Investigation: Hikers pay deadly price on Zion's Angels Landing trail

Thirteen hikers have fallen and died from Angels Landing, or the trail to it, since 2000, according to records compiled by 13 Action News' sister station, FOX 13. Investigative Producer Nate Carlisle reports.

[@dougthethug2405]

People are responsible for themselves.

[@rickmelena1035]

Yep. That sums it up with the notable and important exception of children. Their parents are responsible- heart breaking to hear about the 13 year old.

[@LeroyBrown]

Not with viruses. If the government is taking credit for if anyone lives or dies then when anyones eventual death occurs it could be compared similarly to Christ being crucified. Everyone in America a Martyr!!

[@onatarabandrui8375]

Exactly 💯!!

[@spoonypoon7998]

Imagine that... tell that to the sjws and democrats, and also Regressives who wrongly call themselves progressive

[@MurrayPeeps]

Tell that to the first responders and rescue teams responsible for saving and/or recovering people who have accidents.

[@woodyhuband9248]

13 people have died in 19 years and its hours away from Las Vegas. Why is this on local news? Over 500 pedestrians have died in Las Vegas in the last 10 years. Walking across the street in Las Vegas seems to be more dangerous than hiking Angels Landing.

[@steveshea6148]

There's a sign up front telling people that people have died in falls. There's a chain on the most treacherous part. As long as there's signage explaining the trail and what to expect I think the Park Service has done its job.

[@weirdshibainu]

I did half dome 2 years ago. The ranger at the bottom of the sub dome was checking my permit when a guy came down from the sub dome and started bitching at her about why people aren't required to wear harnesses on the cables, that it's dangerous. She tried to explain to him that the park service has a theory of the wild where, in order to keep the wilderness experience as pure as possible, people need to take responsibility. He wouldn't let up on his complaining. She asked where he was from and he said Poland. She said" How would you like it if I came to Poland and told you how to run things?" I burst out laughing and he just walked off.

[@monkeymikemoves]

Awesome story haha! I love the Park Rangers at Yosemite.

[@doracampos2088]

👏👏👏👏🤣

[@garyp.7501]

He's right, a harness would reduce the number of deaths on that trail.

[@weirdshibainu]

@@garyp.7501 Not the point. Hike at your own risk means exactly that. Glad she sent him packing.

[@marshallsweatherhiking1820]

Don’t call it a hike. Call it climbing. Its very very basic climbing, but there’s always a larger element of risk when you aren’t just walking a trail the whole way. I normally don’t like the “personal responsibility” crap when it comes from certain people because it often doesn’t actually apply when situations are not really in a persons full control. In this case it does apply because climbing is a leisure activity, not something you have to do to pay the bills. Yea, the cables can be dicey if the weather turns, but theres warnings all over telling people to turn around if conditions are not dry.

[@jacobkoski5094]

"Data shows hikers are getting to close to the edges" wow. thats quality research.

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

LMAO!

[@johnnaylor1706]

The "selfie" generation

[@rcwilson9510]

So THAT'S why people fall. Now I get it!

[@V.E.R.O.]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@malcomreed7032]

If you are on this trail you are always close to the edge.

[@bongbongtravels6108]

Visitors treat Angels Landing like it's Disneyland. Too many people has no business being there. I've been there twice.

[@nomaderic]

Yea im pretty sure half the people hiking it have NO BUSINESS hiking this trail. Not only that way too many people at once

[@GoofyGoober-us7yp]

I did the hike back in early February I got lucky and found a few days when the snow had melted and decided to do it I don’t understand how anyone can hike that in the summer crowds I’ve seen pictures with it crowded and I don’t think there’s a chance I could do to with that many people on such a narrow trail

[@Mrbfgray]

None of your biz what risks others chose for themselves. Don't be a busy body.

[@bongbongtravels6108]

@@Mrbfgray , bro you have an empty channel. Put something in there. I know what I'm talking about. I'm not a coach potato.

[@Mrbfgray]

@@bongbongtravels6108 I don't cater to Momma's Boys with nothing better to do than fret over trivialities and other ppls lives. Sorry.

[@buck3565]

The main person described had experience on that trail. He knew and willingly accepted the risk.

