Dangerous National Parks

[konstantinejaquavis]

Do a bit of research, know the hazards and prepare appropriately. Leave the bubble wrap behind and have fun!





Speed Test

 

[MidOH]

Just glad they didn't mention Ginnie Springs.

 

[Chuckem12]

Kinda surprized The Everglades isn't on this list.... seen countless tourists try and shake hands or selfie with an alligator only to find out gators are quick and not very friendly.

 

[AZ WANDERING BEAR]

There's a great book called "Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon " by Michael P. Ghiglieri and Thomas M. Myers. It lists every known death in the Grand Canyon and the story behind it if known. They update it every year. While there are a few true accidents and some suicides, most of the recent deaths are just people who are very used to guard rails, signs, the nanny state, and haven't been off a sidewalk in decades. Having assisted with one helicopter rescue while on a raft trip, I can't say enough about the Search and Rescue guys and gals working there.

 

[OcoeeG]

Been to 7, a handful numerous times.

Parks like the Grand Canyon have a whole subset of visitors that take a trip down the Colorado through the canyon. That trip has it's own set of dangers. But ohhh, how wonderful it is!

Then you have climbers in Yosemite and Zion, that has to up the numbers compared to parks that are mostly drive through type parks.

 

[KS_Explorer]

Just glad they didn't mention Ginnie Springs.

Isn't that where YouTuber DAllMyD does most of his diving, or at least dives there often?

 

[AZ WANDERING BEAR]

Been to 7, a handful numerous times.

Parks like the Grand Canyon have a whole subset of visitors that take a trip down the Colorado through the canyon. That trip has it's own set of dangers. But ohhh, how wonderful it is!

Then you have climbers in Yosemite and Zion, that has to up the numbers compared to parks that are mostly drive through type parks.

I've done several of the raft trips and my wife has done more than I. But we are both experienced adventurers (hikers, backpackers, canyoneering, Overlanding, etc). The rescue I mentioned was on one of those commercial trips. The lady did survive, but only after being resuscitated on the helicopter ride out. We had to build a chopper pad to get them in. She coded on the way out but the defibrillator worked. The problem with the commercial trips is the only requirement to go on the trip is that your check clears the bank. Even though I consider it a very easy adventure, to the inexperienced and those with limited fitness it can be overwhelming. We are seeing this in the overland/offroad arena now as well. More completely inexperienced and unprepared folks in the backcountry. Rescues are up. Man cause wildfires are up. The amount of trash is through roof. A few generations of being disconnected from the land is bearing its ugly fruit.

 

[NMBruce]

I still need to go to #3 & 7

 

[OBDave]

We have been to 4 of the 10, but going to be picking up some new ones this summer

 

[SCPO16]

Just been to one - Grand Canyon - three days at Point Sublime on the North Rim and a 14 day raft and hiking trip down the whole length of the canyon.

Dangerous to my mind is a combination of knowledge of the place, understanding your limitations, being prepared for what you plan (fighting Murphy's law), and not being stupid. Like trying to hand feed a Grizzly cub, or a Bison photo unclose, or dipping your toes into Old Faithful.

 

[Peanuts]

Story checks out. Grand Canyon being one the planet's largest holes in the ground. I never underestimate humans, and our ability to not make the right choice.

 

[Billiebob]

I'd say most "urban, city parks" are far more dangerous..... especially after dark.

 

[ArJayDubbaU]

Six for me, most of them multiple times. Truly national treasures.
Haven’t had to be rescued yet, ya know, bein‘ from the east and all…

 

[David C Gibbs]

We just got back from a 6 State, 4 National Park's, a Cave tour, several days of High & Gusty winds, 5 summits over 10,000 feet and a total of 2,484 miles. Yesterday just 7 miles south of Jackpot, NV on 93N we came to an abrupt stop. We could see the EMS vehicles but could see what was up. 25 minutes go by, the Ambulance arrives and departs. Finally they allowed us to head North around the incident. A loaded Budget Rental Truck and Car on Trailer - had been blown off the road by a South-bound Semi. The car and trailer were 1+ feet off the pavement. Accidents happen, just like that... Back to the topic of this thread, I am amazed that Canyonland's isn't on this top 10. We watched several people almost fall, taking selfies. . .
David

 

[orange01z28]

According to a post on the Smarter Travel web page; these are the 10 most dangerous National Parks, based on Search & Rescue data. We added our tenth, last year with a trip to Olympic National Park.
1. Grand Canyon National Park
2. Yosemite National Park
3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
4. Yellowstone National Park
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
6. Zion National Park
7. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
8. Grand Teton National Park
9. Olympic National Park
10. Arches National Park

How many OB's have been to all ten?

DCG

The only one i haven't been to on that list are Rocky Mountain and Glen Canyon

Time to rectify that