Grand Canyon Skywalk: Preparing for 100-Degree Summer Temperatures!

Jun 29
08:04

2011

Keith Kravitz

Keith Kravitz

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Temps at Grand Canyon Skywalk frequently top 100 degrees. To genuinely enjoy this trip during summer, you should prepare for it. This article reveals how.

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At Grand Canyon West,Grand Canyon Skywalk: Preparing for 100-Degree Summer Temperatures! Articles summer conditions begin in June and end in September. During this time, 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 make your journey to the Skywalk safe and exciting.

The secret is to dress for the heat. This means loose-fitting apparel that let's your skin breath while safeguarding it from the sun's rays. Shorts, non-constricting pants, t-shirts, long-sleeve shirt, sandals, and running 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.

Additionally, consider bringing an article or two of "dry wick" clothing. This material is made of synthetic (polypropylene, polyester) and natural (silk, wool) materials. Its main purpose is to lift moisture away from the body, thereby keeping it cool and dry. By comparison, cotton, for example, absorbs moisture and remains wet. There are lots of brands of dry wick t-shirts, socks, and pants.

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

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

Drink water. Lots of it. Carry a bottle of water along with you when outside. This will make certain you stay hydrated. Failure to drink enough water may result in heatstroke, a condition in which the body is not able to produce enough sweat to cool itself and gets too hot. Should 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 helicopter from Vegas to the Glass Walkway. In both cases, you are in a climate-controlled environment. It's hard to imagine wearing long pants, for example. 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 Glass Bridge is open all year and can be enjoyed during all seasons if visitors are correctly clothed and prepared for prevailing conditions. Summer, specifically, is hot, with temperatures ranging above 100 degrees during daytime. As such, it's recommended that you wear appropriate clothing that reduces your exposure to the sun and helps to keep your skin cool. Sunblock is recommended, as is keeping yourself hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. It doesn't necessarily happen often, but, if a person is overexposed to the sun, he or she could experience heatstroke. If you take a few precautions, your Grand Canyon West trip will probably be one you'll savor for many years to come.