Rock Outcropping Along South Kaibab Trail (photo: Brian Lane)

October is a busy time in the Grand Canyon! Hikers and backpackers flock to the canyon as temperatures moderate from the extreme heat of summer and shift toward the cool autumn breezes. Weather in the southwest has been wet lately with severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and even a tornado touching ground just south of the canyon. There is even snow capping the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff - something that rarely occurs in October. That said, the El Nino pattern is said to be changing back into a La Nina flow, which means a drier, warmer winter season. Only time will tell if it plays out that way. Anyway, here are a few bits and pieces of information gleaned from various sources to help keep canyon travelers up to date on some of the goings on...

Hiker Dies on Lava Falls Route
The body of Gavin Smith (30) of Lawrence, Kansas was removed from the canyon on September 30th, 2010. On Tuesday, Sept. 28th Mr. Smith and four others set out on a day hike along the obscure Lava Falls Route near Tuweap (about 3.5 hours drive from North Rim facilities). Investigation revealed that Mr. Smith had hiked about half-way down when he began running low on water. He then told his companions that he would wait for them there. He was found dead by a hiking companion about 100 yards from the trailhead parking lot. The group was hiking during a time of extreme heat, along one of the hottest, steepest trails into the canyon. His death has been determined to be heat related. The Park Service urges all visitors to not attempt hiking from the rim to the river in one day.

Man Falls to Death near Mather Point
42-year-old Andrew Stiles of Burbank, California fell to his death while rock-hopping along the South Rim between Pipe Creek and Mather Point. At about 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 1st, Mr. Stiles was seen by an eyewitness jumping from one outcropping to another when he lost his footing, falling about 500' to his death. His body was recovered the following day due to high winds.

Lightning Injures Tourists - Twice!
Also on October 1st, two women, both 45-year-old Korean Tourists, were reportedly struck by lightning along the South Rim near the Visitor Center. They disproved the "lightning only strikes once in the same place" theory, since it appears they were not only struck once, but that a secondary strike also hit both women. They were flown to Flagstaff Medical Center, treated and released.

North Rim Facilities Set to Close
Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim and other concessioner-related visitor services at the North Rim will close on October 15th, 2010. The Park Service Visitor Center, campground, and other services will remain open until November 28th or until Highway 67 closes (which could happen earlier if snowfall shuts down the highway previous to that date). After November 28th the gates are locked and Highway 67 will not re-open for vehicle traffic until mid-May of 2011.

Havasu Canyon Closed
Due to the recent batch of heavy rain and subsequent flooding Havasu Canyon will be closed until further notice. They will not be taking new reservations until November 1st, 2010. Visit www.havasupaitribe.com for more information.
 
Canyon Weather
Those wonderful, dramatic rains of last week have passed and daytime Inner Canyon temperatures have rebounded back into the 90 degree range, with lows just getting into the upper 40's. Since the summer monsoon season has passed, (the time when Arizona receives most rainfall), the chance of storms decreases and temps usually range from the 70's - 90's during the day and 40's - 50's at night. A beautiful time to be in the canyon!

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian on South Kaibab Trail - 2010