Protecting Yourself During a Grand Canyon Skywalk Summer Thunderstorm

Every year, from July to September, a season referred to as monsoon descends on Grand Canyon West, creating spectacular thunder and lightning storms that have thrilled travelers for years. Needless to say, there's risks related to lightning. Nonetheless, if you follow a few precautions, you'll safely experience one of the planet's greatest natural "fireworks shows."

The word "monsoon" is Arabic for "a season." It was initially used to describe the winds over the Arabian Sea that blow southwest for six months then change direction and blow northeast for the other half. Europe, Africa, and also the western coasts of Chile and the U.S. experience a monsoon season.

The monsoon which comes to Arizona is nothing like the one that douses India, for example (In fact, Arizona's is quite marginal, dropping an average of 2.45 inches of rain in three months), and is the result of cool air from the Sea of Cortez and the Gulf of Mexico meeting the hot air of the desert to make thunderstorms. The monsoon formally starts when the average daily dew point is 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

It is essential for visitors to the West Rim to keep in mind about thunderstorms is lightning, and the rule of thumb is this fact: If you can hear thunder, lightning is nearby. Here are a few tips should you get stuck in storm:

1. If a thunderstorm is in the area, stay indoors or get in a vehicle (not a convertible).

2. Do not use cellular phones

3. If you're outside, steer clear of isolated trees or utility poles. Don't stand on open hilltops. Seek shelter beneath a thick growth of small trees.

4. Get off or away from open water. If you're in a group in the open, keep several yards apart from each other.

During thunderstorms, the Grand Canyon Glass Walk Way will probably be closed to the public up until the storm passes. Skywalk management will also close the attraction if lightning is spotted in a two-mile radius.

Flash floods are a common feature of monsoon thunderstorms. Should you drive to the West Rim, remember that the final 10 miles to the Park entrance is dirt road. If you find yourself stuck in fast-moving water, get out and find higher ground. Same is true if your vehicle stalls in a wash. Hikers are also advised to go to higher ground if they're in gullies or canyons during a thunderstorm.

Typical monsoon-related thunderstorms are powerful but short, and do not lead to trip cancellations or rescheduling (this is applicable to coach, heli, and rafting tours). Many people find this to be among the best times to visit Grand Canyon West. Temperatures cool off. The skyline is full of thunderheads. Lightning puts on a natural light show. But most unique is the fresh sage and creosote odor of the Mojave Desert after a good downpour.

Your odds of getting physically affected by monsoon storms are slight. Every year in Arizona, flooding results in roughly 3 casualties and lightning up to two. Remember, the monsoon is at its weakest in Northern Arizona. The majority of incidents occur from Phoenix down to the border of Mexico. However, you'll still need to take precautions, and, by doing so, you'll have a wonderful Grand Canyon West Rim experience.

Mr. Kravitz is a travel writer specializing in Grand Canyon tours. Go here for his list of the Top 3 Grand Canyon tour operators. Companies are handpicked based on safety, quality and price. Stop by and see if there's a tour for you!