Keeping You and Your Guests Cool on Your Summer Trips

The JRI website has a lot of information we provide for guests on how to stay cool when hiking in the heat which everyone is familiar with. Use this page to share your personal experiences, trail tips, etc.

Here is a start.

Every chance you have to get you guests wet - DO IT!!! When I (Debbie) am guiding in temps with highs of 90 and up, I personally get my shirt and hat wet before I start the hike - even if the morning feels cool. Better to start cool than try to cool down. This sets an example and your guests are more likely to follow suit. Then I have everyone get wet at every at every water spigot or creek access. This time, if they didn't start with a wet hat and shirt, now you need to force the issue. I never let my guests just wet a bandana when the temps are soaring to 100+. Even with some resistance, they will appreciate it later. However, if they still opt not to, at least you tried:)

I am very adamant about taking breaks in the few shade spots that are along the trail. Even if we took a break 20 min ago, I will stop again when the temps are well over 100+. It doesn't have to be a long break, many times 5 min is more than enough. Just long enough for people to feel some relief and have their bodies cool down a bit. The trick is not asking guests if they want and/or need a break. You're the guide, you TELL everyone that they're taking a break. When you stop that is also a great time to get wet.

During the summer season I take plenty of breaks and soak up as much shade as i can. Besides having my guests take a dip in the creek (or at least their shirts) I also encourage them to remove their hats in the shade. Wearing a hat in Grand Canyon feels about as natural as drinking water, but taking that hat off can feel very unnatural. Removing your hat allows a lot of excess heat to escape from the body which....drum roll please....helps cool your guests!

Every one knows this, but the best way to keep your guests a bit cooler in the summer is to hike earlier to get to camp earlier. I am huge fan of my tarp that I carry to help make shade where ever I need it to be. The guest really enjoy it when you are at camp too. It is one things that the guests don't think about till they are baking in the sun like a lizard trying to get warm on a cold morning. This is also a thing that helps with $$$$$$ at the end of the trip.