Grand Canyon National Park staff are asking visitors to be careful during theri visit. On Tuesday, a visitor fell 500 feet to their death from Mather point after climbing over a railing there/NPS file photo
It's summer, you're in a national park, what's to worry about? Well, quite a lot, actually, if you're not careful. At Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, staff are hoping visitors have a great time, but asking that they take a few precautions to ensure they have a wonderful vacation. They do that in the wake of a visitor who fell 500 feet to their death on Tuesday.
* Stay on designated trails and walkways and always keep a safe distance from the edge of the rim. In areas where there is a railing or fence, do not climb over the barrier.
* Keep an eye on all of the people in your group, especially small children. Make sure that your travel companions have both feet firmly planted on pavement or developed trails at all times.
* Know where the edge is. Watch foot placement and look for trip hazards. Do not run, jump, or perform physical stunts when near the rim.
* Know the altitude, the South Rim sits at 7,000 feet and the North Rim sits at just over 8,000 feet. Individuals coming from sea level or with health conditions should take time to acclimate to the elevation. Drink plenty of fluids, rest frequently, and do not overexert yourself.
* Check the weather! Monsoon season is quickly approaching and afternoon lightning and heavy rain become daily occurrences. Remember, when it roars go indoors.
* Stay a safe distance away from wild animals. A good rule is two bus lengths or if you can cover an animal with your thumb. Remember, do not feed or water wildlife.
Each year, Grand Canyon visitors suffer from slips, trips, and falls that can result in serious injury or even death. On Tuesday, rangers responded to reports of a visitor who had climbed over a railing at Mather Point, lost footing, and fell approximately 500 feet. The fall was fatal. At this time, an investigation is under way and no further information is available.
Grand Canyon National Park expects increased visitation through the weekend. Plan to arrive early and pack your patience. Parking lots can fill as early as 10 a.m. Prior to arriving at the park you can purchase a 7-day pass on your mobile device by visiting www.yourpassnow.com and selecting Grand Canyon National Park. Visitors are also encouraged to use the free shuttle bus system including the option to park in the gateway town of Tusayan and ride into the South Rim Village.
Comments
I was here a week ago and witnessed a young women in flipflops stumble as she went to an out of bounds area. Her colleague and her tried a picture while they were in mid air. She lost a flipflop in the process which wasn't the worst part. They were perched on the edge of a rock trying to look for it.
I visited Grand Canyon with my family in spring 2017. We are from Italy. It was an incredible experience, really a breathtaking landscape, but also it was surprising to see lots of people going over the barriers, literally on the edge, even with children, just to take pics. I was horrified.
You say fearless people, I say stupid people.
I so agree with you. It's like a cool thing to scare people or a badge of honor. So needless....Look at the heartache...It was disturbing during a beautiful trip.
It won't if you had Common Sense. but it seems that most the stories I have read about hiking/selfies(also called lone-lies) are from people under 40. So maybe we should bring more people to the GC who are under 40 <smh> I can't believe I rode a bicycle when I was a kid without a helmet, knee pads or palm pads & survive....OH WAIT!! I remember that little voice would pop into my head & say don't do it David & I didn't COMMON SENSE & not fear
The Grand Canyon is a beautiful magnificent display of nature. I have visited this National Park often. Acrobatics and Egos should be left outside the Park. The Park Rangers are very knowledgable but often they are not taken seriously and too often, those who don't follow the safety rules wide up as satistics.