The Deadliest National Parks Might Surprise You
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Deaths in national parks are extremely rare — but they do happen. The major causes are accidental falls and drowning, whereas wildlife encounters seldom end in fatalities.
Of course, the parks with the largest number of deaths are usually those that receive the largest number of visitors, like the Grand Canyon. But here, we're examining the parks with the highest death rates per ten million visits.
Should you skip any of these parks? Absolutely not. Just make sure you thread with a bit more caution when you visit.
10. Death Valley National Park (California)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 26.57
Many people underestimate the deadly power of heat and head into Death Valley without sufficient water. Sometimes people get lost, which can be dangerous even if they're well prepared for a desert trek.
One of the most unique landscapes in the U.S., this park is definitely worth a visit, but try to avoid coming in the summer and always bring more water than you think you'll need.
*Data comes from PSBR Law's "An Analysis of Deaths in U.S. National Parks" report.
9. Yosemite National Park (California)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 28.01
Yosemite has several trails that are easy and friendly for people of all ages. But it also has some very challenging treks and rock climbing routes. Its two most famous climbing spots are Half Dome and El Capitan. Unfortunately, accidents can happen to even the best of climbers. But it seems like sometimes falls also happen from missteps in less risky trails, or from taking risky selfies.
8. Channel Islands National Park (California)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 31.53
Only about 323,245 people visit Channel Islands National Park every year (compare that to the 12.94 million that visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park annually). This underrated California park offers an unmatched experience in the Pacific Ocean. But the same high cliffs and strong waves that draw people in present a danger. Never underestimate the power of the ocean, no matter how great a swimmer you are.
7. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 33.22
Falls make up the greatest cause of death in Sequoia and King Canyon National Parks. Better known for the magnificent groves of giant sequoias that hide within their protection, the parks still have several hikes above 5,000 feet. The National Park Service also points out heatstrokes and hypothermia as possible risks while spending time in the parks.
6. Big Bend National Park (Texas)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 36.37
Set in the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend poses similar risks to Death Valley. Visitors should try to avoid hiking during mid-day in the summer. Bringing enough water is also imperative to avoid a heat stroke or dehydration.
5. Redwood National Park (California)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 36.6
Redwood is the fifth California national park on this list. The lesson? Take California's wonderful nature seriously.
As with Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Redwood draws people in with its impressive trees, which are the tallest in the entire world. But people also enjoy swimming in the Smith River and the Pacific Ocean. Even very strong swimmers should be careful, particularly when enjoying the beaches of the Pacific, which can have sudden, strong waves.
4. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 37.72
The 16th most-visited national park in the country, Mount Rainier's popularity is due in part to its proximity to Seattle, with fewer than 60 miles separating the city from this breathtaking park. Centered around the mountain that gives it its name, the park sees most deaths happen from accidental falls. This could be because, since the park is so accessible, many of the people who make it here are inexperienced in the wilderness.
3. Virgin Islands National Park (St. John, Virgin Islands)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 39.94
Many Americans don't even think of this as a U.S. national park, but those who make the trip to the Caribbean to see it find a wonderland of green hills surrounding white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Given that 40 percent of the park is underwater, it should come as no surprise that the major cause of death here is drowning. Though the Caribbean is known for its calm waters, visitors should always exercise caution, particularly when snorkeling and/or diving.
2. Denali National Park (Alaska)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 100.5
Standing at 20,310 feet above sea level, Denali is the tallest mountain in the United States. This remote Alaskan park is not for the faint of heart or for the inexperienced. Even if you're not trying to summit the mountain, trails tend to be tricky, with snow covering part of the park even in the summer.
Alaska is the wildest state, which makes its parks particularly dangerous.
1. North Cascades National Park (Washington)
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Deaths per 10 million visits: 652.35
One of the least-visited national parks, North Cascades receives only about 30,154 people annually. This means that you can easily find yourself alone on a trail. And while this is one of the park's greatest appeals, it can also make it difficult to find help if you're in a bind.
Our advice? Unless you're used to being out in the wild on your own, go with a group.