Grand Canyon heat watch follows 3 hiker deaths on canyon trails
What's next: temperatures at Phantom Ranch could top 110 F through Tuesday, and the park is urging visitors to avoid midday hikes.
Grand Canyon National Park is warning visitors of another round of dangerous heat after three hikers died in recent heat-related incidents on inner canyon trails. The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat watch for midday Monday through Tuesday, with temperatures at Phantom Ranch forecast to reach or exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Two hikers, ages 67 and 68, were found dead June 16 on the North Kaibab Trail, and a 72-year-old died June 12 on the South Kaibab Trail after becoming ill in the heat. Park officials said temperatures at the canyon rim can run 20 to 25 degrees cooler than at the bottom, creating deceptive hiking conditions and a punishing climb back up.