At the West Rim, summer temps start in June and end in September. During this period, highs will exceed 100 degrees, and lows will play in the low 80's. No matter how you slice it, it's hot. And understanding how to travel in such extreme heat will help make your journey to the Skywalk safe and enjoyable.

The secret is to dress for the heat. This means loose-fitting clothing that let's your skin breath while safeguarding it from the sun's rays. Shorts, non-constricting pants, t-shirts, long-sleeve shirt, sandals, and running shoes all work. Whatever you decide to wear will depend on how sensitive your skin is to the sun and how active you expect to be at the Rim.

Additionally, consider taking an article or two of "dry wick" clothing. This fabric is made of synthetic (polypropylene, polyester) and natural (silk, wool) materials. Its primary purpose is to lift moisture away from the body, thereby keeping it cool and dry. By contrast, cotton, for example, absorbs moisture and remains wet. There are lots of brands of dry wick t-shirts, socks, and pants.

Hats are strongly recommended. Baseball caps are OK. But try and wear a full-brimmed hat, since it will protect your ears, neck, and cheeks. Examples of such hats include sun hats, adventure hats, field hats and cowboy hats. It is also very common to find hats that have UV protection (SPF 50) layered into their fabric and that protect your scalp from sunburn.

Which brings us to sunscreen: Bring a lot of it. Ideally a cream with SPF 50 (a rating system for how a cream blocks the sun). Use liberally on arms, face, ears, hands and legs. Trips to the Grand Canyon West may last up to two hours or more, so expect to use 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 avoid dehydration. Failure to drink enough water may 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 assistance.

Many people take a luxury bus or a helicopter from Vegas to the Glass Walkway. In both cases, you are in a climate-controlled environment. It's hard to imagine 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. But the rule of thumb is this: Plan for the heat.

Parting Words...

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is open throughout the year and can be enjoyed during all seasons if travelers are correctly dressed and prepared for prevailing conditions. Summer, particularly, is hot, with temperatures ranging above 100 degrees during daytime. Consequently, it's advised that you wear appropriate clothing that reduces your exposure to the sun and keeps your skin cool. Sunblock is recommended, as is keeping yourself hydrated by drinking water or sports drinks. It doesn't happen often, but, if a person is overexposed to the sun, he or she could experience heatstroke. By taking a couple of precautions, your Grand Canyon West tour will be one you'll enjoy for many years to come.