Summer Concerns: Safety in National Parks
As summer arrives, many Americans plan visits to National Parks, but concerns about safety often arise. In 2023, 325 million people visited U.S. National Parks, making safety a significant concern. The National Parks Service even maintains a webpage called “Deaths in National Parks,” which underscores the seriousness of this issue.
Relative Safety of National Parks
Despite these concerns, National Parks are relatively safe. On average, 358 people die annually on National Park Service lands, which translates to a death rate of just over one person per one million visitors, given the 325 million visitors in 2023. This statistic should reassure potential visitors about their safety.
Demographics of Park Fatalities
Who tends to die in National Parks? The data reveals that males are disproportionately affected, accounting for 79% of all deaths. Additionally, individuals aged 45 and older make up more than half of all fatalities (52%). These statistics highlight the importance of targeted safety measures for these demographics.
The Question of Dangerous Parks
While some parks are statistically more dangerous than others, the National Park Service avoids labeling any park as the “most dangerous.” Interestingly, the Park Service has a webpage explicitly dedicated to not answering this question, emphasizing that all parks have inherent hazards. The Park Service suggests that a better question is: “What hazards do I need to prepare for so I have a fun and injury-free national park visit?”
Most Dangerous Parks by Numbers and Ratios
Despite the Park Service’s stance, people often ask which parks are the most dangerous. This article examines the parks with the highest number of deaths and those with the highest death-to-visitors ratio.
Lake Mead and North Cascades
Lake Mead National Recreation Area had the highest number of deaths in 2022, with 21 fatalities among 5.58 million visitors, resulting in a low death rate. However, North Cascades National Park, frequently cited as the most dangerous, had three deaths among just 30,154 visitors in 2022, resulting in a 0.0099% mortality rate. Between 2007 and 2024, North Cascades recorded 27 deaths from 448,708 visits, yielding 602 deaths per 10 million visitors—a rate significantly higher than Mt. Denali in Alaska, the second most deadly park.
Causes of Death in North Cascades
North Cascades is a rugged park with few roads, alpine lakes, steep trails, and challenging hikes. Leading causes of death include drowning in rushing water, slips and falls, medical incidents, and rockfalls. Helicopter rescues are common, and the recent reintroduction of grizzly bears adds to the potential hazards.
Common Causes of Death in National Parks
Most deaths in National Parks, according to NPS Mortality Data from 2014-2019, are more mundane. Motor vehicle crashes accounted for 354 deaths, drowning for 314, and falls for 206. Environmental factors caused 98 deaths, while other transportation incidents (e.g., aircraft crashes) accounted for 66. Poisoning resulted in 30 deaths, and wildlife attacks caused just three. Sadly, suicide was the single largest cause of death, with 381 fatalities over six years.
Environmental Hazards
Environmental factors, such as heatstroke, often result in preventable deaths. For example, a father and daughter recently died in Canyonlands National Park due to running out of water in extreme heat. To avoid heatstroke, it is crucial to stay hydrated, wear loose clothing and a hat, and avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Arizona’s Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was recently named the country’s deadliest national park by personal injury law firm Triumph Law. With an average of 215,881 visitors per year and 60 deaths between 2013 and 2023, the park has a death rate of 25.27 per million visitors. The park’s location near the U.S.-Mexico border makes it a hotspot for smugglers and migrants, leading to deaths from heat exposure and violence. The park was closed for 11 years after the 2003 shooting of park ranger Kris Engle and reopened in 2014 with certain areas still restricted for public safety.
While National Parks are generally safe, understanding potential hazards and taking necessary precautions can help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. By staying informed and prepared, visitors can minimize risks and fully enjoy the natural beauty these parks offer.
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