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How safe is the Grand Canyon?

The chance of falling into the Grand Canyon is about one in 400,000. Falls, heat stroke, dehydration: Each year, hikers die on their Grand Canyon trip because they underestimate the dangers of the wilderness.



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Falling Deaths at the Grand Canyon: 198 60 people have fallen off the ledge. 63 people have fallen from inside the canyon. 75 people in this category purposefully jumped or fell to commit suicide.

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View Grand Canyon Safely A trip to Grand Canyon can be both fun and safe by keeping these few tips in mind. Stay on designated trails and walkways and always keep a safe distance if at least six feet (2 m) from the edge of the rim. In areas where there is a railing or fence, do not climb over the barrier.

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How Many Grand Canyon Deaths Happen Per Year? An average of 12 deaths happen at the Grand Canyon every year. The odds of dying from falling off the rim in the Grand Canyon are 1 in 1.8 million visitors.

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View Grand Canyon Safely In areas where there is a railing or fence, do not climb over the barrier. Keep an eye on all of the people in your group, especially small children. Make sure that your travel companions have both feet firmly planted on pavement or developed trails at all times. Know where the edge is.

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Air pollution has routinely drifted into the canyon from metropolitan areas and nearby coal-fired power plants, affecting visibility from scenic vistas. Water in some streams has been tainted with fecal coliform from trespass cattle and from human waste.

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At least 56 people have been reported missing from Grand Canyon National Park since the beginning of 2018 and at least six people have been found dead. This is despite the park not only being smaller but seeing millions fewer visitors than many of the other 424 national park sites.

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Bring a flashlight with you in case you need to explore the park at night. Avoid hiking alone and try to find a hiking partner or group to explore the park with. Be aware of the wildlife in the park and take precautions to avoid any dangerous encounters.

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July and August are the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon due to larger crowds and hotter, wetter weather. You can get cheaper deals on lodging and activities between November and February.

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To have the ultimate Grand Canyon vacation experience spend at least one night inside the national park at one of seven lodges on the South or North Rim, or one at the bottom of the canyon.

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With just one day at the Grand Canyon South Rim, you can see several viewpoints and even hike into the canyon. Unless you want a super relaxed Grand Canyon vacation on the rim or an adventurous rafting trip down below, one to three days at the Grand Canyon is usually enough time for the highlights.

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Over 250 people are rescued from the canyon each year. The difference between a great adventure in Grand Canyon and a trip to the hospital (or worse) is up to YOU. DO NOT attempt to hike from the rim to the river and back in one day, especially during the months of May to September.

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The deepest part of the Grand Canyon is 6,000 feet (1,829 meters). The average depth is 1 mile or 5,280 feet (1,609 meters). At the suspension bridge this canyon is 1,053 feet (321 meters) deep. At Artist Point Overlook the canyon is 1,200 feet (366 meters) deep.

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In the summer, wear shorts, a t-shirt, and running shoes with a light jacket or sweater. In the winter, opt for jeans, good shoes (or even boots – it does snow at the Grand Canyon!), and a long-sleeved shirt with a jacket or sweater.

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Long Durable Pants On scorching hot days, long pants aren't necessary, but still make sure you bring them on your trip. The Grand Canyon can be unexpectedly chilly and long pants will be a lifesaver. Ensure they are durable if you plan to venture off the main path as sharp rocks can rip finer fabrics.

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