South Kaibab Trail just above Cedar Ridge (photo: Brian Lane)

Canyon Starting to Get Busy:
Spring breaks have started and more folks are beginning to visit the canyon. Inner Canyon temperatures in general have hit the 80 degree range making it a perfect time to explore the great chasm. While the numbers show that the highest month for visitation at Grand Canyon Nat'l Park is in July, the most backcountry permits are issued for the month of May (the North Rim opens and temperatures have not yet reached the extreme heat of summer). That said, if you're thinking that you could arrive at the park around Easter and find lodging inside the park, you would be wrong. All inside the park lodging is full for Easter week, and if visiting during this time, you would be wise to try and find something in Tusayan very soon as many of those commercial lodgers are already booked solid. If making camping reservations, the temps on the South Rim are still freezing at night, with days in the 60's.

Trail Report:
Snow is melting quickly along the rim making trails muddy & sloppy. Temperatures are still freezing at night and snow melt turns to ice making trails very slick for about the first mile-and-a half. Traction devices should still be worn along these sections of the trail (cleats or crampons) in order to avoid falls. Expect some trails (like Tanner) to still have some snow drifts covering its uppermost reaches. No word yet, that I have heard, about the condition of backcountry roads, (such as the access road to South Bass Trailhead), but I can bet you will need a good high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle to get there.

Water Availability:
Water along the Corridor Trails (Bright Angel, S. Kaibab, and N. Kaibab Trails) is still only available at Indian Garden, Bright Angel Campground, and Phantom Ranch. Elsewhere most ephemeral water sources should be available due to recent precipitation. As always, check with the Backcountry Information Center for updates to these seasonal water sources before heading into wilderness areas. They are not to be relied upon (the sunny and dry environment can quickly remove surface moisture and seeps).

North Rim Still Closed:
The road to access the North Rim of Grand Canyon (Hyw 67) is still closed at Jacob Lake. The gate is scheduled to be unlocked by mid-May, 2011. 

Havasupai:
The Havasupai Tribe has begun taking reservations for access into Havasu Canyon, but the canyon is still closed to visitors at this time. They are planning to reopen by May 1st, 2011. Visit their website for more info: www.havasupaitribe.com.

Woman Falls to Death:
On Wednesday, February 9th the Park Service was informed that 64-year-old Janice Wotherspoon of St George, UT had died after falling into the canyon. Her husband reported her missing after he emerged from the men's room and was unable to locate her. Her body was subsequently spotted 600 feet below the rim just east of the Yavapai Geology Museum & Bookstore. Few details of the incident have yet emerged and the NPS is investigating.

Celebrate Nat'l Park Week / Book Signing:
Come celebrate National Park Week (April 16-24, 2011), with a visit to the Grand Canyon. There will be no admission fees charged for entry into the park during the week!

Join Brian at Yavapai Geology Museum & Bookstore (Yavapai Point, South Rim) on Fri, April 22 (10-3), Sat, April 23 (10-3), and Sun, April 24 (10-1). He will be talking trails and signing books. Stop by and visit!

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian

View near the top of Bright Angel Trail (photo: Brian Lane (Jan., 2011))

What a great time of year to be at the Grand Canyon! The North Rim is closed and the South Rim is quiet - very quiet. I hiked down Bright Angel Trail to Phantom Ranch on Saturday, January 22nd and barely saw a soul, the day was crisp and sun filled, and I had a cabin all to myself at the ranch. It took me about 4.5 hours to get to Phantom Ranch where I checked in, strolled around taking pictures, and showered before dinner.  After an excellent dinner I relaxed listening to some "Prairie Home Companion" podcasts before bedtime at 9 p.m. The next morning I got up early and headed out via South Kaibab Trail at around 7 a.m. It was cold by the time I made it to the popular day hiking spot - Cedar Ridge (and one of the only times I've ever been there all by myself). The wind had picked up and being moist with sweat from the climb I felt decidedly chilled. I didn't stay there long and made it back up to the rim in 5 hours (while trying to take my time).


