GRAND CANYON VILLAGE, AZ (AZFamily) — With views as far as the eye can see, it’s no wonder more than 6 million people visit the Grand Canyon annually.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of their busy season, but there are a few safety precautions to take before visiting.
Joelle Baird has worked at the Grand Canyon for over a decade, starting in preventative search and rescue and now at the public affairs office.
The thing that keeps drawing her back is the exciting environment and, of course, the views.
“An awe-inspiring effect the Grand Canyon has on just about everyone whether it’s your first time visiting seeing the canyon but even as an employee being here 12 years now I’m blown away,” Baird said.
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But during that time Baird has also seen visitors come unprepared, especially in the summer heat.
“I would say underestimating people’s abilities physical abilities is probably the big thing that we see here,” she said.
Grand Canyon Search and Rescue responds to more than 300 calls a year. So Baird said knowing your limits and preparing are crucial to preventing a rescue.
“We’re up here at 7,000 feet at the South Rim,” she said. “Generally speaking, it’s about a 20-degree difference between the south rim and down at Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon so really checking the weather ahead of time. If you’re not acclimated to hiking in the heat really try to have a conservative plan.”
As the park expects a large Memorial Day crowd, Baird asks visitors to show some extra grace to the 400 park service employees.
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“They’re trying to do their best to handle as many questions and as many people who are trying to experience the park as possible,” Baird said. “I would say patience is always a virtue but especially when visiting during the peak summer season.”
Wait times to get into the park are expected to be longer this weekend, so to beat the long lines and the heat, they suggest getting here before 10 a.m. or earlier.
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