3 hikers die at Grand Canyon due to the heat as temperatures reach extreme levels, rangers say

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — Authorities said three people have died in heat-related incidents over the past week on Grand Canyon trails.

Grand Canyon National Park rangers and first responders said two of the emergency calls came from the Inner Canyon trails, where temperatures in the shade can top 109 degrees in the afternoon.

On June 12, a 72-year-old man was found not moving on the South Kaibab Trail. On Tuesday, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found on the North Kaibab Trail.

All three hikers were pronounced dead when help arrived. Authorities did not immediately identify them.

Officials are reminding hikers that canyon trails can be dangerous in the summer, as temperatures can easily top 100 degrees and the steep terrain makes it even harder on the body.

The National Park Service is urging hikers to stay off Inner Canyon trails between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. local time during the summer months.