|
Grand Canyon announces trail restrictions |
|---|
Due to a combination of extreme heat conditions and an increase in the number of heat related incidents occurring on inner canyon trails within Grand Canyon National Park, the Superintendent will implement restrictions on all trails below the canyon rim, with the exception of day hikes on the upper 1 1/2 mile section of the Bright Angel Trail and North Kaibab Trail to Supai Tunnel, approximately 2 miles below the canyon rim. Effective Saturday, July 17th, at 7:00am restrictions are being placed on these trails to reduce risk to visitors during extremely hot weather. All inner canyon trails, with the above exceptions, within Grand Canyon National Park will be closed to access from 7:00am until 5:00pm. This is being done to prevent hikers from hiking dur ing the extreme mid-day heat. Restrictions will remain in place until there is a significant reduction in daily average temperatures.
Visitors holding Backcountry Use Permits or planning extended day hikes, will be required to start their hike prior to 7:00am or after 5:00pm. Park Rangers will be stationed at the South and North Kaibab Trailheads as well as Phantom Ranch to restrict access and provide information to the hikers during these hours.
Wilderness Trails and the Bright Angel Trail below 1 1/2 Mile House will be signed during the restrictions and violators will be cited. Visitors planning day hikes on the South Rim can use the Bright Angel Trail, currently open from the trailhead to 1 1/2 Mile Rest House and day use visitors on the North Rim may hike to Supai Tunnel, approximately 2 miles below the rim, on the North Kaibab. Day use visitors may hike to 1 1/2 Mile Rest House and Supai Tunnel at any time during the day, as there is available shade and water along these trail areas that can reduce the risk of heat related illness.
Park Rangers however, still caution all hikers to bring adequate water and supplies.
These restrictions will not affect mule trips offered by Grand Canyon National Park Lodges on the South Rim and Grand Canyon Trail Rides on the North Rim. Overnight mule trips to Phantom Ranch from the South Rim will continue as scheduled. Day trips to Plateau Point from the South Rim are currently cancelled due to the Bright Angel Trail closure below 1 1/2 Mile Rest House. This trail was closed on July 15th due to damage caused by severe rains. The half-day mule trips from the North Rim to Supai Tunnel and Full-day trips to Roaring Springs will also continue as scheduled.
Northern Arizona is experiencing the worst drought in more than 100 years. The National Weather Service reported that during the period May through July, 1996, Grand Canyon's temperatures have averaged 10 degrees higher than during the same period in 1995. In addition, the late spring rains that persisted in this area through July in 1995 did not occur in 1996. The National Park Service has recorded temperatures in excess of 115 degrees at Phantom Ranch over the last week. Temperatures can range from the mid-80's on the rim to above 110 degrees in the inner canyon. As a result of these continued high temperatures, there has been a sharp increase in the number of emergency medical situations for visitors hiking the park's inner canyon trail system.
Implementation of these restrictions is expected to reduce the risk of heat related illness to both visitors and park staff.
The National Park Service will continue to access climatic conditions and will lift trail restrictions when a significant reduction in daily average temperatures occurs and risk of heat-related illness dimishes.
Future trail restrictions will be dependent on climatic conditions and may be immediate.
Additional shuttle service is being provided to South Kaibab Trailhead by Grand Canyon National Park Lodges to provide early morning transportation to the trailhead. Shuttles leave the Bright Angel Lodge at 5:00am and 6:00am, the Maswik Lodge at 5:10am and 6:10am, and the Backcountry Reservations Office at 5:20am and 6:20am.
There is a $3.00 per person charge from these locations to the trailhead.
Return trips from the South Kaibab Mule Barn Hitching Rail to the Village are scheduled for 5:30am, 6:30am, 12:00 noon, 2:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm and 12:00 midnight.
Taxi service is available by calling 638-2822.
Visitors planning on hiking in Grand Canyon National Park should contact rangers at the Backcountry Office at (928) 638-7875 or visit a park visitor center.
For up-to-date trail, backcountry camping information, and scheduled transportation to the South Kaibab Trailhead, visitors can contact the Backcountry Office or call the Park's pre-recorded line at (928) 638-7888.
Grand Canyon National Park is still open.
Info provided courtesy of Don Bremner, South Rim Travel, Tusayan, Arizona
|
|
|---|
|
|---|