[@hcrffi]

National Parks IS NOT responsible. Individuals are responsible for themselves, for their own actions. You go too close to the edge, get dizzy, step on an loose rock, slippery surface, etc... then loose your footing and fall. Don't blame anyone but yourselve! Closing the trail is not the solution!

[@sudilos1172]

this story is an attempt to control you. probably just as grooming

[@thomervin7450]

I'm all for personal responsibility. At the same time, what percentage of people would be climbing Angel's Landing if not for chains and the designated trail to the top? I mean, if the trail didn't exist, who would even think the climb it except for a few people?

[@mrrusss510]

It’s not a trail issue. It’s a human error.

[@juliaweber5026]

No it’s a park issue if they do a trail that’s dangerous then they need to make it safer or close it

[@juliaweber5026]

Maybe only rock climber can take trail

[@MB-mh6xv]

@@juliaweber5026 Nope. It's human error. I've hiked it for over 40 years. One has to always know their limits.

[@honcore5055]

@@juliaweber5026 driving back and forth to work is more dangerous then 1 random trail people just need to understand their limits

[@patroberts5449]

I can see the use of permitting might help, but people need to be responsible especially ones with minors in their care! Don’t rail up the trail or close it, just educate and maybe permit like half dome in Yosemite.

[@robgrant7683]

This is my favorite hike and I’ve done it 6 times. It absolutely should remain open. People are responsible for themselves up there and the trail should not be altered or closed just because some people make stupid decisions. It isn’t even that hard of a hike so I believe the accidents are due to carelessness, not the difficulty of the trail. I recently did the Precipice Trail in Acadia National Park in Maine and thought it was technically more challenging. Another great hike for experienced hikers who know their capabilities.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Seek help Grant.

[@clax5612]

@@linjicakonikon7666 Why?

[@linjicakonikon7666]

@@clax5612 I don't have my crayons with me so I can't explain it to someone like you.

[@clax5612]

@@linjicakonikon7666 What a sad person you are. Go to therapy obviously you aren't happy.

[@BabyMilo444]

@@linjicakonikon7666 🤡

[@texmexia49]

Yosemite has a similar problem with folks dying in the park. Many of them ignore posted warning signs and: wade into water around falls; take selfies on cliffs or with wildlife; or underestimate Half Dome.

[@roush26]

You can't hold everyone's hand. Let it be, they know the risks. You can't pucify the world in the name of safety. Said it yourself, 641 hikes a day. In 10 years that's over 2.3 million hikes and only 13 deaths. Get over it.

[@reptar69]

his last thought was probably "Oh fk"

[@soulkeeper48]

@Sometimes Right wishing death on someone makes you the loser fuc*wit

[@pattihainline1573]

Well it's a sad thing! But, he'd been there before he knew the risk's! No-one should ever be on those mountain's alone! That time who know's could have saved his life! Very sad!

[@roush26]

@Sometimes Right Don't want him to die, but risky is that, risky, should we ban skydiving because a dozen people die every year? Should we ban climbing Mt. Everest? Motorsports? 13 deaths in 20 years is insignificant at cost of shutting something amazing down.

[@soulkeeper48]

@Sometimes Right lolol you're absolutely delusional 🤣 or your a troll either way your still a fu*wit

[@gnohn9366]

Climbed it when I was in my late 50’s with no problem. You just have to be careful of your footing and use the handholds provided. Saw numerous people going up wearing flip flops, carrying water bottles in one hand.

[@1guysopinion798]

I experience this all the time, even in this video you can see a woman with sandals on.

[@michellem7300]

Flip flops wtf lol

[@linjicakonikon7666]

G Nohn, Was your hike worth dying for? What's wrong with you?

[@1guysopinion798]

@@linjicakonikon7666 you stay on your sofa and you'll be safe honey.

[@MrDaveB123]

Ahhh the flip flop idiots They amaze me !

[@dmerth]

Show personal responsibility. Don't hike unprepared. Know the risks associated with your decisions. Don't blame others when you don't make the correction ones.