Female Big Horn Sheep near the Silver Bridge
(photo: Brian Lane (Jan., 2011))

Thanks to Xanterra for a wonderful time, it was nice meeting Dave Myers at Phantom, he does a great job managing the ranch! Good to see a couple of fellow Woofers (WFRs or wilderness first responders), Brad & Slim, who I had met last June while taking our re-certification with the Wilderness Medicine Institute. After spotting each other they asked what brought me into the canyon, my response was "January." They laughed and heartily agreed, if you want to see the canyon on a more personal level, without throngs of people, come here in the winter months!


Moon glow from Black Bridge at 7 a.m.
(photo: Brian Lane (Jan., 2011)) 

On to other things...

Trail Conditions
All trails are snow packed and icy at the top, although South Kaibab is decidedly ice free with only short patches of slick areas. Anyone going into the canyon should be wearing cleats or crampons when passing along ice covered patches (available for purchase at the general store). The Park Service and trail volunteers have been doing lots of work on the South Kaibab and it shows! The trail is in the best condition I've seen in 20 years.

Corridor Trails Water
Water along the Corridor Trails is only available at Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Ranch, and at Indian Garden (unless pipes are being repaired).

Repair Work on Black (Kaibab) Bridge
Trail crews are scheduled to be working on the Black Bridge from February 2nd - 8th, 2011. Hikers will not be allowed access to the bridge between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Hikers will need to use the Silver (Bright Angel) Bridge during this time.

Havasupai Still Closed
Havasu Canyon and Supai are currently closed to tourists due to last years flooding. They will not be taking any reservations until spring. For more information visit: http://www.havasupaitribe.com/home.html

Weather
Due to a La Nina weather pattern the Southwest U.S. has been free of winter storms during the last month. This pattern is supposed to continue for the time being, meaning fewer weather events than the norm. Even the storm currently passing through Arizona has produced no measurable precipitation. Inner Canyon temperatures are in the 60's, with nights dipping just below freezing.


View from Monument Creek Vista (photo: Brian Lane (Jan., 2011))

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian "Hikernut" Lane

"Hikernut" is a federally registered trademark of
Brian J. Lane, and   A Sense of Nature, LLC

Upper Switchbacks on South Kaibab Trail (photo:Brian Lane)

Well I didn't make it into the canyon mid-November as planned. My uncle's back had gotten aggravated doing yard work prior to leaving Nebraska and it was decided that his pain would only get worse by backpacking into the canyon. We, (as in, me, my uncle and his wife), had planned on spending four nights along the central corridor trails and had all trained to get ready, but these things happen, and we'll just have to make new plans to get them inside Arizona's geological wonder in the near future. We spent our time day hiking and exploring the South Rim, then on to Sedona for one more hike before they headed home. It was a very nice time to catch up and spend time together. As far as my own upcoming hikes - I'll be heading down solo to Phantom Ranch in mid-January, and I just received a permit for Grandview/New Hance in March too. That should be enough to keep me "in training" throughout the winter months.

On to some other items of interest...

Missing Oregon Man Found Dead
The body of 38-year-old Gary Shannon Krumholz, reported missing since October 28th, was found inside a tent off of Highway 64 (East Rim). Authorities stated that there were no signs of foul play.

Route 67 to North Rim Closed
The North Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park has been closed to vehicle use as of November 29th. The gate at Jacob Lake (Hwy 89A and Hwy 67) will be closed until mid-May of 2011.

North Rim Yurt Now Available
For the first time ever, a yurt has been made available to the public. The yurt is located near the North Kaibab Trailhead and can be reserved between November 29th and April 15th. It accommodates six people and includes a table, chairs, wood stove, and nearby portable toilet. Permits are available through the Backcountry Information Center or visit: www.nps/gov/grca/planyourvisit/winter-recreation.htm
 
Water Off Along Corridor Trails
There are only two water sources along the Corridor Trails (Bright Angel, South Kaibab, and North Kaibab Trails) that are always on - Indian Garden and Bright Angel Campgrounds. All other water spigots have been turned off for the winter, this includes Bright Angel Trailhead, South Kaibab Trailhead, North Kaibab Trailhead, Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse, Three-Mile Resthouse, Cottonwood Campground, Roaring Springs, and Supai Tunnel.

Use of Crampons Advised
After recent snow storms trails are snow packed and icy for the upper most mile-and-a-half or so along the trail. Make sure you wear cleats or crampons (or some other traction device such as MicroSpikes or YakTrax) when hiking and backpacking the Grand Canyon during winter months.

