Story and photos by Cheryl Hartz
Summer Safety Tips
No matter the length of your summer day hike, always include:
- Up to a gallon of water to drink. In addition, to restore electrolytes a bottle of a “sports” drink is a good idea.
- I like to drape a wet bandana around my neck and mop my face with that occasionally. Some folks prefer a spray bottle to spritz themselves.
- A hat.
- Sunglasses.
- Bottle of sunblock.
- Snacks, both salty and sweet. Protein, like nuts and jerky, too. Take enough so you can help someone else in trouble along the way.
- First-aid kit.
- Rain jacket and sweatshirt. Arizona’s monsoons pop up without warning June through September, often with 20-degree temperature drops.
- Sturdy shoes. Not sandals or flipflops.
- Cell Phone. You won’t have reception, but it functions as a locator to rescuers, and also as a flashlight if you misjudge your time and are out after dark.
A surprising fact about Arizonans is that many—especially those born and raised here—never have visited the Grand Canyon. Astounding, right, when one considers it places on the planet as one of the Seven Natural Wonders?
It also features one of the most endangered species in the world, with the steady reintroduction of California Condors. Without a doubt, the Grand Canyon is a premier choice for day hikers and backpackers alike.
Backpacking is for another article. This one focuses on day trips in Grand Canyon National Park. I’ve lost track of the number of times we’ve driven the two hours to treat out-of-state visitors to the Grand Canyon. Ironically, we haven’t taken people there in July and August, partly because of the crowds but mostly because people visit us when their own harsh weather causes cabin fever.
Usually, we will take them a short way down and back up the South Kaibab Trail. They will experience the trail’s steepness and the canyon’s depth along with its spectacular vistas. Then we drive back to the Grand Canyon Village where they’re ready to mosey along the rim’s flat sidewalk past (or into) restrooms, shops, and restaurants.
From there, if anyone still feels like tackling the climb down and back, we can access the Bright Angel Trail and hike down to a short tunnel, which is a good turnaround point.
One time at the tunnel, I saw tears streaming down my silent hiking companion’s face. This brave woman was deathly afraid of heights, but stoically went along so as not to spoil it for her family. We immediately turned around and took her where she could enjoy the canyon.
As another friend put it, “I never considered that hiking into a big hole in the ground would expose me to such great heights.”
The park offers free shuttle service to other breathtaking sites. Check these out on the National Park Service website.
Be forewarned. None of the trails are easy, but rather, steep, narrow, and rocky with tremendous drops off the edges. The Grand Canyon can be a dangerous place if you do not pay attention. But it’s worth it!
Safe summer hiking!
