At Grand Canyon West, summer temperatures begin

The secret is to dress for the heat. That means loose-fitting clothing that let's your skin breath while safeguarding it from the rays of the sun. Shorts, non-constricting pants, t-shirts, long-sleeve shirt, sandals, and athletic shoes all work. Whatever you decide to wear depends on how sensitive your skin is to the sun and how active you expect to be at the Rim. Further, consider taking an article or two of 'dry wick' clothing. This material is made of synthetic (polypropylene, polyester) and natural (silk, wool) materials. Its primary function is to lift moisture away from the body, thereby keeping it cool and dry. By contrast, cotton, for instance, absorbs moisture and stays wet. There are many brands of dry wick t-shirts, socks, and pants. Hats are strongly advised. Baseball caps are OK. But try to wear a full-brimmed hat, as it will protect your ears, neck, and cheeks. Types of such hats include adventure hats, field hats, cowboy hats and sun hats. It is also quite common to find hats that contain UV protection (SPF 50) layered into their fabric and that protect your head from sunburn. Which brings us to sun block: Bring a lot of it. Preferably a cream with SPF 50 (a rating system for how a cream blocks the sun). Use liberally on legs, hands, ears, face and arms. Trips to the Grand Canyon West may last up to a couple of hours or more, so be ready to put on sunscreen at least twice during your visit. Drink water. Lots of it. Carry a bottle of water with you when outside. This will make certain you stay hydrated. Failure to drink enough water can result in heatstroke, a condition in which the body is not able to produce enough sweat to cool itself and gets too hot. If you experience heatstroke symptoms, seek a shaded area, elevate your feet above your head, drink fluids, and get medical help. Many people take a luxury motor coach or a chopper from Las Vegas to the Skywalk. In both cases, you're in a climate-controlled environment. It's tough to visualize wearing long pants, for example. It's only after your feet hit the ground that you experience the heat. Tour companies will update you on weather conditions. However the rule of thumb is this: Prepare for the heat. Summary The Grand Canyon Skywalk is open all year and can be enjoyed during all seasons if visitors are correctly dressed and prepared for prevailing conditions. Summer, specifically, is hot, with temps ranging above 100 degrees during daytime. Consequently, it's recommended that you wear suitable clothing that reduces your exposure to the sun and helps to keep your skin cool. Sunblock is recommended, as is keeping yourself hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. It doesn't necessarily happen often, but, if a person is overexposed to the sun, he or she could encounter heatstroke. By taking a couple of precautions, your Grand Canyon West trip will probably be one you'll enjoy for many years to come.