kittys69

In a few weeks we're off on a trip from Denver to Vegas and back via The Grand Canyon. We can't seem to find temperatures for the night-time on the internet, so are a bit unsure as to what to pack sleeping bag wise. We've got a two-season and four- season sleeping bag, and a couple of sleeping bag liners between us. Any suggestions and/ or info would be really helpful!

Also footwear wise; during the day, would we be OK with just Teva walking sandals for our canyon walking, or do we need some walking boots? We're going to be starting out at 5-6a.m.

tom42

weather.com should have the information you are seeking.

MikePinTucson

For more accurate weather info for the north and south rims of the GC, try the National Parks website:

http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisi...-condition.htm

The walking sandals should be OK if you are on relatively level trails. But if you are planning on hiking part way down the trails into the Grand Canyon, you should have something with more support. The trails are pretty uneven and rocky.

kittys69

Thanks for info- was really helpful :0)

Just one little ask. Do the temperatures rise much by the end of the month and into early July?

Placename

Yes. Temperatures will rise in July, especially at the lower elevations. I have been in the Death Valley area in July when it is more than 100 at night. Makes for difficult sleeping.

kittys69

You're not kidding!!
Think it's a good job we're having hot weather in UK at moment- at least we can start to get a little acclimatised- still reckon we're in for the shock of our lives though!!

Thanks for your reply placename :0)

From what the weather links you all gave us say, the weather's ranging from 66F in Denver- 83F in Vegas.

Would I be right in guessing that this could rise as much as 20F from now until mid July?

MikePinTucson

Actually, in Arizona, June is the hottest month. But very dry, with no humidity. In July we get our monsoon moisture, so the humidity goes up, but the temperatures go down very slightly.

Right now it is unusually cool for Las Vegas. You would normally find temperatures over 100F.

kittys69

The lower temps may not be a bad thing for us British lightweights!!

So just something that occurred to me, and may sound really stupid, but if Arizona's getting monsoon moisture, is it likely to get flash floods in July? Also is there any way we can prepare for such things, or is it just a case of checking the weather and if the rain starts and we're in a canyon getting the hell out of there?!!

MikePinTucson

There are definitely flash flooding possibilities during monsoon season. The rains usually occur in late afternoon. You will be able to see thunderheads building up, Usually in the east. Be very aware of your surroundings and keep to higher ground when you see the clouds building. Flash floods can occur before it even starts raining where you are, because rain over nearby mountains will quickly drain to lower levels.

kittys69

MikePinTucson,

What you said about the rains draining to lower levels before it rains, is good to know- got to be honest, that wouldn't have occurred to me. Thanks that's really good advice :0)