Big Bend National Park in Brewster County, Texas, ranked as the deadliest canyon in America. Experts shared advice about what outdoor enthusiasts should do to protect themselves.
Hiking in America’s national parks can be incredible, but safety should always stay top of mind. And that’s especially true when visiting parks with canyons.
Certain parks are more dangerous than others, and Texas’ Big Bend National Park is among the worst, coming in as the deadliest canyon in America, according to data compiled by tour company Antelope Canyon and shared with Travel + Leisure. The Brewster County park was home to 30 fatalities from 2014 to 2024, which equates to six fatalities for every one million visitors, the highest in the country.
California’s Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Texas’ Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, and Utah’s Canyonlands National Park similarly suffered high rates of park fatalities.
While not a national park, the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which straddles Arizona and Nevada, ranked the highest in fatalities. There, drownings were the leading cause of death.
Overall, the top hazard for visitors to any canyon park was falling. In fact, that was the case in six of the top 21 canyon parks. The second leading cause of death was cardiovascular issues. In Big Bend alone, heart attacks and other medical emergencies were responsible for seven deaths, according to the report.
“Harsh desert conditions” and isolated canyon landscapes add extra challenges for visitors.
Millions of travelers visit national parks across the country each year and there are measures they can take to remain safe while there. These are some of the top tips from hiking and medical experts to help make your trip a (safe) success.
Be mindful of hidden canyon dangers.
Remaining aware of your surroundings is key when hiking canyons, especially since the topography can vary dramatically and there can be hidden hazards.
“Watch your step as canyons often have loose rocks, uneven terrain, and deep sand,” Maggie Peikon, a spokeswoman for the American Hiking Society, told T+L. “Wildlife like snakes may also be basking in sunny spots, so stay alert.”
The American Hiking Society also recommended keeping trekking poles on hand as they can assist in safely descending a canyon as well as analyzing how stable the ground is, especially when it comes to deep sand or loose rocks.
Put your phone away.
It’s understandable to want to check your map to stay on course or take a moment to capture the beauty of your surroundings with a photo, but you should always have your feet firmly planted before you do.
“Be mindful of distractions as it’s easy to trip [or] fall if you’re looking at your phone for your map [or] GPS or snapping photos while moving,” Peikon said. “Instead, stop to take your picture or check your location, then pack your device away again before continuing on.”
Hydration is key.
Staying hydrated is paramount for any outdoor activity, and especially for challenging hikes. Replenishing with a beverage like water with electrolytes can save even the most experienced outdoor enthusiast.
“Staying hydrated while hiking is essential for maintaining thermoregulation [maintaining a stable internal temperature], cardiovascular function, and cognitive performance,” Michael Fredericson, a sports medicine physiatrist with Stanford Medicine, told T+L.
Hot, humid conditions can rapidly push a hiker to dehydration, Fredericson added, but a mix of fluid scheduling and eating salty snacks can be helpful precautions.
