The Grand Canyon may be awe inspiring, but it is important to remember that awesome things can also be dangerous. Its size, geography, and location are what make the Grand Canyon so impressive, but they are also what create some of its (thankfully avoidable) perils.
You may have seen stories in the news regarding injuries or even deaths at the Canyon due to these Grand Canyon dangers, but many of these tragedies are avoidable if you practice a bit of Grand Canyon safety.
In this post, we will explore some of the biggest Grand Canyon dangers and how you can avoid them while safely enjoying the beauty and splendor of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Let’s jump in (but not literally—that is actually one of the dangers).
Grand Canyon Danger 1: Falling Off the Edge of the Canyon
One of the more obvious Grand Canyon dangers is the depth of the Canyon itself. Visitors often overestimate their safety as they get close to the edge of the Canyon, maybe for that perfect selfie shot, and can quickly find themselves losing their footing. Fatal falls are not the leading cause of death at the Grand Canyon, but they are one of the most preventable Grand Canyon dangers.
How to practice Grand Canyon safety
Grand Canyon Danger 2: Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke
Heat is extremely dangerous and is often underestimated by inexperienced visitors who are unused to dry desert heat, especially when hiking down into the Canyon.
It may seem counterintuitive, but the bottom of the Grand Canyon is actually hotter than temperatures above the rim—”temperature increases 5.5°F with each 1,000 feet loss in elevation” (NPS), so it is extremely important to prepare for this increase if you intend to hike below the rim.
It’s not just the heat and exertion you have to worry about when it comes to dehydration—in the spring and summer months “relative humidity often fall[s] below 10% during the day,” creating conditions that make dehydrating incredibly easy (NPS). According to the National Park Service, “rangers respond to heat exhausted hikers every day during the summer”, so make sure you come to the canyon prepared for the heat and humidity conditions.
How to practice Grand Canyon safety
Grand Canyon Danger 3: Flash Floods
Because the sparse, dry vegetation and soil of the Arizona desert is less capable of absorbing rainwater than other landscapes, flash floods can occur if the weather conditions are right inside the Canyon along the Colorado river.
Flash floods are uncommon, but are most likely to occur in July, August, and early September due to the increase in thunderstorms. However, they can happen any time of year if there is significant rainfall anywhere along the river. Due to the way in which water travels, a flash flood can be triggered by a thunderstorm or torrential downpour occurring in a completely different part of the canyon. The NPS notes that “[h]ikers have been killed in flash floods generated by thunderstorms as far as 25 miles away.”
Flash floods are not a risk if you are only visiting the rim of the Grand Canyon.
How to practice Grand Canyon safety
Grand Canyon Danger 4: Wildlife
Rattlesnakes, elk, squirrels—oh my! The Grand Canyon boasts a huge number of unique wildlife species for you to potentially see while you are there. It’s important to keep in mind that they are wild animals and you should not attempt to approach or feed them in any way, not only because there is a risk to your safety if you do so, but also because it is illegal to approach or feed wildlife at Grand Canyon National Park and you could be heavily fined if caught.
How to practice Grand Canyon safety
Grand Canyon Danger 5: Inclement Weather
If the desert heat wasn’t enough, the geography and climate of the Grand Canyon can also bring intense storms, lightning, tornadoes, impenetrable fog, and perhaps most surprisingly: cold! Thankfully though, most days at the Canyon are pleasant, and even the stormiest days can offer some of the most impressive views of this natural wonder.
FUN FACT: Lightning strikes an average of 25,000 times per year in Grand Canyon National Park.
How to practice Grand Canyon safety
Grand Canyon Danger 6: Water Safety
Occasionally, there are problems with the water lines at the Grand Canyon. This can result in the water becoming non-potable, meaning it isn’t safe to drink, or the National Park Service enacting water conservation measures because replenishing water stores can be challenging.
During these times, accessing water can be difficult and requires some additional planning for visitors and especially hikers. If water is not available, you will have to carry in all the water you need (and possibly more than you expect—at least 1 gallon of water per day), or bring some kind of filtration/purification device in your pack.
How to practice Grand Canyon safety
Conclusion
Yes, there are dangers at the Grand Canyon, but they can be easily managed—even entirely mitigated if you’re smart about it. There’s no reason to let safety deter you from enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the beauty of the Canyon. Just be sure to take precautions like:
- Staying on the trails and staying away from the edge of the canyon
- Staying hydrated and not hiking during the hottest part of the day
- Being careful when traveling along the Colorado River
- Staying away from wildlife
- Taking weather-appropriate precautions during inclement weather
- Paying attention to water safety warnings and bringing your own potable water
