Grand Canyon on extreme heat watch as hikers face dangerous temperatures

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for the Grand Canyon area from Monday through Tuesday, warning that lower-elevation parts of the park could become dangerously hot as temperatures climb above 100F.

Forecasts for the inner canyon include highs near 110F at Phantom Ranch, according to reporting. The watch covers low-lying areas below 4,000 feet, where summer hiking can become especially hazardous.

Safety warning

The National Park Service is urging visitors to avoid strenuous hiking in the inner canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when heat exposure is most dangerous. Officials are also warning hikers to plan carefully, carry enough water and avoid mid-day exertion.

The warning comes after three recent heat-related deaths in the park.

Recent deaths under investigation

Park officials said a 72-year-old man died on the South Kaibab Trail on June 12 in a heat-related incident. On June 16, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman died on the North Kaibab Trail in a separate incident.

Authorities said the deaths remain under investigation and the bodies were taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner. Reporting also noted an earlier heat-related death involving an 18-year-old hiker in the park on June 3.

What comes next

The immediate concern is whether the National Weather Service extends or upgrades the watch, and whether park officials issue additional safety advisories or closures. Officials are also monitoring for any new heat-related incidents during the warning period.

For visitors, the message is direct: the lower Grand Canyon is entering a dangerous stretch of heat, and midday hiking can quickly become life-threatening.