Three hikers have died from apparent heat-related illnesses in the Grand Canyon in just one week, prompting officials to issue a serious warning about dangerous conditions inside the park.
The deaths happened on two separate days in the inner canyon, where midday temperatures can climb above 109 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, according to federal officials.
The first death happened on June 12, when a 72-year-old man became ill from the heat while hiking the South Kaibab Trail.
Officials said rescue crews were called, but the man died before they could reach him.
Just four days later, two more hikers died after apparently suffering heat-related illnesses on the North Kaibab Trail.
Those victims were a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman, according to the U.S. National Park Service.
Despite a rapid response and aerial support, all three hikers were dead by the time first responders arrived, park officials said.
The recent deaths come as Grand Canyon officials report an increase in heat-related illnesses over the past several weeks.
The National Park Service is now urging hikers in the inner canyon to avoid trails during the hottest part of the day, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The inner canyon can be especially dangerous because temperatures are often far hotter than conditions on the rim. Even experienced hikers can become overwhelmed quickly when extreme heat, steep terrain, and limited shade combine.
The bodies of the three hikers were taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Investigations into the deaths remain ongoing, according to the National Park Service.
The tragedy is a grim reminder that the Grand Canyon’s beauty can turn deadly in extreme summer heat. Park officials are urging visitors to plan carefully, start hikes early, carry plenty of water, and stay off inner canyon trails during peak heat hours.
