Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon continue to top dangerous parks list
Thousands of people find themselves in sticky situations at America's national parks each year.
"From heatstroke, to hypothermia, to facing severe weather ... to getting horribly lost," Mother Nature can pose a variety of challenges, according to Carl J. Borg, founder Outforia, an online resource for outdoors enthusiasts, which recently analyzed and shared National Park Service data on the parks with the most search and rescue incidents in recent years.
There are 423 sites within the NPS system. Each park posts current conditions, road closures and other helpful information like downloadable maps online, but the park service notes visitors also share in the responsibility for safe trips.
"They are encouraged to Plan Like a Park Ranger and research the park and desired activities, prepare adequately and understand potential hazards before heading to a park," the park service told USA TODAY, adding that they want everyone to have "safe, memorable and fulfilling experiences in national parks."
But things don't always go as planned.
"People sometimes get lost or disoriented, may get injured or sick, or be delayed by inclement weather conditions," the park service statement continued. "No matter the cause, our responders, officers, special agents and partners are some of the most highly trained, experienced and proficient subject-matter experts for search-and-rescue (SAR) operations and missing person investigations, from urban parks to wilderness areas of the National Park System."
"The critical role of the (National Park Service) in conducting search and rescues or responding to incidents can make all the difference between life and death for explorers," Borg added.
Among millions of annual visits, these five sites had the most search and rescues between 2018 and 2020, according to Outforia's analysis of NPS data.
Grand Canyon: 785
Yosemite: 732
Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks (combined): 503
Yellowstone: 371
Rocky Mountain: 341
Zion: 285
Glen Canyon: 271
Grand Teton: 224
Olympic: 204
Arches: 202
Anna Marini, preventative search and rescue coordinator for Joshua Tree National Park, shared four helpful safety tips for hiking.
Bring a headlamp: "The biggest thing that we see probably across the park service really is people using their phones for a light, but that really drains your battery," Marini said. "Having an extra headlamp or something in your pack is super helpful."
Leave a note: In areas of spotty service, it can be hard to reach others. Marini said, "We get a lot of people calling and wondering where their family and friends are because they said they were supposed to be back at a certain time." Without cell service, hikers can't send updates when plans change or they need help. She recommends hikers leave a note on their cars or with a friend, including plans and backup plans.
Plan for longer than you think: "A lot of times people don't realize how long the hike is going to take them," Marini said, adding that every snack break or pause for picture taking adds up. She said it can be unexpectedly time-consuming and difficult to reach some of the vistas that look are so popular on social media.
Download or print a trail map before hiking: This will help hikers who may get lost in an area without cellphone service. Marini also recommends staying on trails.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon continue to top dangerous parks list
