If the Grand Canyon can keep the trails open, Phoenix can too!

The Grand Canyon National Park, one of Arizona’s busiest trail systems will never close its main hiking arteries, Bright Angel trail, South Kaibab and North Kaibab due to extreme heat.

Even in extreme heat, the National Park Service relies on education and advisories rather than closures to address safety concerns.

The Grand Canyon has had tremendous success lowering rescue numbers through education and preventive search and rescue (PSAR) efforts. The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department and the trail user community could do the same by implementing the learnings from the PSAR program in the canyon.

What it PSAR in the Grand Canyon ?

Trail Patrols: PSAR rangers hike popular trails like the Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail, monitoring visitor activity and offering assistance when needed.

Education and Awareness: Provide safety tips and advice to hikers at trailheads and rest stops. Emphasize the risks of heat, dehydration, and fatigue, especially for those planning to hike to the Inner Canyon. Offer information on trail conditions, weather, and water availability.

Distributing Supplies: Hand out electrolyte packets, water, and salty snacks to hikers showing early signs of dehydration or heat-related stress.

Early Intervention: PSAR rangers look for hikers in distress (e.g., signs of heat exhaustion or overexertion) and provide immediate care to prevent more serious emergencies.

Data Collection: Track incidents and rescues to identify trends and improve safety efforts.