Apart from their immense natural beauty, perhaps one of the most exhilarating things about the national parks is that they do not treat visitors with kid gloves. With the exception of some guidelines around permits, campsites, and Leave No Trace education, they let travelers explore and play at will, experiencing their wonders听largely free from guardrails and supervision. Of course, with this privilege comes a certain amount of danger. recently submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the National Park Service to uncover which parks were the most deadly and what the most common causes of death were. It goes without saying that many of these parks听were also the most touristed, but the causes of death may seem surprising and warrant a second thought about how to tour safely.
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Death Count Since 2010: 134
With jaw-droppingly steep canyon walls that plunge for over a mile to the churning Colorado River below, it would be听easy to assume that falling is the number one cause of death in this storied national park. While falls did account for 27 deaths at听the Grand Canyon over the past decade, medical issues and natural deaths nearly doubled that figure, at 42, namely as a result听of the extreme summer heat that can fester听deep within the canyon, potentially听causing or exacerbating听health problems. The National Park Service warns that temperatures on the South Rim are typically than those found near the river at Phantom Ranch (which has experienced a record high of 120 degrees), meaning heat will increase听as visitors tramp down.
The ? Plan a visit during shoulder season (spring or late fall) to enjoy fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Or consider in the . And听if you鈥檙e going to head听to the bottom of the canyon, get an early or predawn start to avoid a leg-busting uphill during the hottest part of the day.
2. Yosemite, California
Death Count Since 2010: 126
Famous for its sweeping granite domes and massive cliffs, falls have been听the top cause of death in Yosemite. Half Dome, Taft Point, and Nevada Falls have all seen casualties in the past few years, often听visitors听trying to capture that perfect, enviable selfie. The park鈥檚 tantalizing waterfalls and the strong spring current of the have also attributed to the high fatality numbers鈥17 people drowned.
听urges visitors to take extra caution when traversing Yosemite鈥檚 many cliffs, creeks, and cascades. Rather than getting caught off balance trying to snap a family photo alone, consider having a nearby hiker take one instead.听And avoid stream crossings when creeks are swollen with spring snowmelt.
3. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee
Death Count Since 2010: 92
As the most touristed national park in the country, with over 12 million visitors in 2020 (and over three times more travelers than the next park on the list), motor vehicle crashes cause the most deaths at Great Smoky, with 37 perishing in the last ten years alone. Due to its听, the possibility of overcrowding and collisions here are听only expected to increase听as the park鈥檚 popularity grows.
visiting outside the peak season (July 1 through August 15) to beat the crowds when it comes to , or, in summer, travel before 10 A.M. or after 5 P.M. Looking for a to the area鈥檚 busiest听roads? Foothills Parkway and Rich Mountain Road make for great options.
4. Sequoia and听Kings Canyon, California
Death Count Since 2010: 75
Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 at 14,494 feet, straddles the boundary of east Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest, so it鈥檚 not surprising that听falls and mountaineering deaths are the leading causes of fatality in these neighboring听parks. Hikers often overlook the fact that snow and ice sometimes linger well into June in the parks鈥櫶齢igh-altitude areas, making otherwise moderate treks like more perilous.
advises visitors to always (not just the weather) before heading out in spring or late fall. Toss a pair of traction devices听into your pack, and听if all else fails, have a plan B in mind, such as an exploration of听the lower-elevation of the parks. The Park Service听also urges hikers to exercise extreme caution when 听during the spring and early summer months.
5. Yellowstone, Wyoming, Montana, and听Idaho
Death Count Since 2010: 52
Yet another national park that鈥檚 popular with the auto-touring crowd, Yellowstone saw motor-vehicle crashes, medical issues, and natural death tied for the most fatalities, with听12 occurances each听since 2010. As the (3.8 million ventured there听in 2020), and one of the largest in the system, it can be easy to lose focus while trying to spot wildlife from one of the park鈥檚 congested听scenic byways. 听to听expect听traffic and long drive times, and recommends that they听drive听cautiously and use听pullouts to stop and photograph critters鈥攔ather than the middle of the road.
Geothermal attractions, , Hank Heasler, are also among 鈥渢he most dangerous natural features in Yellowstone,鈥 and he feels that the public isn鈥檛 often aware of their inherent risks. Though most escape with serious injuries and burns, have died in these hot spots. When hiking in the park鈥檚 numerous听, follow the posted warning signs, don鈥檛 touch the thermal features, and stay on the raised听wooden boardwalks at all times.