Ready For A Summer Visit To Grand Canyon Skywalk?

At Grand Canyon West, summer conditions begin in June and end in September. During this period, highs will exceed 100 degrees, and lows will play in the low 80's. No matter how you slice it, it's hot. And understanding how to travel in such extreme heat will help make your trip to the Skywalk safe and exciting.

The secret is to dress for the heat. This means loose-fitting apparel that let's your body breath while safeguarding it from the sun's rays. Shorts, non-constricting pants, t-shirts, long-sleeve shirt, sandals, and athletic shoes all work. What you choose to wear will depend on how sensitive your skin is to the sun and how active you expect to be at the Rim.

Further, consider taking an article or two of "dry wick" clothing. This material is made of synthetic (polypropylene, polyester) and natural (silk, wool) materials. Its main function is to lift moisture away from the body, thereby keeping it cool and dry. By contrast, cotton, for instance, absorbs moisture and stays wet. There are many brands of dry wick t-shirts, socks, and pants.

Hats are strongly recommended. Baseball caps are OK. But try and wear a full-brimmed hat, as it will protect your ears, neck, and cheeks. Types of such hats include sun hats, adventure hats, field hats and cowboy hats. It is also very common to find hats that contain UV protection (SPF 50) layered into their fabric and that protect your scalp from sunburn.

Which brings us to sunblock: Bring a lot of it. Ideally a cream with SPF 50 (a rating system for how a cream blocks the sun). Use liberally on hands, ears, face, arms, and legs. Tours to the Grand Canyon West may last up to two hours or more, so expect to apply sunscreen at least twice during your visit.

Drink water. Lots of it. Have a bottle of water along with you when outside. This will make certain you avoid dehydration. Failure to drink enough water may result in heatstroke, a condition wherein the body is not able to produce enough sweat to cool itself and overheats. If you experience heatstroke symptoms, seek a shaded area, elevate your feet above your head, drink fluids, and get medical attention.

Many people take a luxury bus or a chopper from Las Vegas to the Glass Walkway. In both cases, you are in a climate-controlled environment. It's tough to visualize wearing long pants, for instance. It's only after your feet hit the ground that you experience the heat. Tour companies will update you on weather conditions. However the rule of thumb is this: Prepare for the heat.

Parting Words...

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is open all year and can be enjoyed during all seasons if visitors are properly dressed and prepared for prevailing conditions. Summer, specifically, is hot, with temperatures ranging above 100 degrees during daytime. As such, it's advised that you wear suitable clothing that reduces your exposure to the sun and helps to keep your skin cool. Sunscreen is recommended, as is keeping yourself hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. It doesn't happen often, but, if a person is overexposed to the sun, he or she could experience heatstroke. By taking a few precautions, your Grand Canyon West tour will be one you'll enjoy for many years to come.