Summer in canyon country is no joke. The National Park Service reports that by August 4, rangers at Arches and Canyonlands had responded to 23 heat related search and rescue incidents in 2026, 11 at Arches and 12 at Canyonlands, many of which could have been prevented.

The rangers' advice

  • Summer temperatures regularly top 100 degrees, and intense sun, low humidity and little shade add up fast
  • Plan activities for cooler morning or evening hours and avoid strenuous activity between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
  • Carry two to three liters of water per person for front country hikes and at least four liters per person for backcountry travel
  • Turn around when half of your group's water is gone, and eat salty snacks
  • Watch for dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, cramps or confusion, and call 911 if symptoms are severe

What it means for a Jeep day

A Jeep with AC can make you forget how hot it is outside, right up until you are out spotting a ledge or fixing a flat in the full sun. On summer trips we start early, take shade breaks, keep plenty of extra water in every rig and keep an eye on everyone in the group. Honestly, spring and fall are the sweet spots for Moab, and winter is cool and quiet. That is a big reason our next Moab trip is in February.