[@janebeckman3431]

People tend to underestimate risk. We were at Yellowstone, which is posted with warnings, and a woman was letting her kids run across the edge of the geyser basin. My husband pointed out the danger and she said "Oh, it's okay. They know what they're doing." WTF? I'm an experienced hiker and rock climber, but declined Angel's Landing on the day I was there because 1: It was afternoon in winter, and I knew how long a hike like that would take on a short day, and 2: It was winter, and there were still icy patches on the canyon walls. I actually know the risks.

[@lynnraasakka]

Yeah and those are the kind of people who immediately sue someone when something happens!

[@virginiasolomon9352]

You should have told that woman you recorded what she was allowing her kids to do and you'd report her to child services. These are the people who need their kids taken because they clearly aren't looking out for their well-being.

[@newmexicoballer3867]

There are just a lot of dumb people out there.

[@gaz4840]

We were in Yellowstone in 2016 from UK. A week later we read that some bloke had deliberately gone off the path to take photos and fallen into a geyser. Reports said that his body couldnt be recovered because only his clothes were left.. Hmmm... Interesting and Scary

[@peterweber3830]

I saw that at the Grand Canyon, a young girl about 7 was running on all the outcropping, it was cute but dangerous. Even so maybe she was a ram in her former life

[@jonmacdonald5345]

I say we should remove all warnings off of everything and let nature take it's course

[@MB-mh6xv]

Yep. Absolutely.

[@davidhilton5414]

Great Idea!!

[@standingonmountain3975]

Park shouldn't have made a trail. An official trail is an open invitation.

[@littleredhen8205]

Agreed. Natural selection in action.

[@a1ar127]

Darwin rules!

[@bradgrand79]

The trail is challenging and wonderful, leave it alone

[@GalenRhys]

The park service should film a 3D virtual video of the climb. It would be a good source of revenue and a safer experience for those not able to climb. Climbing up is easy but getting down is the hard part.

[@pattihainline1573]

This dude & they even said it had been there several times! So he knew what this trail was!

[@GoofyGoober-us7yp]

Weirdly enough I found getting down easier definitely less nerve racking I think I had just gotten over all the nerves I had on my way up

[@Sandra-dt4ec]

Getting down is a breeze, landing is hard! :)

[@ronwade5433]

Same thing happens at the Grand Canyon South Rim when kids and adults get off trail, go around, under or over chain and steel tube barriers and ignore signage to, At All Times Stay On Trail.

[@out2launch]

STAY HOME! - NEWS FLASH, hiking, kayaking, surfing, water sports, skiing, mountain climbing, etc, all come with risks! If you are not prepared to take them, don't understand the risks, cannot prepare yourself mentally or physically to handle inherent risks, Stay Home and safe. The world is not responsible for safeguarding you once you leave the comfort of your remote control and couch. So tired of whining and over litigation, regulation on activities in the U.S. So happy I grew up in an era where we could fall of our skateboards, bikes, motorcycles, ropes, snowmobiles, and horses without everyone panicking and litigating safety gear.

[@jamespeters8601]

If you don’t want to fall, don’t get near the edge. Great advice thank you.

[@rcwilson9510]

Yes, that never would have occurred to me. lol

[@humboldtharry4248]

The yellow snow advisory was appreciated as well.

[@amandamartinez9497]

as an avid hiker, seeing footage of the trail I would count myself out. that looks pretty scary and very dangerous.

[@steve390gold]

It's not that bad. Def has some scary sections but go slow and maintain 3 points of attachment

[@Twobarpsi]

I went to Zion. I was smart enough to know my limitations, and did not hike this trail.

[@PatsPurposefulPutzing]

I got to the chain section and went no further. I'm a tall guy (high center of gravity) with big feet (that didn't fit on the narrow ledge). Still scares me to think about it.

[@Twobarpsi]

@@PatsPurposefulPutzing same physical size as well...also I don't like ladders for the same reason.

[@teejay3272]

Right off the bat this very experienced hiker and backpacker saw the issue. The reporter, who I'd be anything isn't a hiker, went with "Not that long or steep." People who don't hike truly don't understand what five miles can entail. And people who don't hike go to NP destinations like this and they're driven by ego. The guy said it. "Bucket list hike." For real hikers? Most don't want to do it because of the throngs. When you mix arrogance and a lack of experience bad things can happen. So many are taught to be fearful of the wilderness, or think it comes with guardrails, when RESPECT is the message that should be sent.

