Each year, millions flock to America’s majestic U. S. National Parks, mesmerized by wonders like Yosemite’s Half Dome or the iconic Window Arch in Arches National Park. However, beneath their breathtaking beauty lies a sobering reality: numerous visitors tragically lose their lives within these parks. These fatalities, while some are intentional, are largely accidental, stemming from a mix of natural elements and unfortunate car crashes.
As we strive to ensure our readers can safely indulge in these national treasures, we’ve compiled a list of the deadliest U. S. National Parks. This guide aims to empower travelers with crucial information for safer planning, fostering greater awareness and caution as they navigate these stunning yet sometimes treacherous landscapes.
Ranking Methodology
To compile a list of the most perilous national parks in the United States, we conducted an in-depth analysis utilizing data published by Kühl and supplemented with information from the National Park Services up to 2024. This comprehensive evaluation considered several pivotal factors, including total fatalities, average annual mortality rate, reported missing persons, overall visitor numbers, and frequency of annual rescues within each park.
Our data collection spanned a period of 18 years, from 2007 to 2024. The following discussion will delve into the number of fatalities recorded in national parks during this timeframe, providing valuable insights into the safety aspects of these popular attractions.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado has seen its fair share of tragedy, with 53 fatalities recorded between 2007 and 2023. This grim statistic serves as a stark reminder of the numerous dangers that lurk within the park’s majestic mountains and diverse ecosystems. From treacherous terrain to unpredictable weather conditions, the risk factors are plentiful.
The year 2023 proved particularly devastating, with four fatalities reported, including a heartbreaking incident involving a local woman who lost her life after taking a fatal fall. This senseless tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the perils that come with hiking and climbing in mountainous areas, where even the slightest miscalculation can have catastrophic consequences. Another fatal incident occurred in July 2023, although details were not disclosed.
Collectively, these tragedies underscore the importance of prudence and preparedness when exploring the park’s rugged landscape. While the natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park is undeniably captivating, it is also tempered by inherent risks that demand respect and caution from all visitors.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park’s rugged terrain has claimed 54 lives between 2007 and 2023, a sobering reminder of the risks involved in outdoor activities. The park’s Angels Landing hike, infamous for its steep cliffs and narrow pathways, has been the site of 17 confirmed deaths as of December 2022. This high number of fatalities underscores the importance of caution and preparation when tackling such demanding trails.
In January 2024, a tragic incident on the West Rim Trail served as a somber reminder of the physical demands of hiking in environments like Zion National Park, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions. The incident, which involved a 63-year-old man from San Diego who suffered a suspected heart attack and was found unresponsive, highlights the need for hikers to be aware of their own limitations and take necessary precautions.
Death Valley National Park, California, Nevada
Death Valley National Park, a 3,000-square-mile expanse straddling California and Nevada, is infamous for its extreme temperature fluctuations, which can soar as high as 122°F during the sweltering summer months. Between 2007 and 2023, the park has witnessed an alarming 56 fatalities, many of which are attributed to the region’s deadly heat waves. In recent years, the park has reported a staggering number of heat-related fatalities, including two tragic incidents in 2023 alone.
A 65-year-old man was found deceased in his parked vehicle, serving as a poignant reminder of the lethal nature of the park’s temperatures, while a second fatality occurred at a trailhead, further emphasizing the critical importance of taking precautions against the heat during the park’s hottest months. As visitors venture into this unforgiving landscape, it is essential to exercise extreme caution and prepare thoroughly for the challenges that lie ahead.
Adequate hydration and food supplies are crucial in mitigating the risks of dehydration and heatstroke, while careful planning of fuel stops is also vital, as gas stations are scarce and often located on the periphery of the park. Running out of gas in such remote areas can lead to perilous situations, underscoring the importance of proper planning and preparedness for a safe and enjoyable experience within Death Valley National Park’s unique and unforgiving environment.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has witnessed 63 tragic fatalities between 2007 and 2023, largely attributed to its unforgiving terrain. The park’s rugged landscape poses significant challenges and dangers to visitors, serving as a somber reminder of the risks involved with hiking in high-altitude, steep environments. Two recent incidents starkly illustrate these perils.
In August 2023, a hiker fell from Teewinot peak, a jarring reminder of the importance of safety and preparedness when tackling challenging trails. Similarly, in July 2023, an Idaho man suffered a fatal fall on the Owen-Spalding route, emphasizing the extreme risks associated with mountain climbing, particularly on technical routes where falls are always a possibility.
These incidents serve as a crucial reminder for climbers to be well-prepared and cautious, acknowledging the terrain’s limitations and their own, to minimize the risk of accidents.
Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska has earned its reputation for breathtaking landscapes and daunting terrain, but this beauty comes at a steep price. Over a 16-year period from 2007 to 2023, the park recorded a staggering 64 fatalities, underscoring the inherent risks associated with outdoor adventures in such a rugged and isolated region.
In 2023, the park witnessed two tragic events that starkly highlighted the perils of mountaineering in this unforgiving environment.
Two climbers, last heard from as they prepared to tackle a peak within the park, are presumed dead after their disappearance. This devastating incident serves as a poignant reminder of the extreme dangers posed by unpredictable weather and treacherous terrain.
