Big Bend leads a new list for fatal incidents in canyon parks. Experts suggest that staying safe involves more than just watching your footing.
Big Bend National Park is known as the deadliest canyon in the United States, but why?
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Hiking in America's national parks can be a rewarding experience, but safety should always be a priority. This is especially true when visiting parks with canyons.
Certain parks pose a greater risk than others, and Texas's Big Bend National Park is one of the most dangerous, ranking as the deadliest canyon in America. The park, located in Brewster County, saw 30 fatalities from 2014 to 2024. This translates to 6 fatalities for every 1 million visitors, the highest rate in the country.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California, Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas, Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park, and Utah's Canyonlands National Park also had high rates of visitor fatalities.
While not a national park, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which spans Arizona and Nevada, had the highest overall number of fatalities. Drowning was the primary cause of death there.
The most common hazard for visitors to any canyon park was falling, which was the leading cause of death in 6 of the top 21 canyon parks. The second leading cause was cardiovascular issues. At Big Bend alone, heart attacks and other medical emergencies accounted for 7 deaths, according to the report.
The "harsh desert conditions" and isolated canyon landscapes present additional challenges for visitors.
Millions of people visit national parks each year, and there are precautions they can take to stay safe. Here are some of the best tips from hiking and medical experts to help ensure your trip is a success.
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Be aware of hidden dangers
It's crucial to be aware of your surroundings when hiking in canyons, as the terrain can change dramatically and present hidden hazards.
"Watch your step, as canyons often have loose rocks, uneven terrain, and deep sand," advised Maggie Peikon, a spokeswoman for the American Hiking Society. "Wildlife like snakes might also be sunning themselves, so stay alert."
The American Hiking Society also suggests using trekking poles to help safely descend a canyon and to check how stable the ground is, particularly in areas with deep sand or loose rocks.
Put your phone away
It's tempting to use your phone to navigate or take photos, but you should always stop and get your footing before doing so.
"Be mindful of distractions, as it's easy to trip or fall if you're looking at your phone for directions or snapping photos while you're on the move," Peikon said. "Instead, pause to take your picture or check your location, and then put your device away before continuing."
Hydration is crucial
Staying hydrated is essential for any outdoor activity, especially on challenging hikes. Replenishing your body with fluids like water with electrolytes can be a lifesaver for even the most experienced hiker.
"Staying hydrated while hiking is critical for maintaining thermoregulation, cardiovascular function, and cognitive performance," explained Michael Fredericson, a sports medicine physiatrist with Stanford Medicine.
Hot and humid conditions can quickly lead to dehydration, Fredericson noted, but a combination of scheduled fluid intake and eating salty snacks can be effective preventative measures.
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