[@ry4nmaster]

Well said, nature is beautiful but absolutely unforgiving

[@debrafrei4717]

Stop trying to make the park and other people responsible for YOUR ACTIONS! Here’s a thought, “Hmm this looks beyond my skill level, maybe I should turn around and go back.....” Close the trail? NO, people need to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEMSELVES!

[@Jbird-sx4zk]

Yes but if people keep dying every few years on this trail, the responsible thing as human beings is to cut down on the possibility of death by either closing trails such as these, or making it permit based on a limited amount daily, etc. It's the Park's responsibility at some point to protect people to the best of their ability, and not to just be like "well that's just nature another person falling off and dying."

[@debrafrei4717]

@@Jbird-sx4zk It is not the responsibility of the park to protect people. People need to take responsibility for their own actions. People like you are the biggest part of the problem......it’s always someone else’s fault, someone else’s responsibility.

[@Jbird-sx4zk]

@@debrafrei4717 Ma'am I understand people usually are at fault in these situations, but some of the responses on here are pretty heartless, and strike me as coming from selfish outdoorsy people who are probably the more experienced type hikers and don't care how many people die as long as they have access to their particular hikes/paths. People are often incredibly foolish and careless at National Parks these days, and you can't police everyone's behavior, but if you're leaving a trail open where many people are dying perhaps you have to help protect people from themselves a little moreso moving forward.

[@Jbird-sx4zk]

I've never been on this trail by the way...I'm not saying close it down, but perhaps have permits, limit the amount of people on it, or in some way make it safer.

[@EricDehart]

Closing this trail would be a travesty

[@BD-xi1tv]

I have hiked Angels Landing 50 times that I have logged, I know and accept the risk. I focus on my feet and always use the chains. I love hiking this trail!

[@rayray4192]

Thanks for the post. What was it like for you the first time?

[@suzi2570]

Hike at your own risk. I did this hike in October-got to the first part of the chain section and decided it wasn’t for me-and I was well aware EHAT lay ahead. People are responsible for knowing what they are getting into-it’s not anyone else’s job to take care of you.

[@JF-dy2dr]

100% agree. I know my limits. I have done Observation Point 5 times. I have not gone beyond Scouts Lookout.

[@jaabab]

Me too....me and my wife turned back

[@mrdad-zl9zl]

My question is, is it easy to turn around or do you have to wait a while for other people to pass first? From some pictures I've seen theres can be a lot of people hiking on it. But these may be been older photos. Im not interested in hiking this I'm just curious

[@suzi2570]

@@mrdad-zl9zl it wasn’t too bad to turn around because we had just begun the chain part. The traffic is all one way in the same side of the chain. You just need to find a safe area to switch sides. If I’m not mistaken -now you need a reservation to hike it-I suppose to help control the crowds

[@trwent]

There is nothing wrong with just going as far as Scout's Lookout. It is still a great, beautiful hike just up to there. And 100% safe.

[@steve390gold]

At the bottom of that sign on angels landing at scouts lookout it is VERY CLEAR. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY!! If people fall and die, then they die. That is ENTIRELY ON THEM. And the lard ass saying he would be ok with it being permanently closed likely has a hard time hiking to his refrigerator....

[@Latabrine]

😂

[@sudilos1172]

My mom went hiking, and she noticed that at a Very Narrow place. Hikers pass touching each other instead of taking turns. She said one guy seemed very intent on pushing people. So she insisted on standing against the rock face instead of on the outside. After a stalemate, he eventually was forced to pass on the outside. She said "Never again!". Could this be the work of a Serial Killer? They all died alone...

[@conndapierce5869]

They should take a photo of him and what part of the trail this happens at with him. There are people who do these things in purpose. He may have found a way to kill without getting caught.

[@nicholasgibbens2000]

Keep the Nanny State away from National Parks! Be careful or face the consequences! Take responsibility.

