at Lava Falls, along with another person. The second person was quickly rescued while yet another boat had grabbed Mr. Aus. He then slipped from his rescuers grasp, but he said he was OK and would swim to shore. His body was later located a mile down river, face down. CPR was initiated but to no avail.

RV Fire Causes Deaths
An RV caught fire at the South Entrance near the GCNP sign on October 3rd that resulted in the deaths of one adult and two children. The names have not yet been released and the incident is under investigation while preliminary inquiry may be indicative of a murder-suicide situation.

...and on those happy notes...

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian Lane

Rock Outcropping at Yaki Point (Photo: Brian Lane)

August is here and we begin to see a slight change in the earth's tilt drawing longer shadows at morning and dusk, signaling that the summer is getting shorter and the extreme heat may soon subside. At least we hope it will, soon.

But, for now, Inner Canyon temperatures are HOT! Staying above 105 degrees (in the shade) during the day, while cooling down to a comfortable mid-seventies at night. Summer hiking conditions will prevail usually until late September, so, I say again... hike in the cool time of day, rest often, eat salty snacks, and drink a minimum of a quart of water each hiking hour (with electrolytes). And take heart, by October the extreme heat should be on the wane.

In Other Canyon News:
North Kaibab Trail Damaged in Rock Falls
On August 10th two rock falls occurred in "The Box" section of North Kaibab Trail just north of Phantom Ranch. Although the rocks are blocking the trail, hikers can easily circumnavigate and scurry around the blockage. No word yet when the rocks will be cleared.


Rock Fall on North Kaibab Trail (NPS Photo)

Man Rescued After Fall from Rim
Saturday, July 23rd, Rangers responded to a report of a man over the edge near Mather Point. When they arrived at the scene they found a 19-year old male had fallen about ten feet from the rim and was suffering from non-life threatening injuries. He was rescued from the canyon, treated locally and released.

One Fatality and Multiple Injuries from Lightning Strike on South Rim
A lightning strike on Thursday, August 4th caused multiple injuries at Mojave Point along the Hermit Road. One woman (a 64-year old unidentified female German tourist) died and five others where injured when the monsoon type lightning event occurred at about 1:45 pm. 

Body Recovered near Lookout Studio, South Rim
A report of another man over the canyon's edge happened on Friday, August 5th. The man's body was recovered 200 feet below the rim and is being investigated as a possible suicide.

Fire Season Still Active
South Rim Water Fire: This lightning sparked fire started south of the National Park's South Rim on August 3rd and was contained by August 7th.

North Rim Tipover & Point Fires: Both fires are lightning caused and are smoldering as monsoon humidity and precipitation have slowed each fire. Some smoke may be visible from either fire, located near Walla Valley and Point Sublime. Point Sublime and Point Sublime Road are closed until further notice.

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian

Sunrise near El Tovar, South Rim (Photo: Brian Lane)

This is still a busy time at the canyon as more campers choose this time of year than any other, keeping campgrounds very full. Temperatures along the Rim have been moderate with days in the mid-eighties and nights around sixty degrees. Inner Canyon temps are staying well above 100 degrees, keeping many visitors off those trails and using the Rim Trail which follows along a huge stretch of the expansive South Rim. Be aware though, the Arizona Monsoon season has been very active lately, kicking up afternoon thunderstorms with heavy localized downpores. Humidity has also been fluctuating wildly between dry comfortable air and sweaty sticky humid air. Believe me, it makes a huge difference when trying to cool oneself down. You take a dip in a pool when there is 10% humidity and when you get out you have goosebumps from the chill of the water evaporating off your skin so fast. Whereas, if you do that on a humid day, say over 60% humidity, and you'd hardly notice the cooling effects. So, just be aware on those humid days that it is all the more difficult to try and cool yourself down.

What else is happening...

North Rim Point Fire
Point Sublime Road on the North Rim has been closed due to the Point Fire which has scorched about 250 acres so far. The fire was started on the 4th of July from a lightning storm that passed through the area. With an active monsoon the fire is growing slowly, if at all, and is being closely monitored. Smoke haze may be visible throughout the Grand Canyon Area.

Fire Restrictions Lifted
Campground campfires and other restrictions put in effect on June 30th have now been lifted due to monsoon rains.

Safe Summer, So Far
This year has seen no heat related deaths in the canyon, yet. The Inner Canyon temps are staying in the 105 degree range, with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms remaining in the forecast. Summer hiking strategies should still be employed: take your time, take frequent breaks, drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes, eat salty snacks, and be off the trail and in the shade from about 9am-4pm to avoid the worst heat of the day. Please do not become a statistic and therefore gain mention in the best selling canyon book "Death in Grand Canyon," it's not worth it.

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian Lane

Yaki Point, South Rim (Photo: Brian Lane)

FIRST EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED...

The National Weather Service has issued its first Excessive Heat Warning of the year in Arizona for Wednesday, June 22nd. Inner Canyon temperatures are set to exceed 110 degrees in the shade, and there ain't much shade inside the canyon unless you are by the Colorado River or an active side drainage.