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian

Late Afternoon Canyon Shadows (photo: Brian lane)

November has arrived and canyon visitation begins to decrease as the holiday season approaches and snow along the rim starts to fly. The quiet season for the Grand Canyon kicks off around the middle of November and lasts until March, and at times in January the whole park can seem deserted. Although the rim has already been experiencing days in the 40's and nights into the teens, Inner Canyon weather has just begun to flirt with freezing nighttime temperatures while daytime inside the canyon brings temps ranging from the mid-sixties into the mid-seventies. It is the time of year I really enjoy the canyon and will be enjoying tea at the Phantom Ranch Canteen this time next week while spending a few nights along the central corridor trails with my uncle and his wife. Hope this trip sees us all fare well and enjoying this beautiful time of year!

Other goings on:

River Trippers Discover Body
Wednesday, Nov. 3rd, a little after 2:00 p.m., a private river trip reported that they had found the deceased body of a lone male around river mile 21 (about 15 miles south of the Navajo Bridge). The body was flown out of the canyon the next day. The man has yet to be identified.

Drinking Water Along the Corridor Trails
As of the end of October water has been turned off along the North Kaibab Trail at the trailhead, Supai Tunnel, and Cottonwood Campground. Water is still available at Roaring Springs. Along the well-used Bright Angel Trail the water has been turned off at Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and at Three-Mile Resthouse, but is still on the Bright Angel Campground, Indian Garden, and at the trailhead. Water at South Kaibab Trailhead is also still available. Remember - pipes break - always carry some form of water treatment when traveling the Inner Canyon.

New Amphitheater Opens at Mather Point
Opening ceremonies for the new amphitheater near Mather Point took place on October 25th. It can seat up to 80 people and provides wonderful vistas for those enjoying ranger presentations (or just the vista itself). It includes a landmark feature that honors area Native American tribes.


Diana Sue Uqualla (Havasupai Tribe) blessing the new landmark feature (NPS  Photo)

Crampons or Cleats?
The time is nearing when Inner Canyon hikers will need to wear crampons (or cleats of some kind) along the upper reaches of the canyon. Snow and ice get compacted along the tops of trails and slipping can easily occur. Cleats are usually needed only for the top 300 (or so) vertical feet, but without them it can get quite dicey, especially going downhill while wearing a full pack. No need to go slip slidin' away...literally!

All for now...
Please hike safe and have fun!


Brian Lane

 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

    Grapevine Canyon Sunset                                                               (Photo: Brian Lane)

Inner Canyon Weather:
Inside Grand Canyon weather remains hot and humid with a chance of afternoon monsoonal thunderstorms. August and September are still dangerous times to hike the canyon due to extreme heat. Temps will remain in the 105 degree range for the next few weeks and slowly moderate into the mid-80's by mid-October. The chance of rain remains high while the Arizona Monsoon stays active, by mid-September the monsoons have subsided and precipitation goes from about an inch-and-a-half average in August to about a half inch of rain during the month of October. Due to extreme temperatures canyon hikers are still being advised to drink plenty of water (1-2 liters of water for every hour hiking) and be off the trail between the hours of 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. - the hottest time of day.

Man Rescued After Falling into Canyon:
On August 5th, 2010 an eighteen year old male visiting from France slipped and fell about 75 feet below the rim while taking pictures near Mather Point.  The incident occurred at about 2:45 p.m. and the man was air lifted via helicopter short-haul around 4:15 p.m. and flown to Flagstaff Medical Center with non-life threatening wrist, ankle, and neck injuries.

Technology Can Cause Trouble:
A recent article in the New York Times talked about the problems related to hikers using cell phones and other emergency communication devices in the backcountry. First of all, cell phones generally do not work inside the Grand Canyon, so canyon hikers are usually limited to satellite phones, personal location beacons (PLBs), or the newer SPOT Messenger. In the Grand Canyon I know of one instance where these satellite communication devices possibly saved a life a couple of years ago when a hiker in Surprise Valley suffering from heat exhaustion was air lifted out to medical care.

Then, I know of two instances where these devices were activated for no reasonable purpose, both happened during September, 2009...