[@WillN2Go1]

I watch these local TV news reports on KZbin and usually bash them for mindless repetition, their false piety, gross ignorance. This one however is top notch. Great job. As a hiker who has been interested in this trail this KTNV report is full of essential information. Thank you.

[@katie195]

No complaints. I’ll watch videos. Dedicated flat lander here. Zion is NOT a picnic county park.

[@christianramirez4379]

I went there once and almost died a few times because by the time we got up there, it started to snow. Slipped and fell on my ass a few times and some others were scary but those chains REALLY help.

[@Liberty_Tree]

Well, If you're going to climb a cliff in the snow.....

[@raycano5408]

@@Liberty_Tree not to bright are you

[@bobbilly9136]

@@Liberty_Tree why was the trail open on a day with snow in the forecast. drop this individualistic libertarian mindset of everyone for themselves. The park should do something.

[@apples8872]

@@bobbilly9136 lol or maybe look at the forecast before hiking a dangerous trail?

[@thomervin7450]

@@bobbilly9136 I'm probably one of those individualists you're talking about, and yet I think because the park created the trail that it has some responsibility to protect people.

[@liz5488]

Fully agree that it needs a permit system. I hiked it last summer, insanely packed so dangerous saw teenagers jump/skipping carelessly down the cliff and saw a few people with babies on their backs doing the hike too

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Natural selection at it’s finest. Forget the permit. Let foolish people go their way and keep lawyers out of it. It is a “natural park.”

[@jakesonaplane_]

How did you hike it last summer? It was closed from March-October 2020

[@liz5488]

@@jakesonaplane_ sorry it was may of 2019

[@liz5488]

@ROM LUNDY Yosemite has a permit system for one of their hikes and I’m pretty sure it’s free.

[@liz5488]

@ROM LUNDY costs the same as zion. All permits are free. Look into their permit system for jmt. It’s not about money it’s about limiting the amount of ppl on a dangerous hike. Again it’s free

[@stoneyboycurtis6887]

Look into how many people disappear from national parks in the US. Missing 411with David Paulides - scary stuff!

[@crystall4124]

Yesssss

[@NguyenGiaoUsA]

Leave your backpacks at Scout Lookout. That'll help out a lot with your balance on the way up and down Angels trail. And please, use both hands to concentrate on your hiking. Those KZbinrs are too busy with their Go Pros. Safety FIRST!

[@samridhmukhiya]

People who hike trails like this do so on their own accord and do it because they love it. Risk is their own. Its not anybody else's business. This coverage of the incident seems tailored negatively towards the trail and park management. Warning signs are posted and there is safety placed without disrupting trail where possible. This news channels coverage fails to showcase opinions from different perspectives. Inadequate journalism.

[@dps6198]

I've hiked that trail twice about five years ago. The hike is a dangerous one. The people that hike that trail don't take it seriously. The trail can get overcrowded with people trying to pass each other when they should take turns and allow a small group to pass then they themselves can pass. Then there are the unattended kids that run rampant on the trail and many times leave the trail. I talked to the park superintendent a year or two ago and they had public hearings to determine what to do. One idea was to restrict the number of hikers on by setting a lottery or something with a limited number of tickets and allowing only groups of people to access the trail during their scheduled time. All in the name of safety. There was a huge push back and the park abandoned the idea. I feel they should restrict the number that hike angels landing. The 13 deaths represent a small percent of the total number of hikers over the last 100 years, Since those of you who are careless and don't take the seriousness of this hike Darwin's theory will catch up to you sooner or later.

[@CheckThisOut77]

Hikers need to completely take responsibility. I have been to Zion NP ( my favorite NP) but I know I should not do this hike.

[@nla5307]

I've done this hike once, it happened to begin hailing at the top. We climbed slowly on the way down because the ground was now wet and I slipped. A man out of no where grabbed my arm before I fell. He stood up and just kept going. I could have barreled down the cliff. I would still go on the hike again but take caution as it is dangerous and people have died on it.

