How to Prepare for Summer Heat in Bryce Canyon

Summer has arrived here in Bryce Canyon National Park. Though Bryce Canyon sits at a relatively high altitude, the summer heat can be surprising and if not prepared it can become dangerous.

Bracing for a Hot Summer

The CDC warns that all heat related illness and death is preventable. Each year, about 658 people succumb to extreme heat. Bryce Canyon is high desert country which means the summers are hot and dry.

This summer is forecast to possibly reach record breaking heat. The warmest months of the year in Bryce Canyon are June and July where temperatures can get up to 90° fahrenheit (approximately 32° celcius).

What is Heat-Related Illness?

Heat-related illness includes sunburn, heat cramps, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat rash. These conditions occur when the body is not properly cooling itself. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating, but sometimes this isn’t enough. When the body doesn’t cool itself sufficiently, body temperatures begin to rise and can do serious damage to the brain and other vital organs. Heat-related illness should be taken very seriously, especially in Bryce Canyon.

Preparations for Summer Heat

There are many things you can do to prepare for the summer heat in Bryce Canyon. The best place to start is by checking the weather prior to your visit and planning accordingly. No matter what, plan on water. Water is the single most important thing in the summer heat and can even mean the difference between life and death.

Next, always wear sunscreen. Did you know? It’s easier to sunburn at higher elevation. This is because the earth’s atmosphere acts as an insulation and actually protects against UV rays, but at higher altitudes there’s naturally less of that atmosphere to protect you.

Finally, wear the proper clothing. For most summer days, it’s recommended to wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Be prepared with layers of clothing that you can shed if need be. And an extra word of advice/warning – NEVER leave children or pets inside cars. Cars can heat up like ovens in Utah’s summer heat and are deadly.

Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Be sure you know the signs of heat-related illness. In the case that someone is showing these signs or symptoms, don’t hesitate to act. Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Flushed skin
• Dizziness
• Confusion/Delirium
• Slurred speech
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Cool, moist skin with goose bumps
• Faintness
• Low blood pressure upon standing
• Heavy sweating

For more information, read this article.

How to Respond to Heat-Related Illness

If someone is showing symptoms of heat-related illness (as mentioned above), stop whatever activity you’re engaged in. Calmly move to a cool, shaded area and sit down. Perhaps the most serious symptoms are confusion, slurred speech, headache and nausea. If someone is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it could be very serious. If it’s an emergency, call 9-1-1 or Park Rangers.

When waiting for emergency responders, give the victim drinking water. Try cooling them down by pouring water across their forehead, neck, hair and clothes. Remove excess clothing if necessary. Stay calm and help the victim relax. Always plan ahead to avoid heat-related illness. Drink lots of water and stay within your physical limitations.