Hiking in Grand Canyon during the hot summer months does present some challenges, but thoughtful preparation and a few little tricks can help make for a fantastic, enjoyable, and safe experience. In Part 1 of this blog we discussed the importance of avoiding hiking during the hottest part of the day and taking the opportunity to get wet as often as possible. Hiking early in the wee morning hours is easy enough and staying wet isn’t too hard either, as long you wisely chose a hiking route that will frequently have you near streams and pools. When you can’t count on regular access to water faucets or creeks, a handy-dandy spray bottle is your best friend. You can pick one up anywhere for about $3, fill it up with water, and keep it handy on the outside of your backpack for the occasional ‘misting’ along the trail. This method won’t do much to keep your core temperature down, but it’s instant gratification when sprayed on faces, arms, necks, and heads as you take a well-deserved break in the shade. And it’s a great way to make friends on the trail! People will love you if you share your cooling mist!
Speaking of shade…this is your next best friend while hiking in the heat. Make sure that every time you take a break (I recommend a 10-minute break every hour or so), you break in the shade. A break in the sun is no break at all! If the group is going to be stopped along the way for more than minute, be sure you’re out of the sun. Every little bit helps.
Last, but most definitely not least, is the importance of drinking plenty of fluids and eating plenty of food, especially salty foods. Your body is going to need a lot of water to keep functioning properly (I’ve drank 10 liters in a day on some of the hotter days) and a lot of that water will be lost to sweat. And along with that sweat, your body is losing precious salts (i.e. electrolytes). If you don’t replace those salts, you will end up in a bad place (a topic worthy of its own dedicated blog post). I LOVE Pringles and Lays Stax! Crunchy, salty, and just plain delicious (leave your low-sodium, health-nut diets at home, people). Any kind of snack cracker is great, peanuts, pretzels, whatever. Your body will be craving salt and you won’t believe how delicious and satisfying all those snacks will taste. Electrolyte drink mixes are great too but they are not a substitute for ample food. Eat plenty, drink plenty, feel great!
During the hottest part of the day, the best option is to relax. Find a big shade tree, roll out your sleeping pad, bring a book, and chill out! You’ll likely be ready for at least one nap, considering I got you up at 3am in the morning to beat the heat. Take an occasional dip in the creek…I know there’s a creek nearby because if there isn’t…you chose the wrong destination for a summer hike in Grand Canyon! But a little more exploration isn’t out of the question. Leave camp setup, grab a couple liters of water, get SOAKING WET, and go for a short walk.
Though not an exhaustive list, these tips will surely help you maximize your enjoyment during your summer hike in Grand Canyon. Got any more helpful hints? Share your ideas with us!

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