[@steveshea6148]

Here's the deal: people who would hike that should, realize they are taking their life in their hands. It's a cliff. Anyone who climbs also knows that coming down is always much more dangerous than going up. It's both trickier inherently and you're tired. And weather conditions can change. Note that you won't find me walking up anything like that in a casual fashion . I wouldn't feel prepared for that terrain in general without a 150 feet of rope etc at with me on my back. It's high angle rock, aka, you can easily die on it. I think it should be left open., although it will likely end up restricted. Signed, not a wimp, just have a tiny bit of experience and a clue.--( and not saying this guy was clueless. you can still die if you have experience and equipment. On a hike like that you are knowingly taking a risk, he took it, and unfortunately pulled the low card in the deck during his hike. Should it closed to people? Hell no.

[@brianparks8321]

"Why not close Angel's Landing trail all together." "I have no problem with that." Screw you guys.

[@ziggy2shus624]

If I was as fat as that guy, I wouldn't go on the trail either.

[@missgabriella702]

I'm afraid of heights so if you even go up there thats where you messed up in my mind lol

[@steveshea6148]

Lol

[@johnwren3976]

With you on that. GRAVITY, its the law.

[@pnk878251]

Thats very sad. We just never know...r.i.p.

[@loganlien1848]

10 deaths in 20 years lol that’s such a low rate and they’re freaking out about that 🤨 must have nothing else better to do.

[@sugardalit]

Omg i hope they will not close this trail.... we are responsible for our own actions

[@shawnbrodrick8673]

Kraig Adams made a video on this trail..looks beautiful but he complained it was crowded.

[@ggrrr4858]

Thanks for trying to close a natural wonder on behalf of people being susceptible to natural selection. 👍sensational

[@MrFg1980]

The only people hiking Angel's Landing should be those with a healthy respect for exposure, not a naiveté of it.

[@johns1625]

People almost always fall taking a selfie or doing some dumb yoga pose on a cliff edge. It's not even a hard or scary hike... You have to try to fall off in order to do it. Nobodies fault but their own. This segment is alarmist as hell

[@PhoenixRisen63]

How many of them fell whilst taking selfies? I can tell you that we have lost several on the Oregon Coast that way.

[@zion9860]

Angels landing can be a very dangerous hike. People need to be careful when hiking up to there.

[@yadienan]

the name speaks for itself, that’s why we never tried risking our lives to get there

[@samuelfink4799]

When you choose to do dangerous activities you choose to accept the negative possibilities.

[@shane_asylum]

There is a serious difference between bucket list tourists and experienced hikers/backpackers. Ah duh!

[@daddyjankie]

And they took a *picture* where he fell?

[@wfwillis]

Several years ago I attempted to hike this trail, but when I came to the narrow spot where the drop off is 1200' on one side and 800' on the other I chickened out and turned around. I don't like heights anyway because I'm a clumsy type of person, and I was in my late 60s when attempting this hike. Then, when turning around I slipped on some loose sand/gravel and fell on my butt, and slid a couple feet. A lady screamed and her husband grabbed me by my shirt. I was probably 3' from the edge when stopped. Scared the crap out of me!

[@123gozane]

I noticed a woman climbing with flat sandals on? WTF!!!

[@RichardAmesMusic]

I bet more than a million people have hiked that trail, including me and my kids. If 13 have died that's less than a 0.0013% fatality rate. Fatality rates for drivers are about 1,000x higher. I guess we need to close all the roads. This is some really bad reporting.

[@Maximoootom]

It’s nature not an amusement park.

[@spidermanbackpack]

more than 30k ppl die every year from car accidents in the US but nobody says anything about it but 13 ppl die from a hike and they want to close it off??? WTF????

[@Mikesroadtrip-ec5kp]

You are responsible for yourself!!

[@EsotericSyncretism]

It is super busy and can get really sketch when the crowds come. Lots of people inexperienced and not taking it seriously. I couldn’t believe the recklessness I observed in some people up there.

