What should I be careful of in the Grand Canyon?

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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Falls, heat stroke, dehydration: Each year, hikers die on their Grand Canyon trip because they underestimate the dangers of the wilderness. Canyon experts Michael Ghiglieri and Tom Myers (a biologist and a medical doctor) documented these tragedies in their book Over the Edge – Death in Grand Canyon.

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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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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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Airplane and helicopter crashes are the most common cause of death at the Grand Canyon, followed by falling, which includes both accidents and suicides. Other causes of death include hiking and environmental deaths such as dehydration, starving, and freezing, according to data from Hastings & Hastings.

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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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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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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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If you are mostly concerned about weather, the Grand Canyon's climate has cooler weather and less rainfall between April and June. July and August are the worst months to visit the Grand Canyon due to larger crowds and hotter, wetter weather.

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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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Don't be afraid to bring your children – at any age to the Grand Canyon. When visiting the Grand Canyon, many families worry that there isn't enough for children to do, however, quite the opposite is true. There are many activities, based on your children's age that will keep even the most active child entertained.

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Water available at these locations has been deemed safe for all human and animal consumption. Potable water at Grand Canyon is treated at multiple locations before being distributed for consumption. Grand Canyon treats all potable water beyond State of Arizona and EPA standards for public consumption.

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A large norovirus-associated outbreak of acute gastroenteritis occurred in the Grand Canyon backcountry among river rafters and backpackers during April–June 2022. Preliminary analyses of illness characteristics and portable toilet specimen test results suggested norovirus as the primary causative agent of illness.

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Keep the Canyon Grand Uranium mining risks contamination of precious water sources, and proposed developments threaten the natural, cultural, and scenic values of the canyon. We address these issues head-on, protecting the Grand Canyon — the heart of the Colorado Plateau — for future generations.

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About 12 deaths happen each year at the Grand Canyon, including from natural causes, medical problems, suicide, heat, drowning and traffic crashes. On average, two to three deaths per year are from accidental falls over the rim, park spokeswoman Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski says.

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The Grand Canyon mid-air collision occurred in the western United States on June 30, 1956, when a United Airlines Douglas DC-7 struck a Trans World Airlines Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation over Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. The first one fell into a canyon and the other one slammed into a rock face.

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