How to See Grand Canyon Skywalk During 100-Degree Temperatures

At the West Rim, summer temperatures start in June and end in September. During this time, highs will surpass 100 degrees, and lows will play in the low 80's. No matter how you slice it, it's hot. And understanding how to travel in such extreme heat will make your trip to the Skywalk safe and enjoyable.

The key is to dress for the heat. That means loose-fitting clothing that let's your skin breath while protecting it from the rays of the sun. Shorts, non-constricting pants, t-shirts, long-sleeve shirt, sandals, and athletic shoes all work. Whatever you opt to wear will depend on how sensitive your skin is to the sun and how active you expect to be at the Rim.

Further, consider bringing an article or two of "dry wick" clothing. This fabric is made of synthetic (polypropylene, polyester) and natural (silk, wool) materials. Its main purpose is to lift moisture away from the body, thereby keeping it cool and dry. By contrast, cotton, for example, absorbs moisture and remains wet. There are lots of brands of dry wick t-shirts, socks, and pants.

Hats are strongly advised. Baseball caps are OK. But try and wear a full-brimmed hat, as it will protect your ears, neck, and cheeks. Types of such hats include field hats, adventure hats, cowboy hats, and sun hats. It's also quite common to find hats that contain UV protection (SPF 50) layered into their fabric and that protect your scalp from sunburn.

Which brings us to sunscreen: Bring a lot of it. Ideally a cream with SPF 50 (a rating system for how a cream blocks the sun). Use liberally on legs, hands, ears, face and arms. Trips to the Grand Canyon West can last up to a couple of hours or more, so be ready to apply sunscreen at least twice during your visit.

Drink water. Lots of it. Carry a bottle of water with you when outside. This will ensure that you stay hydrated. Failure to drink a sufficient amount of water may result in heatstroke, a condition wherein the body is unable to produce enough perspiration to cool itself and gets too hot. Should you experience heatstroke symptoms, seek a shaded area, elevate your feet above your head, drink liquids, and get medical attention.

Many people take a luxury bus or a helicopter from Vegas to the Glass Bridge. In both cases, you are in a climate-controlled environment. It's hard to imagine wearing long pants, for example. It's only after your feet hit the ground that you experience the heat. Tour companies will update you on the weather. However the rule of thumb is this: Plan for the heat.

Parting Words...

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is open all year long and can be enjoyed during all seasons if visitors are properly clothed and prepared for prevailing conditions. Summer, specifically, is hot, with temperatures ranging above 100 degrees during daytime. As a result, it's advised that you wear suitable clothing that reduces your exposure to the sun and keeps your skin cool. Sunscreen is recommended, as is keeping yourself hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. It doesn't happen often, but, if a person is overexposed to the sun, he or she could encounter heatstroke. If you take a few precautions, your Grand Canyon West trip will probably be one you'll savor for many years to come.

Mr. Kravitz is a travel writer who reviews Grand Canyon tours. Go here for his rankings of the Top 3 Grand Canyon tour operators. Ratings are based on safety, quality and price. Stop by and see if there's a canyon tour that's right for you.