Ep112: Avoiding Mistakes That Can Kill Grand Canyon Hikers With Park PSAR Leader Meghan Smith

Meghan Smith, Grand Canyon National Park’s Preventive Search and Rescue Coordinator, joins the show for a rare look inside what really happens when hikers get in trouble below the rim. After a brutal stretch of heat-related deaths in the canyon, Meghan explains what hikers misunderstand about rescue, self-rescue, kids in extreme heat, PSAR volunteers, trail runners, emergency response, signage, and why help is never as simple or guaranteed as many people assume. This is essential listening for anyone planning to hike the Grand Canyon.
*****
Click to read the companion article to this episode, How To Avoid The Mistakes That Kill Grand Canyon Hikers.
*****
The best way to support the show is by considering our top-of-the-line hiking packs for your next adventure, which Brian designed (and now uses) for all of his hikes. Our signature Rim2Rim Pack offeres 25L of storage in a running vest design (with front pockets and insulated hydration) that's built for serious miles. The new Canyon Elite 25 takes those same features and adds a hip belt for more support. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club.
*****

Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.

*****

To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.

*****

Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at brian@hikin.club.

*****

The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.

*****

For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:

YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videos

Instagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trail

TikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videos

Facebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)