The first occurred on September 2nd at 1:30 a.m. when a group of three hikers was sleeping along the rough and unmaintained Tanner Trail, about three miles from the South Rim. Grand Canyon dispatch was notified that a SPOT "911" activation had been received from the group whose permit holder and trip leader had extensive experience hiking the canyon. A rescue team arrived a short time later to find all three in their tents fast asleep. Further investigation revealed that one of the three hikers (on their first trip into the canyon) had become worried that they had run out of water, and she had heard "odd respiratory noises" coming from the group leader. Deciding they were in trouble she activated the 911 device and went back to sleep without telling anyone. After the rescue situation happened the group decided not to continue their intended trip any further and returned to the South Rim the next day. The Park Service did not press charges. 

Later that month, on September 23rd, Park Rangers initiated a search for two men and their two teenage sons along the rugged, unmaintained, and difficult to follow, Royal Arch Loop after receiving word that the group had activated the "help" button on the SPOT tracking device rented for the trip. They were reached via Park Service helicopter the next day, where they declined rescue since they had activated the device because they ran out of water, and had since then found a water source. That same evening the group activated the "911" button on their SPOT device. Due to darkness, an Arizona State DPS helicopter with night vision capabilities was requested. The DPS helicopter crew found the group less than a quarter mile from the location of the first "rescue" call. This time they said they were concerned about dehydration because their water "tasted salty." The group requested a night evacuation but was turned down by the helicopter crew due to the danger of such extractions. The group was provided more water before the helicopter departed. The next morning the group again activated the "help" button on their rented SPOT device. They were subsequently removed from the canyon at that time - all four refused medical assessment or treatment of any kind. The group leader admitted that he had hiked in the Grand Canyon once before, while the others had never hiked the Grand Canyon, and had little backpacking experience. The trip leader was cited for "creating a hazardous condition."

Emergency communication devices should never be relied upon in the backcountry. They are not intended to replace common sense and informed decision making. A reasonable person would know what they are getting into before entering the backcountry, and should be fully prepared physically and mentally for such a challenge. If rescue from the inner canyon is required you may be charged the cost of such rescue.

To read the full NYTimes article go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/22/science/earth/22parks.html


  Hike Safe & Have Fun!
              Brian

 
Lipan Point, Grand Canyon                                   Photo: Brian Lane

Hiker's Body Recovered from Canyon
Park officials received a call on Wednesday evening (July 7th, 2010) concerning an overdue hiker. The caller stated that the female hiker had accompanied the caller's son to Tuweap Valley along the North Rim. The two had planned to hike down on Lava Falls Route to the Colorado River where the male was meeting up with a river float trip in progress. After locating the male with his rafting group he informed the park rangers that he had not seen his companion since they had split up on Tuesday afternoon - when she was supposed to hike back to the North Rim. An aerial search was initiated and the woman's lifeless body was spotted on Thursday afternoon. No names have been released and no cause of death was reported at this time; park officials are investigating.

Man Drowns in Havasu Canyon
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office received a report on June 30th, 2010 of a deceased male just downstream from Mooney Falls. The victim, Michael Allen (32) of Ogden, Utah was on a camping vacation with family and friends when the accident occurred. According to witnesses Mr. Allen was swimming in Havasu Creek near the top of Mooney falls when he apparently went under and did not resurface. He then travelled over Mooney Falls (210' drop) and continued down the creek until his body came to rest along the creek bank. Coconino County detectives and the medical examiner are conducting an investigation into the incident.

North Rim Fire
A lightning caused fire that was first reported on June 26^th is still burning at this time. The Saffron Fire has blackened over 1,200 acres and is currently about fifteen miles northwest of the North Rim Lodge. Swamp Ridge Road and Swamp Point (the trailhead for North Bass Trail) have been closed until further notice. All over previously reported fires have been contained.
 

Canyon Heat Continues

Inner canyon temperatures will be remaining in the 110 degree range for the near future. With monsoon activity possible afternoon temps could moderate a bit as storms pass, but as soon as it clears and the sun comes back out the heat will quickly rebound. I say it all summer long - do not hike the inner canyon between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Rest often, drink a minimum of one liter of water (with electrolytes) for each hour you are planning to hike, and eat salty snacks.

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).