A separate tragedy unfolded in May 2023, when Eric Walter, a 32-year-old Denali National Park & Preserve employee, lost his life in an avalanche while backcountry skiing solo on an unnamed slope.
This senseless event underscores the risks inherent in winter sports like skiing, particularly in backcountry areas where avalanches are ever-present threats. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of taking safety precautions, such as skiing with partners and carrying essential equipment.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Yellowstone National Park, straddling Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, has been marred by a considerable number of fatalities over the years. A total of 67 deaths have been recorded between 2007 and 2023, underscoring the inherent perils that come with exploring such a vast and untamed environment. Notably, in 2023, the park witnessed a poignant tragedy when a woman lost her life in a rare yet fatal encounter with a grizzly bear.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife within the park, highlighting the potential risks that visitors may face. Furthermore, the same year saw a report of one intentional death within the park, further complicating the challenges faced by park authorities in ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors. The cumulative impact of these incidents underscores the importance of caution and vigilance when venturing into this awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Since its establishment, Mount Rainier National Park has seen a staggering number of fatalities, with a total of 69 recorded between 2007 and 2023. The park’s unforgiving landscape has claimed the lives of numerous climbers, including two tragic incidents in May and June 2023. Brian Harper, a 41-year-old from Bremerton, Washington, lost his life after collapsing near the summit during a guided climb. Sadly, despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.
A few months later, Dawes Eddy, an 80-year-old from Spokane, Washington, was found deceased on the Ingraham Direct climbing route in June. These incidents are part of a longer and more troubling history at the park, with over 400 deaths recorded since 1897 according to National Park Service data. This grim tally serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks and challenges that come with venturing into the park’s rugged terrain.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina, Tennessee
Since 2007, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has witnessed a tragic total of 124 fatalities. A stark reminder of this reality emerged in April 2023 when a body was recovered near Low Gap Trail in Cosby, as reported by the National Park Service. Notably, motor vehicle crashes have accounted for the majority of these deaths, underscoring the importance of exercising caution while driving within the park’s boundaries.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is a treasure trove of natural wonders, boasting the iconic Half Dome and the breathtaking valley that has captivated visitors for centuries. However, this stunning destination also harbors a sobering reality – it’s not immune to tragedy. Between 2007 and 2023, a total of 163 fatalities were reported within its boundaries. Since its inception in 1890, the park has witnessed an estimated 1,300 deaths, with an average annual toll of 12-15 lives lost.
The most common causes of these tragedies are slips and falls, natural causes, and drowning. A particularly poignant incident occurred at Lake Yosemite in March 2022, when two young men from Merced, aged 23, tragically drowned despite rescue efforts and CPR attempts. This harrowing event serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with water activities within the park.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park stood out as the biggest winner of fatalities, with an alarming 165 recorded deaths spanning from 2007 to 2023. One notable instance occurred in 2023 when a 57-year-old hiker lost their life in a secluded area due to the unforgiving heat. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the treacherous conditions that can be encountered by hikers within the park’s formidable terrain, where the consequences of underestimating the environment can be devastating.
Causes of Deaths in National Parks
Understanding the causes of deaths in national parks is crucial for both park management and visitors. By knowing the leading causes of unintentional deaths, park authorities can implement preventive measures and raise awareness about potential dangers. Since 2007, a consistent trend has emerged regarding the most common causes of death in US national parks. The majority of fatalities are attributed to drowning, which tops the list.
Water bodies within national parks – rivers, lakes, or ocean fronts – can be unpredictable and treacherous, with factors like strong currents, sudden changes in depth, and cold water temperatures contributing to the risk. Even experienced swimmers may find themselves in perilous situations due to these unforeseen conditions. Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the second leading cause of unintentional deaths.
The winding, often narrow roads in many national parks, combined with varying weather conditions and wildlife crossings, increase the risk of accidents. Visitors may also be unfamiliar with the terrain, leading to higher chances of MVCs. This highlights the importance of driving cautiously and adhering to park speed limits and regulations. Falls are another significant cause of fatalities, particularly in parks with mountainous or rugged terrain.
Trails can be steep, slippery, or uneven, posing a risk for hikers, especially those who venture off established paths or who are not adequately prepared for the trail’s challenges. In addition to these top three causes, heart attacks are also a notable cause of deaths. The physical exertion associated with hiking, especially at high altitudes or in extreme temperatures, can be taxing even for those in good health.
This underscores the importance of understanding one’s physical limits and being mindful of health conditions when engaging in strenuous activities. Intentional deaths also occur in national parks, often as a result of isolation and accessibility. Wildlife attacks, though relatively rare, are another cause of fatalities, usually resulting from visitors getting too close to wildlife or not properly storing food and scented items.
Lastly, nature elements such as avalanches, landslides, and strong currents contribute to the death toll in national parks. These natural events are unpredictable and can occur with little to no warning, emphasizing the importance of being aware of the environment and weather conditions, and heeding park advisories and closures. In summary, while national parks offer incredible experiences and beauty, they also present a range of hazards.
Awareness and preparedness are key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit. This information highlights the importance of respecting nature’s power and being vigilant about personal safety while enjoying these national treasures.
