PHOENIX − A woman died trekking a Grand Canyon trail while attempting to make it to the Colorado River and back in one day, according to the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center.
Around 9 p.m. local time on May 14, the National Park Service responded to a report of a pulseless and unresponsive hiker on the Bright Angel Trail above the Three-Mile Resthouse. While her name was not released, authorities identified her as a 36-year-old woman from Westfield, Indiana.
The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular trail in the Grand Canyon, but like all trails that lead into the canyon, is steep and difficult, according to the park's website. Hikers making their way down to the Colorado River are recommended they consult a park ranger for safety tips. It is unclear if the woman communicated with a park ranger before her hike.
A cause of death was under investigation by NPS in coordination with Coconino County Medical Examiner, NPS public affairs specialist Joelle Baird said in a release.
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'Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks'
In light of the incident, and as temperatures continue to climb, Grand Canyon National Park rangers urged hikers to be prepared for excessively hot days, as in the summer it can reach up to 120 degrees. Rangers also advised against hiking in the inner canyon between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as there have been many heat-related illnesses that occur in that range, Baird said.
"Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia (a life-threatening electrolyte imbalance from drinking too much water and not consuming enough salt), and death," Baird said. "Be aware that NPS efforts to assist hikers may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather."
According to park experts, important equipment to bring for a safe hike include "balancing food, electrolyte, and water intake; drinking when thirsty; getting wet to stay cool; and stopping hiking if you start to feel ill," said Baird.
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How to hike safely
For more information on hiking throughout the summer, visit the National Park Service website on hiking tips.
City officials in Phoenix, more than 200 miles south of the Grand Canyon, has provided the following safety measures that hikers should take when hitting the trails:
- Watch the weather: Yes, "it's a dry heat" − but Arizona's temperature can be deceiving and deadly. Hike when it's cold outside, try early mornings and evenings when there's more shade.
- Dress appropriately: Wear proper shoes, clothing, hat and sunscreen.
- Bring water: Hydrate before you go. Have plenty of water, more than you think you need. Turn around and head back to the trailhead before you drink half of your water.
- Keep in contact: Carry a mobile phone.
- Team up: Hike with others. If hiking solo, tell someone your start and end times, and location.
- Be honest: Do you have a medical condition? Asthma, heart problems, diabetes, knee or back problems? Don't push yourself! "Even trained athletes have been caught off guard by getting dehydrated on Arizona trails."
- Don't trailblaze: Enjoy the Sonoran Desert's beautiful and undeveloped landscape, but please stay on designated trails.
- Take responsibility: Don't be "that person" − the one who wasn't prepared, shouldn't have been there for health reasons or ignored safety guidelines. Be the responsible hiker, who takes a hike and does it right!
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