Las Vegas makes it easy to forget that Grand Canyon West is located in the Mojave Desert and that temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees. I know I'm guilty of it, and I paid the price with an epic sunburn. But it doesn't have to be this way. Tote along a bag filled with some of the essentials I'm going to share with you and you'll do the Grand Canyon proper.

Hot Canyon Weather!

First, here are Grand Canyon West's hottest months and temps:

May
High 91
Low 62.4

June
High 101.4
Low 71

July
High 106.3
Low 76.8

August
High 102.6
Low 74

Sept
High 97.6
Low 68.1

You're not dreaming. It regularly hits 106+ degrees in July and doesn't cool down until Nov. I've heard international guests ask," Can people be out in this heat?" Yes, and once you spend some time in it, you'll acclimate. But it takes time.

Stay Hydrated!

The most important thing you need to bring is water. Lots of it. I suggest packing a day bag or a small rucksack with a couple liters (more if you have kids). There's also bottle water inside the gift shops at the West Rim. Bring cash as there are no ATM's.

Please don't hold back on your water consumption. Drink as much as you need to. The idea is to stay hydrated so your body can cool itself. Travelers who fail to drink water might end up with heat stroke, a serious condition that can be completely avoided if you drink enough water.

What to Wear at Grand Canyon West

That's my lecture on water. Let's talk about what to wear. Absolutely bring the following:

1. Brimmed hat. Baseball hats are fine but a brimmed hat will protect your ears and neck from the sun.
2. Sturdy sandals or running shoes. The terrain at Grand Canyon West is rugged and rocky. If you wear sandals, consider using the sporting kind like Teva or Keen. Sturdy footwear is especially important when you are hanging around the edge of the lookout in front of Eagle Point.
3. Light pants. Jeans are fine but a pair of lightweight, cotton pants is best. These won't constrict your body and will allow it to breath.
4. Long-sleeved shirt. Lightweight cotton is best. This will provide comfortable protection for your shoulders and arms.
5. Sunglasses. Nothing in the West Rim's landscape absorbs light so it's incredibly bright out there. I recommend a decent pair with strong UV protection.

Seriously, Trail Mix?

This set of basic clothing and accessories will serve you well on the rim. But we're not quite ready yet. Here are the final items that need to be on every canyon traveler's list:

1. Sun block. Bring a lot. Use regularly. SPF 50 is max strength.
2. Salty snacks. This may seem counter-intuitive but salty treats like trail mix help replenish sodium. Try to limit the amount of junk food your group eats until you are on the bus.

Grand Canyon weather during summer is hot. How much you enjoy the canyon will depend on how you dress. By packing along a few simple items, as well as water, sun block, and a hat, you will beat the heat. Don't let 100-degree-plus temperatures stop you from seeing the best of the Seven Wonders of the World. It's a spectacular trip that nobody should miss while visiting Las Vegas.

Click Here for Grand Canyon Bus Tour Prices & Availability

Make It a Grand Day!