[@tejas3818]

I have done Angel's Landing a few times, Lady Mountain twice, and most of the other marked trails in Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district, and so many other off trail hikes from Kolob Mountain to the Ls Sals, not to mention the Boulder Plateau, the Henry Mountains, and along the Wasatch Front including Timpanogos, Bell's Canyon, Mt Olympus, and down on White Mesa and the Bears Ears. Some of these hikes were "dangerous." I grew up in the city, Houston. The number 1 cause of accidents in the great outdoors is carelessness. The government cannot protect you from your own actions. Permits are not going to prevent carelessness or death. Utah has been very good to me! So has the Creator. Did I mention Kanab, Mesa Verde, the Grand Canyon (North and South Rims), Havasupai, Little Santa Anita, Mt. Wilson, Black Rock Desert, Yellow Cat, Vasquez Rocks, Salvation Mountain, and one super secret trail that led me back to myself? Life has been good. I hope I die on the trail!

[@jkat9871]

UPDATE Permits are now required to hike this trail. A lottery system is used to disburse the permits.

[@persistentdreams]

I was sure we were going to see someone fall at the Grand Canyon some years ago. The number of people climbing over railings and standing at the edges, climbing onto unstable peninsulas of rock, and letting their children run along the rim trail near the edge was frightening. And there were no rangers around that we could see.

[@insertyournamee]

The trail itself is pretty easy but I think there needs to be permits to limit how many people can go on there. The large amount of people going there means that there are people waiting to use the chains in both directions. Because everyone is so congested on the chains, some people try to bypass others by walking on the sketchy edge parts instead of near the chains. It's their own risk and responsibility at that point, but permits would help with the congestion on the trail so that people don't feel the need to try to move past people on the chains.

[@tortoisewhisperer1580]

I did not hear any discussion on the weather being a potential factor to any of these accidents. Weather can change fast there, thunderstorms, wind and rain can happen quickly, wetting the trail and/or making it difficult for a hiker to maintain their position and stability. It looks like at least a portion of that hike is sandstone which can get slippery when wet.

[@nla5307]

Yes it hailed when we got to the top!

[@scotto827]

This is tragic but I guarantee that this man who fell knew the risks very well and that is why he chose the trail. Even if they institute a permit system, people will still fall. It's basically sandstone there and slipping is super easy. But if the risk was not there then the trail would not be as appealing in it's raw beauty and adventure aspect, which is the main reason why we have maintain our wild spaces in this country.

[@beatpirate8]

i had a great time in zion but i chose to go to other trails . i saw at 8 am there were already so many people on that trail and i heard there was many stalled especially when someone gets queasy. i already have fear of heights so a narrow path would not be ok for me. i felt slightly guilty for not going to angels landing but i had spectacular views on many other hikes. its like you can enjoy yosemite without doing half dome. rest in peace. and peace be with you mama im sorry for your loss.

[@rayray4192]

Nice post. One man I spoke to as I sat and relaxed at Scout Lookout seemed traumatized by Angel’s landing. Others have climbed in the snow. It depends upon your fear of heights.

[@samiam9059]

Know your limits! Who would wear sandals?

[@amuseher6125]

Hiking the wilderness is always a risk.

[@MB-mh6xv]

The trail is clearly marked, there is all of the information needed for an intelligent person to make their own choice, just like anything and everything in life. You get yourself in a situation that you can't handle because of a bucket list or a selfie shot, that's on you, no one else. I've been hiking Angel's Landing since 1979. The only time I turned back was a day I was literally the only one there, it was icy and I realized it was not the right day to make the hike. I was where the chains start and I turned back.

[@invictus3598]

Tragic and preventable! Condolences and prayers to family and friends. R.I.P.

[@cecilnewman666]

Its called natural selection. Need more of it...

[@dwj6503]

The National Park Is not responsible nor liable for foolish or careless behavior of hikers.

[@Danthemant1000]

Do at your own risk! Nobody is making you hike. Wtf man.

[@moretoliving2236]

Ok so let's do the math for the journalists at news network who could not bother to. 21 years. 641 hikers per day. = 4,913,265 people who have hiked the darn thing since 2000. 13 people died. That means that statistically speaking 99.9997% of people hike that trail just fine. And what seems to be the problem?????????????????????????????

[@babetravelling]

This is on my bucketlist. Thanks for this news, I’d be more careful

[@remindyouofwho7201]

My heart goes out to those people’s families. It hurts to think about what they must be going through 😞

[@giuseppe4909]

You roll the dice and you take your chances.