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian

Ribbon Falls Close-Up: Photo Illustration - Brian Lane

Wildfires Abound… 

Wildfire season is upon us and after the very welcomed early spring rains we now face the dry (little to no rain for the last few months), hot (inner canyon temps over 100 degrees) dog days of summer with lots of desiccated brittle weeds in great abundance. This week fires have been popping up all over the high country of Northern Arizona and the following fires are currently being actively fought in the Grand Canyon vicinity as of this date:

 

Schultz Fire – 14,000 acres burned; Hwy 89 has been periodically closed just north of Flagstaff

Skousen Fire – 16 miles SE of Tusayan, AZ (17 miles SE of Grand Canyon Nat’l Park’s South Entrance)

Eagle Rock Fire – 3,420 acres burned; 11 miles NE of Williams, AZ

Hardy Fire – 300 acres burned; Near Little America Hotel - two miles SE of Flagstaff 

Three North Rim Fires were reported on June 14^th: The Walla Fire, Fuller Fire, and the Glades Fire;
All roads and trails remain open.

 

Officially the Arizona Monsoon Season, but no thunderstorm activity yet… 

The meteorological elements necessary for a good old monsoon season have not yet come together but the prognosis is for above normal heat and above normal rainfall for this, the Arizona wet season. The Arizona Monsoon Season occurs officially from June 15 through September 30, although we are not even close to seeing any monsoon activity yet. When active, the monsoon season produces violent localized afternoon thunderstorms. Luckily for canyon travelers, the afternoon should be the time for resting in the shade, and truth be told, it is the people on the rim that are most likely to be struck by lightning than anyone traveling the depths of the canyon. The Inner Canyon explorer should though, be aware of flash flooding in canyon washes.

 

Inner Canyon Heat Makes a Return… 

After a week of moderate temperatures the summer heat is set to return in the next few days with temps going above the 110 degree range (in the shade). If hiking inside the canyon please make sure to be off the trail between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drink at least a quart of water every hour, more when climbing out of the canyon. Use electrolyte containing sport drinks and eat salty snacks.

Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian Lane

View from the top of Cathedral Stairs, Hermit Trail
Photo Illustration by Brian Lane.

First Excessive Heat Warnings of the Season

The first heat wave is poised to hit the Inner Grand Canyon this Saturday, June 5^th, 2010 and the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the weekend. The NWS may also issue its first Excessive Heat Warning of 2010 in the next couple of days as temperatures for the Inner Grand Canyon could reach as high as 110 degrees by Monday. These "dog days" of summer will last from now until early September, although the Arizona Monsoon Season (June 15th - September 30th) and its pattern of thunderstorms can offer temporary afternoon relief.

Excessive heat is the number one weather related killer in the U.S. with more than 1,500 people dying each year from heat associated situations. After blisters, this is the most common malady in the canyon, bar none. Initial symptoms include headache, pale and sweaty skin, cramps, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. The symptoms usually progress as water loss increases. If not treated, your skin will turn red and hot and you will soon become disoriented, irritable, combative and ultimately unconscious.

Remember that the human body is 60% water and a canyon hiker can lose 20% of that water in one day of hiking, (or about 12 to18 pounds, which is equal to about 1.5 to over 2 gallons of water). The chronological order of heat related injury for the average person goes something like this: After sweating about 2% of your body weight your thirst mechanism is triggered. At 3% your performance is reduced by about 10%. Around 3 to 4% loss and heat exhaustion and muscle cramps set in. Then, at about 5%, your body begins losing a severe amount of muscle strength and endurance and you begin to make really bad decisions. By the time your body has lost 6 to 9% of its water weight, incapacitation sets in and you are unable to stand. Next comes the onset of total delirium and coma, when you reach 20% you are gone. Anyone choosing to hike into the canyon during periods of high heat should make sure to heed the following safety rules...

1). Avoid Strenuous Activities

Do not hike inside the canyon during the hottest time of day, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Find a cool shady place to rest until temps moderate. Consider hiking at night, especially when the moon will provide some illumination.

2). Stay Out of the Direct Sun

Exposure to full sunshine increases your own personal "heat index" by about 15 degrees. Plus the fact that getting a sunburn makes the cooling process much more difficult.

