Heat-Related Hiker Death, Rescue Highlight Arizona Trail Dangers

A 67-year-old man from Texas died while hiking the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park amid extreme summer heat, with temperatures on exposed parts of the trail exceeding 120°F. The man had turned back from Skeleton Point, attempting to hike out when he was found unresponsive; CPR and medical response efforts were unsuccessful. Park officials warned that heat combined with pre-existing medical conditions makes summer hiking in the canyon especially dangerous, advising against hiking between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Separately, an elderly man was rescued from the Desert Classic Trail on South Mountain in Phoenix after experiencing heat-related symptoms in temperatures over 100 degrees, requiring airlift to a hospital in stable condition. These incidents highlight the severe risks posed by extreme heat to hikers in Arizona's popular outdoor areas, necessitating caution and preparedness during the summer months. Grand Canyon National Park reported that medical emergencies unrelated to park activities are the leading cause of death there, with falling and drowning following.