Two visitors enjoying the view from Horseshoe Bend in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area were struck by lightning/NPS

We head to national parks for relaxation and recreation, but we can't forget that these destinations can be dangerous places.

At Isle Royale National Park on Monday a 37-year-old backpacker died after having unspecified medical complications.

She "died while hiking near Lake LeSage at Isle Royale National Park," a park release said. "The woman from Battle Creek, Michigan, was hiking with her partner when she experienced sudden onset medical complications. As her condition deteriorated, she was eventually unable to walk, lost consciousness, and stopped breathing. CPR was provided but attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful."

Also on Monday, two visitors at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Utah were admiring the view from Horseshoe Bend when they were struck by lightning.

"Two female visitors aged 22 and 23 years old, one from the Netherlands and one from Australia sustained injuries," a park release said. "Classic Air Medical and City of Page Fire Department quickly responded to assist National Park Service Rangers with on scene patient care. Both victims were flown to St. George Regional Hospital in Utah by Classic Air Medical helicopters. 

"Visitors are advised to use caution while visiting exposed outdoor areas and be aware of changing weather conditions," the release added. "Thunderstorms are most frequent and severe during the monsoon season, which is typically mid-June through September in Arizona and July through September in Utah. If you hear thunder, you are at risk of getting struck by lightning and should immediately seek shelter in a vehicle or building."

In Death Valley National Park, a man died of heat exposure at Natural Bridge Trailhead on August 1. Peter Hayes Robino, 57, of Duarte, California, stumbled as he returned from the one-mile roundtrip Natural Bridge Trail, a park release said. 

"The bystanders offered to help Robino, but he declined," the release added. "They said his responses did not make sense.

"Robino got in his car and drove off a steep 20-foot embankment at the edge of the parking lot. The car rolled over and airbags deployed," the release continued. "A bystander left to call 911. Other bystanders helped Robino walk back to the parking lot and provided shade. National Park Service emergency responders received the 911 call at 3:50 p.m. and arrived at 4:10 p.m. The bystanders said Robino was breathing until just before the park rangers arrived. NPS EMTs started CPR and moved Robino into the air-conditioned ambulance. Robino was declared dead at 4:42 p.m."

Robino's car below the parking lot at Natural Bridge in Death Valley National Park/NPS

An autopsy conducted by the Inyo County Coroner determined that Robino died of hyperthermia, the release said. Symptoms of overheating can include confusion, irritability, and lack of coordination. The Furnace Creek weather station recorded 119° Fahrenheit that afternoon.

“My condolences go out to Mr. Robino’s family and friends,” said Superintendent Mike Reynolds, who was one of the EMTs who responded to this incident. “His death serves as a reminder not to underestimate the dangers of extreme heat.”

Also in Death Valley, a fire destroyed a travel trailer this past Sunday. The fire started as the vehicle descended Towne Pass toward Panamint Valley on CA-190, a park release said. "The driver and his wife saved their pickup truck by unhooking from the burning fifth wheel trailer. They tried to put out the fire with fire extinguishers," it added. "The driver and his wife said they believe a propane issue near the refrigerator started the fire."

An off-duty park employee reported the fire. Death Valley National Park is temporarily unable to staff its fire engine due to a shortage of employees with firefighting certification. San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, Mojave National Preserve, CHP, Caltrans, and the Bureau of Land Management responded to this incident. 

A travel trailer caught fire and was destroyed in Death Valley National Park/NPS