13 of The Most Dangerous National Parks in the U.S
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Adventure meets unpredictability in these parks, where every turn can bring you face-to-face with Mother Nature’s raw power. From towering peaks to treacherous waters and everything in between, get ready to explore the wild side of America’s backyard.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is esteemed worldwide for its stunning granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, and giant sequoias. Its towering cliffs, such as those of El Capitan and Half Dome, present significant risks for climbers and hikers alike. According to a report by the National Park Service, there were 9 fatalities in the park in 2021 alone, with numerous others suffering injuries.
Additionally, the swift, cold rivers, particularly in the spring and early summer when snowmelt increases their flow and freezing temperatures, have been the cause of several drownings.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
While beautiful, the park’s geothermal areas are perilously hot and can cause severe or fatal burns if touched or stepped on. Wildlife encounters with bears and bison can be dangerous if safe distances are not maintained.
Between 2010 and 2020, there were reports of over 20 deaths attributed to various causes, from hot spring accidents to wildlife attacks and unfortunate falls. Wildlife should be observed from a distance; the recommended safety buffer is 25 yards from all other wildlife and 100 yards minimum from bears and wolves. Always carry bear spray, know how to use it, and store food appropriately.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Thunderstorms with lightning can roll in unexpectedly, particularly in the summer months, posing a significant risk to hikers and climbers. Additionally, high altitudes can lead to altitude sickness for visitors not acclimated to the thinner air. Between 2010 and 2019, the park saw an average of 2-3 fatalities per year, primarily from falls, drowning, and avalanches, highlighting the need for caution and preparation.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The park reports about 12 fatalities and over 250 people getting rescued annually. The causes of these incidents range from heat exhaustion and dehydration due to the arid and hot climate to falls from the canyon’s steep edges. Temperatures at the bottom of the canyon can soar to over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 degrees Celsius) during summer, making hydration and proper planning essential.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is an awe-inspiring wilderness of alpine meadows, grizzly-prowled backcountry, and over 700 miles of hiking trails. The park’s famous highline trail is known to have steep drop-offs and narrow paths with unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions. This park is also home to more than 1,000 grizzly bears, making wildlife encounters a real threat.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Over the years, Denali has recorded a notable number of casualties and fatalities, particularly among those attempting to summit the formidable Denali (formerly Mount McKinley). According to the National Park Service, as of 2023, there have been over 100 climbing fatalities since record-keeping began. Many of these tragic events were due to avalanches, sudden weather changes, falls, and illnesses related to altitude and cold temperatures. The park has extremely cold, dry weather, and the high altitude can cause altitude sickness. Carrying a personal locator beacon can be an emergency lifesaver.
Zion National Park, Utah
Since 2000, over a dozen deaths have been linked explicitly to hiking on Angel’s Landing. This hike requires navigating a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on either side, which is not for the faint-hearted or those with a fear of heights. Summer heat can also be a factor that leads to heat-related illnesses.
Olympic National Park, Washington
The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows and old-growth forests. The rugged coastline is renowned for its beauty, but the unpredictable surf can be highly hazardous, leading to many drownings. The erratic weather can rapidly change from sunny to severe storms, especially on higher ground, leading to hypothermia or worse if not adequately prepared. Its dense forests and remote areas also increase the risk of getting lost.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina, Tennessee
It holds the title of the most visited national park in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it’s without its dangers. The park’s rugged terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions, which can shift from clear skies to thick fog and rainstorms quite suddenly, pose significant risks. It’s also home to many venomous snakes and one of the highest likelihoods of encountering a black bear in the country.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park is a unique and irreplaceable ecosystem. It’s a vast swamp (covering 1.5 million acres of wetland), so many of its dangers are more insidious. The park is home to alligators, crocodiles, and venomous snakes. The biggest threat, however, is the difficulty in reaching help if something goes wrong; the vast distances and the inaccessibility of much of the park make rescue challenging.
Acadia National Park, Maine
With roughly 3.5 million visitors yearly, the park has seen its fair share of accidents, primarily from falls and drowning. Between 2007 and 2018, there were 15 recorded fatalities, emphasizing the need for caution among its steep cliffs and unpredictable waters. Thunder Hole and the Precipice Trail are particularly notorious for their hazardous conditions if not approached with care. Weather can also be severe, and the park is prone to thick fog, especially on the mountain summits, leading to poor visibility and slippery conditions.
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Haleakalā National Park is known for the otherworldly beauty of its volcanic landscapes. Hiking in the park’s rugged terrain can be treacherous due to crumbling volcanic rocks and steep cliffs. The park’s high elevation, reaching over 10,000 feet at the summit of Haleakalā volcano, can lead to altitude sickness for those not acclimatized. Furthermore, rapid weather changes can surprise visitors with cold temperatures and dense fog, impairing visibility and navigation.
Katmai National Park, Alaska
Katmai National Park is a stunning expanse covering over 4 million acres. The park is renowned for its volcanic landscape, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. With one of the highest concentrations of brown bears globally, encounters between humans and bears are more probable here, especially during the salmon spawning season.
Maintaining a distance of 50 yards (minimum) from the bears, storing food in bear-proof containers, and attending a safety orientation is advised. The park is also very remote, so any injury or medical emergency can lead to severe consequences due to the lack of immediate medical intervention.
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