Extreme Heat Warning for Grand Canyon and Oak Creek Canyon Wildfire Concerns
Grand Canyon National Park visitors should prepare for severe heat early next week. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch from Monday to Tuesday, with temperatures possibly hitting 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) at Phantom Ranch.
The National Park Service advises avoiding midday hiking due to a spike in heat-related incidents, including the deaths of three hikers. Two hikers, ages 67 and 68, died on the North Kaibab Trail when an extreme heat watch was in effect on June 16. Earlier, a 72-year-old hiker died on June 12 along the South Kaibab Trail from heat illness.
Heat can mislead hikers. Grand Canyon rim temperatures are often 20 to 25 degrees cooler than at the bottom. Meteorologist Justin Johndrow warns of rising heat before monsoon season offers relief later. Hikers may start downhill in cooler conditions but face hot temperatures and strenuous climbs back to the rim. Temperatures of 105 to 110 degrees exacerbate this challenge.
“It’s just a hot place at the bottom of the Grand Canyon,” said Johndrow.
About 90 miles south, Oak Creek Canyon faces a growing wildfire threat. Late Friday, visitors and residents evacuated as a fire burned hundreds of acres near Sedona. The Western U.S. saw above-average temperatures Saturday, with hotter weather expected next week. Officials warn of increased fire risk due to the prolonged dry, hot conditions.
The Pocket Fire is in steep terrain near Oak Creek Canyon, affecting roughly 500 acres. Firefighters are working to prevent the blaze from reaching populated areas like Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
Fire Information Officer Dick Fleishman stressed complexities like steep slopes and the threat of post-fire flooding. A section of State Highway 89A remains closed, and the Coconino National Forest is closed to the public for safety.
“We want to try and keep it as small a footprint as possible,” said Fleishman.