Hiker, 64, collapses and dies during hike on desert trail above Rio Grande with no shade in Texas 

A 64-year-old woman has collapsed and died amid 30C temperatures during a hiking expedition in an exposed and rugged desert trail in Texas.

The woman was walking the Hot Springs Canyon Trail, a three-mile-long path that winds through desert and rocky cliffs over the Rio Grande on Monday when she was overcome by the heat.

It happened at approximately 2.45pm on Monday, according to officials. There were highs of 86F (30C) at the park during that afternoon, weather records show.

National Park’s Communications Center received a call requesting emergency assistance at the time.

They did not reach the woman until 3.30pm after an emergency helicopter was deployed, and attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful, ABC news reports.

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The woman was walking the Hot Springs Canyon Trail, a three-mile-long path that winds through desert and rocky cliffs over the Rio Grande on Monday when she was overcome by the heat

Officials warn that the trail can be dangerous to attempt during the heat of the afternoon as there is little to no shade or water in the barren area.

‘A team of Park Rangers and a U.S. Border Patrol Agent responded and reached the patient by 3:30pm and immediately began CPR,’ said a statement from Big bend National Park following the incident.

‘A U.S. Border Patrol helicopter was called in to provide emergency transport of the patient.’ 

‘Big Bend National Park staff and our partners are saddened by this loss,’ stated Acting Deputy Superintendent Rick Gupman. 

‘While we can’t conclude that weather was a factor in this incident, March reminds us that the beauty of spring often brings dangerously hot temperatures to Big Bend. 

‘Our entire Big Bend family extends our deep condolences to the hiker’s family and friends.’ 

The route connects Daniel’s Ranch and the Hot Springs, the park’s website says. 

A popular trail, the six-mile-round walk is described as moderate in difficulty.

The National Park Service describe Big Bend as a hiker’s paradise, with the reserve offering walkers more than 150 miles of trails

In takes tourists from views of the river and along the rim of Hot Springs Canyon. 

‘This trail offers beautiful views of the Rio Grande, Chisos Mountains, and Del Carmen Mountains. No shade makes this trail a challenge in summer heat’, the official site reads.

The National Park Service describe Big Bend as a hiker’s paradise, with the reserve offering walkers more than 150 miles of trails, suitable for day hikes or backpacking trips. 

Around 581,000 people visited the park in 2021 and it is the 15th largest of the national parks at 1,252 square miles.

Congress authorized it to be created in 1935 in an effort to ‘preserve and protect a representative area of the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande.’ 

The park contains the largest expanse of roadless public lands in Texas, making parts of it difficult to reach.