[@thelightofthebodyispineal7137]

Use a Permit System. Close the Trail from hiking to those who don’t have a permit. It is dangerous to the inexperienced and unskilled. Train for it and obtain a permit!!!

[@katiedid1851]

People need to be responsible.

[@ziggy2shus624]

Years ago I climbed this trail as a run-of-the-mill 40 y/o and had no trouble. As long as you hike safely, there is no problem. More people probably die in auto accidents getting to Zion than the 13 that have died in the last 20 years. 40,000 die in auto accidents every year due to driver error....now that is something to worry about.

[@DanKirchner5150]

its not that fall that kills its that angels landing

[@davidpayne1519]

I agree ,its that sudden stop at the bottom

[@DanKirchner5150]

@@davidpayne1519 u bet

[@heathrunyon4036]

Hike Angel’s Landing in January and had no problem hanging onto the chain. I also didn’t get too close to the edges.

[@shawnbrodrick8673]

👏👏👏👏 a responsible person, the way it should be.

[@GoofyGoober-us7yp]

Me as well I did it in early February it’s really not that bad in my opinion just gotta be really cautious and aware and liek you said use the chains and stay away from the edge really just common sense

[@craigconway9930]

Not every section of the "wilderness" has railing. Calm down. This is one of things where a small group of people get upset coffee is hot instead of luke warm while everyone else just blinks.

[@1jesus2music3duke]

Not surprising at all. Got to Scout Overlook and NOPED. West rim trail is the way to go.

[@cedricksamaniego9146]

Beautiful! The risk we take in life for a good time..

[@forestpark73]

I frequent there and I see it over saturated with people comfortable with running, not wearing the right shoes or not using the chain. They easily take unnecessary risks. There are also sometimes much more than 641 people there a day on a weekend. Not to fault anyone, it is a popular spot. They should put more caution signs around the area.

[@teejay3272]

I've hiked and backpacked for many decades, most often alone, and I wouldn't even CONSIDER doing that trail. It holds no interest to me whatsoever. I've been to Zion a handful of times and the way to do it, just like most anywhere, is when you see the people, especially hundreds of people, you go in the opposite direction.

[@allanharris4281]

I was there in October 1995 and shared a big bowl with a fella at the top. Never died or fell.

[@catman8670]

Close these dangerous places altogether!

[@thomashughes_teh]

There is a much less famous approach to Angel's Landing peak that takes much longer to hike. I only hiked down when I was there. It ended a multiple day backpacking trip. It's one of the most thrilling and beautiful places I ever walked.

[@GoofyGoober-us7yp]

Do you know where the trail to do that starts I would love to do a backpacking trip up to angels landing through zion

[@javakat343]

@@GoofyGoober-us7yp I did Ziom last week. Check out east overlook trail. You have to drive north of the park and hike south to the overlook but you can see ALL of Angel's Landing below you. It's pretty rad.

[@charliegarcia6677]

How is it the mountain fault or the park, you chose wtf your going to do and the risk when you go.

[@vin374]

Life is dangerous. Cant live in a bubble. We are and should be responsible for our own decisions and actions

[@ThereSaSpiderNMySoup]

People are idiots 🙄 I've seen people go into arid terrain in 100 degree weather with nothing but a little water bottle for a 5 mile hike even though there are many signs and the rangers keep telling people to bring lota of water. How about people stop being irresponsible.

[@Liberty_Tree]

how many people die in car accidents. No body has to go on this trail. Stop trying to bubble wrap a world. YOU CAN'T DO IT

[@virginiasolomon9352]

Is this the same park where a park gate decapitated a lady riding in her car recently? Utah need to get it together.

[@M2Abi]

No, that was Arches.

[@salsanacho]

Similar to Half Dome, folks need to educate themselves when they go into the wilderness because nature is dangerous, even in heavily trafficked areas like this. Interesting idea about the permit idea, I haven't been there during peak times and I wonder if there's a traffic jam that is causing issues like it did on Half Dome.

[@iheartcolorado9311]

Leave the trail alone! We all have free will and many things that we do, even on a daily basis are inherently dangerous, like driving a car,, and crossing the street. Everything in life does not need to be safe, or legislated. If you are not willing to take the risk that you may perish, then stay home.