3). Dress Accordingly

Wear loose, lightweight and light colored clothing, preferably cotton since cotton stays wet longer and therefore keeps you a bit cooler for a longer period of time. I like to keep a wet cotton hanky or neckerchief around my neck to help cool too.

4). Eat Accordingly

Avoid heavy proteins that increase water loss and also increase metabolic body heat production. Consume more carbohydrates and simple sugars for energy.

5). Drink Lots of Water

Start drinking extra water a few days before your trip and drink sport drinks with electrolytes a couple of hours before you begin your hike and while on the trail. Sport drinks containing electrolytes help keep your body chemistry balanced when sweating a lot. Especially in the summer season you will need to drink nearly a quart of water and/or sport drink for every hour of hiking. Drink enough fluids that your urine runs clear and avoid alcohol or caffeine, and consult your physician if taking antihistamines or antidepressants. Don't take salt tablets unless directed by your doctor.

** If you find yourself or someone else in your group suffering from the heat be sure to have them rest in a cool, shady spot. Slowly drinking copious amounts of water and/or sport type drinks can help. If symptoms progress, aggressive cooling is required so spray the victim with cool water and fan them while massaging muscle cramps as needed. Evacuate immediately if incapacitated. **


Hike Safe & Have Fun!

Brian on Tanner Trail
Photo by: Larry Lindahl
www.larrylindahl.com

        Yaki Point, Grand Canyon National Park. Photo Illustration: Brian Lane
Available as a limited edition fine art print on canvas signed by Brian - go to www.aSenseofNature.net

North Rim of Grand Canyon Now Open
The quiet North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park was officially opened last Saturday, May 15th at 7:00 a.m., when the Arizona Department of Transportation unlocked the gate at Route 89A and Route 67, a forty mile drive which leads to the Park's North Entrance. All roads are now cleared of snow and ready for traffic, although there is still about 35% snow coverage on the ground. The North Rim receives about one-tenth the number of visitors than the South Rim, and while a visit to the South Rim is said to average six hours, time spent by visitors at the North Rim averages three days. North Rim services will remain open until mid-October of 2010. Just to let you know, there will be prescribed burns in the North Rim area during the next thirty days.

All South Rim Trails Now Clear of Snow, but...
All South Rim trails are reportedly clear of snow and ice, but trails on the North Rim (1,000 feet higher in elevation from the South Rim) including portions of the Arizona Trail, Nankoweap trailhead access, and many other trailhead access roads may still be covered with 1-2 feet of snow. Access to Point Sublime from the W-1 Road may not come about until mid-June, so plan accordingly.

Central (Cross-Canyon) Corridor Water Availability
Water along the central corridor trails (Bright Angel, South Kaibab & North Kaibab Trails) is now available at all cross canyon water spigots, except for Supai Tunnel on the North Kaibab. Water sources along wilderness trails are quickly drying so make sure you check with the Backcountry Information Center for updates to ephemeral water availability.

Central Corridor (Inner Canyon) Campgrounds Full in May
Bright Angel, Indian Garden, and Cottonwood Campgrounds along the cross-corridor are reporting 100% full during May and 95% full during the month of June. Permits for late June, July, and August are readily obtainable - because most people do not enter the canyon during these times of extreme heat (average of over 100 degrees in the shade) plus the Arizona Monsoon Season (officially from June 15th - September 30th) brings violent thunderstorms with the accompanying danger from lightning and flash floods.

Temperatures Flirt with the 100 Degree Mark
It has been a nice, reasonably comfortable spring season at the Grand Canyon. Inner Canyon temperatures, on average, reach 100 degrees in early May. So far we've held it off but the Nat'l Weather Service projects that temperatures at Phantom Ranch will reach close to 100 degrees by this Friday, May 21st followed by another brief cool down. Remember to be off the trail between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. during times of extreme heat.

A Safe Year, so far...
No deaths , (save for a couple of apparent suicides), have been reported yet this year. 2009 had many people succumb to various tragedies including suicides, drownings, heart attacks, hantavirus, and heat related deaths. An average of twelve people die at Grand Canyon National Park annually and during last year it seemed that every few weeks a new misfortune and befallen a canyon visitor. Hopefully this year will remain a safe and happy one for all visitors to this magical place. 

Hike Safe and Have Fun!
Brian "Hikernut" Lane