PLEASE, be sure to employ the proper Grand Canyon summer hiking strategies:

* Be off trail between the hours of 9am-4pm.
* Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes -  a minimum of a quart (plus) per hour.
* Rest often.
* Eat salty snacks.

Man Dies while Rafting
39-year-old James Waring, Jr., of Lexington, SC died on June 9th when the row boat he was in flipped and Mr. Waring was swept down river. Commercial rafters found the man and administered CPR to no avail. The body was removed from the Inner Canyon on June 10th.

Human Caused Fires
Recently the southwest has become a tinderbox due to the lack of rain, high winds, and no humidity. There have been a few human caused fires within Grand Canyon National Park this season, but so far they have not caused any huge concern. Please be aware of fire restrictions and exercise extreme caution and/or curtail activities including: outdoor cooking, open fires or flames, smoking, use of chainsaws, etc. which often lead to wildfires. There are currently two massive wildfires in Arizona and we do not need any more.

As always...
Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian  

Thunderstorm Along North Rim (photo illustration: Brian lane)

The Arizona Monsoon Season officially began on June 15th, 2011.  Last year I had quite a massive response to this posting describing the monsoons, so I thought I would re-post it just to let others know the particulars of this seasonal weather event. Arizonans are remaining hot and dry and there is little evidence that the monsoons will arrive anytime soon, but we know that by July, the afternoon (sometimes severe) thunderstorms will be looming on the horizon. Unless, of course, we get a "non-soon," year where little precipitation is manifested. Lets hope we do recieve a decent amount of rain this year, if nothing else it will help to put out the wildfires currently raging throughout the state. By the way, the "massive response" to this posting last year was really five people - and three of those were spam. Oh, well. 

So, without further ado...

The Arizona Monsoon Season Primer

The Arizona Monsoon Season officially runs from June 15^th through September 30^th. By this standard, now in effect for the last couple of years, we are currently in the monsoon period. But, by the old standard, the monsoonal weather pattern has not yet begun. The old requirements were three consecutive days with dew points over 55 degrees. Only then was a monsoonal flow considered in control of the Arizona climate. So far that has not come to pass, but eventually it will. With that in mind, let’s go over some of the basics that visitors to this area may need to know.

On August 26, 2001 the body of photographer and long-time Grand Canyon hiker George Mancuso (46) was found after he and his hiking partner were caught in a flash flood during Arizona Monsoon Season. Mancuso was a highly experienced canyon traveler and made the cover of Backpacker Magazine as a “Grand Master” of the canyon in 1997. He and his companion had been exploring a side canyon off the Little Colorado River when a violent thunderstorm some thirty miles away, which they probably didn’t even know about, produced a flash flood that caught them in a narrow side canyon and swept them downstream to their deaths. I use this story to quickly illustrate the awesome power and dire circumstances that can be created during monsoon storms.

Monsoon storms are usually highly charged with lightning and produce heavy localized downpours. Enough so that history regularly reminds us how trails can be washed out, much to the chagrin of inner canyon hikers, who then must consider another way of exiting the canyon – when very few exist. The two big issues that one has to deal with during afternoon monsoon storms are lightning and flash floods.

Lightning:

Most lightning strikes the rim of the canyon, the deeper into the canyon you are, the less likely you are to be struck. If you are hiking the canyon’s upper reaches you are still susceptible, so listen for thunder and scan the sky occasionally looking for towering, anvil shaped cumulonimbus clouds. Estimate how far away the storm is by counting the number of seconds after you see a flash of lightning and hear the crack of thunder and divide it by five seconds per mile. Remember lightning strikes can occur ten miles out from the storm front.

If you are caught outside in a lightning storm and hear crackling and/or feel the hair start to rise on the back of your neck quickly crouch down (in the catcher’s position), make yourself small, and cover your head. Do not lie flat, do not huddle in groups (people should be fifteen feet away from each other), avoid wet and damp areas, and avoid standing under tall trees or structures. If you are in your tent you should sit on an insulated mat, and do not touch the walls. Remain in a protected area for a minimum of thirty minutes after the last lightning or thunder is seen or heard.

Flash Floods:

Stay out of canyon washes when storms are forecast. If you must cross a dry creek bed, be aware of escape routes and immediately climb to a point of safety at the first sign or sound of water running down what would normally be a dry wash. Never try to outrun a flash flood.

When driving in Arizona during a monsoon storm…

Do not drive through flooded areas; it takes only a few inches of rushing water to begin moving a vehicle. Arizona has a Stupid Motorist Law that says if you need to be rescued after purposely driving into a flooded wash you will be charged up to $2000. Many such areas are clearly signed “Do not Enter When Flooded” it bodes well to heed that warning.

When the water mixes with grease, oil, and dirt on the road they become slippery so slow down and do not tailgate when driving in a storm. If the storm is so intense that visibility becomes impossible pull completely off the roadway, turn lights off, and take your foot off the brake so that others do not rear end your vehicle (as they may be following your taillights).

Hope that helps a few visitors cope with our Arizona monsoon!


Hike Safe & Have Fun!
Brian