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Hiker dies on iconic Arizona park trail during extreme summer heat

A 67-year-old Texas man was found unresponsive on the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park

A Texas man died Tuesday in one of the country's most storied tourist destinations as sweltering summer heat grips the United States. 

The 67-year-old man, whose name was not released by authorities, was found unresponsive on the South Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, according to a statement posted to the park's Facebook page. 

That trail is located below Cedar Ridge, which is considered the park's premier hiking trail. 

South Kaibab Trail

The Colorado River is seen from the South Kaibab Trail along the Grand Canyon South Rim in Arizona, on June 21, 2019. (Patrick Gorski/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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The man was attempting to reach the Colorado River for an overnight stay at the historic Phantom Ranch, nestled on the north side of the formidable river, which can only be accessed on foot or by raft. 

"According to reports, the hiker had turned around at Skeleton Point and was making his way back up [the] trail when the incident occurred," Grand Canyon National Park said. 

Passersby conducted CPR on the man while park medical personnel responded on foot, but they could not resuscitate him. 

The Hance Rapid located where Red Canyon intersects with the Colorado River at River Mile 77

This 2019 photo provided by the National Park Service shows the Hance Rapid located where Red Canyon intersects with the Colorado River at River Mile 77. (Carl Bowman/NPS via AP)

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While the cause of his death has not been announced, park officials cautioned of dangerous extreme heat.

"In the summer, temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can exceed 120°F (49°C) in the shade, creating extremely hazardous conditions for hikers. In addition to the heat, pre-existing medical conditions can compound physical stress, making summer hiking particularly risky," according to Grand Canyon National Park. 

"Park rangers strongly advise against hiking in the inner canyon during those hours and urge all visitors to take extreme caution when planning hikes during the summer months."

With the North Rim in the background, tourists hike along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005.

With the North Rim in the background, tourists hike along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Feb. 22, 2005. (AP)

Between 2014 and 2019, an average of 17 people died in Grand Canyon National Park each year, according to National Park Service data

The top cause of death in the Grand Canyon is medical emergencies unrelated to park activities. Falling is the second most frequent cause of death, and drowning the third.  

Peter D'Abrosca joined Fox News Digital in 2025 after four years as a politics reporter at The Tennessee Star. 

He grew up in Rhode Island and is a graduate of Elon University. 

Follow Peter on X at @pmd_reports. Send story tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

via July 10th 2025