Grand Canyon National Park rangers have already conducted 13 helicopter evacuations and summer hasn't even officially started.
"With more heat on the way and triple-digit temperatures forecasted for this weekend, we're urging visitors to take this seriously," park officials warned in a June 1 release.
The rescues -- including three helicopter missions in just seven days -- responded to a range of emergencies: heat illness, dehydration, hyponatremia (overhydration), and lower leg injuries. Most incidents occurred deep in the inner canyon, where temperatures can soar well above those at the rim.
"Yeah, it's been busy," rangers noted, emphasizing that hikers attempting rim-to-rim routes or other strenuous treks must be self-reliant.
Park officials are urging hikers to:
