There’s no question that the United States is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. However, as with anything wild, national parks can have inherent dangers.
According to the National Park Service, an average of 358 deaths occur in these areas yearly – equivalent to one per day.
So, if you’re planning a trip to a national park, it’s worth preparing for the risks. Today, we discuss the deadliest national parks in the US so you can explore them with extreme caution!
1. Denali National Park
Denali National Park is a rugged mountainous landscape with extreme weather conditions. Here, one of the most infamous cases is the deadly climb of Denali (formerly Mount McKinley).
In 1967, twelve young men climbed the largest mountain in Alaska. Unfortunately, because of a sudden storm, only five of them returned.
The climbers faced severe cold and sheer rock cliffs. That, paired with conflicts within the group, caused the death of seven people.
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2. North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades National Park is famous for its dense forests and steep slopes. The view is spectacular, but the park is notorious for fatal accidents.
Getting lost in the wilderness or falling off the cliffs is common here. In fact, NBC News reports that the North Cascades has the highest death rate in the country.
Visitors to the North Cascades should always stay on marked trails and carry proper navigation tools.
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3. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
With its vast bodies of water, Lake Mead is a hotspot for recreational activities. However, it has one of the highest death rates due to drownings.
The National Park Service warns that Lake Mead can have unpredictable rain and wind during the monsoon season.
Wearing life jackets and being mindful of extreme heat can prevent many tragedies. Plus, be sure to avoid driving a boat while intoxicated!
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4. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is known for its hot springs and geothermal features. It’s so beautiful that visitors sometimes underestimate the potential dangers.
For instance, in 2016, a man fell into a hot spring in a restricted area, suffering fatal injuries.
Note that the hot springs around Yellowstone are acidic, and you can’t simply swim out. Staying on boardwalks and following park rules is essential to avoid such accidents.
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5. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite’s sheer cliffs and steep slopes are both awe-inspiring and dangerous.
There have been numerous fatal falls from spots like Nevada Fall and Taft Point. On top of this, people have died at Yosemite from falling trees and rocks.
In one incident, a woman lost her life when she was struck by falling ice, teaching us that Yosemite visitors should always exercise caution. Stay alert even on trails!
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6. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park’s rugged terrain and extreme weather pose significant risks to all visitors.
Recently, a man fell off a mountain ridge after he broke off from his friends, causing his death. Two months prior, a woman also died when she got swept into a series of waterfalls at Virginia Creek.
At Glacier National Park, you should always travel with a group and be careful of slippery rocks!
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7. Grand Canyon National Park
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. That said, cliffs and sheer drops pose significant risks.
Many visitors underestimate the danger of the Grand Canyon, leading to fatalities.
According to USA Today, over 198 people have died at the Grand Canyon since 2007. The highest cause of death here is falls from the cliffs.
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8. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its lush forests and diverse wildlife. Still, the park’s dense forests can be disorienting, making it easy to get lost if you stray from the marked trails.
Deadly drownings, falls, and even car accidents have all happened in the Great Smoky Mountains. Not to mention, it’s also within Bear Country.
Remember that while bear sightings can be a highlight, you should remain careful to avoid dangerous encounters.
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9. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the highest national parks in the US, with a maximum elevation of 14,259 feet. Because of this, it often sees severe weather conditions.
In Aug 2023 alone, three separate incidents occurred, leading to two critical injuries and one fatality. Visitors may also experience altitude sickness at Rocky Mountain, resulting in accidents.
If you’re visiting this national park, you should always be aware of your limits and be sure to acclimate to the altitude.
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10. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier’s extreme weather and challenging terrain make it one of the deadliest parks. As per the Oregonian, at least 400 people have died in this national park since it was established.
One of the deadliest accidents happened in 1981 when 11 climbers got caught in an avalanche. In another incident, a skier fell into a 75-foot crevice.
Visitors of this national park should always check the weather forecast and be ready for sudden changes!
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What to Do in Case of Emergency
Emergencies can happen, especially in remote and rugged national parks. Here are some tips to help you stay safe.
- Stay Calm: Panic can make a bad situation worse. Take deep breaths and try to think clearly. If possible, call 911 or the National Park Service’s emergency number.
- Stay Put: If you’re lost or injured, it’s often best to stay where you are. Moving around can make it harder for rescuers to find you.
- Signal for Help: Use a whistle, mirror, or brightly colored clothing to signal for help. Making noise at regular intervals can attract attention.
While America’s national parks are stunning, these seemingly tranquil places have risks. As a visitor, you should prepare for any situation. Respect the environment, and explore with caution!
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.