A California woman died in a fall Sunday from the popular site in Zion National Park known as Angels Landing.
The victim, 55-year-old Nancy Maltez of Glendora, California, was reported to be hiking with family members early Sunday when she fell at about 8:30 a.m. The accident was reported by another hiker by cell phone.
She was believed to have stumbled and fallen from the north side of Angels Landing. Media reports indicate she fell a distance of about 1,000 feet, and search-and-rescue crews reached her body before noon.
The West Rim Trail from the Grotto to Scout Lookout, along with climbing routes on the north side of Angels Landing, are temporarily closed while an investigation by the park and the Washington County Sheriff's Department is completed.
There has been considerable discussion on theTraveler in recent months about the safety of the Angels Landing Trail. Prior to today's incident, the most recent fatal fall at that location was in 2007.
The park website includes the following information in a description of the Angels Landing Trail:
Caution: The route to Angels Landing involves travel along a steep, narrow ridge with support chains anchored intermittently along the route. Footing can be slippery even when the rock is dry Unevenly surfaced steps are cut into the rock with major cliff dropoffs adjacent. Keep off when it is wet, icy or thunderstorms are in the area. Plan to be off before dark. Younger children should skip this trail; older children must be closely supervised.
This accident will almost certainly revive the debate about the safety of the popular trail. According to the park website, "about 5 people" have died due to falls from Angels Landing in the 100 years since the park was established, but it is not the most dangerous trail in the park. Emerald Pools holds that unwelcome distinction with seven victims.
Comments
To the family who lost their loved one, My very sincere condolences.
I just came back from Angel Landing hike. My opionion is that they should put in more chains; At least i can see one place there 's a gap.
People (including me) have problem of reaching the next chain.
If there 's not enough safety, then this hike should be closed! Safety first!
I hiked that trail in 1983 and made it most of the way, but my God, is that trail terrifying and dangerous!
I remember thinking at the time I was hiking it, "People have definitely died here".
And they have!
I am not surprised.
Another scary trail is the "Buckeye Camp Trail", on coastal HWY 1 in California,
right near the boundary of Monterrey County. There is a sign on the right & a parking area.
I agree with the recommendation for a few more strategically placed chains and the renovations stated above by PhotoHiker Bob. I have hiked many of the trails at Zions and stopped at Scouts Landing on the way to Angle's Landing. Having ascertained the situation prior to arriving at that point, then actually seeing the climb ahead of me, I decided it was not up to my "emotional/cognitive skill level." I had the physical skill but had hesitation and reservations about going out to the landing. This should be a consideration for all. It does not take just competence to make such a hike, but also clear-minded confidence. I don't mean brash confidence, but sound decision making capabilities based on the conditions, the mood, the feelings, the number of persons, and so-on. I too believe the statistics of deaths in the park may be a higher number, however, we cannot attribute all deaths to Angel's landing or Emerald Pools. I was hiking in the park this past spring when a death had occurred, but it was a rock climber on the sheer face of a cliff, with professional mountain gear and skills far exceeding that of any experienced hiker in the park. It happened by accident. It was sad, but was a fact of life, that even the most experienced climbers can incur an accident based upon circumstances beyond control. I would like to see greater safety measures undertaken on Angel's Landing. This would be beneficial for even those unforeseen circumstances which lead to an "accident." Sure we can all say that only experienced hikers should attempt the trail, or only those meeting certain criteria should be allowed to hike all the way. But it is the flukes in nature, the simple unforeseen circumstances that lead to death of even the most experienced and skillful of individuals. The perfect example is of the cliff climber who fell to his death. It would be great to just say he knew the risks and he was willing to take them. Yes, however, he was not on a popularized trail, well traveled and well worn by thousands of hikers every year. This needs to be considered. This cliff climber had all the proper gear necessary to make his climb as safe as it could be. Shouldn't this be the case for Angel's Landing? Make it as safe as it could be, then if an "accident" occurs, at least as fellow human beings, we can say all was done for safety, to eliminate or reduce the risk of death as far as is humanly possible. It lacks a true sense of compassion for fellow hikers to just say, "hike at your own risk"...."assume the risk of death if you should so desire." This is heartless and cold. Every type of outdoor recreational park, event, or activity that is sponsored (In this case by the Federal Government) should contain the safety amenities equal to the risks, and provided by that sponsor. Certain inherent risks are evident, but all attempts should be made to minimize these risks. If one wants to wander off the trail, or ski out of bounds in the back country, they assume the risk of death and the inherent liabilities. But trails and ski runs and river runs, etc., should all have the safety implements in place as far as is humanly possible. Tell me and I forget...Show me and I remember...Involve me and I learn. As a patron of this National Park, I would like to recommend the implementation of the safety upgrades mentioned by Photohiker Bob. My heartfelt condolences to the survivors of that woman who fell to her death.
I have loved this hike, I love Zion and hope that the park will not be closed because of this unfortunate accident. Even though safety first is a rule, it should not have a path, like a flat, easy walk. More chains are welcome as long as they are not in the way, but don't close it. If people have fallen, then put a warning, make sure people know. If you're afraid of falling, don't go.
Sorry to be like this.
My condolences to the families, their loss will not be forgotten.
Good luck out there!1
You are right to make that decision to turn back. Some of us are bolder than others, and it's important to know your limits. Stretching your boundaries is a good way to grow, but pushing to the point where you have real fears negates the reason for coming to the park--to have a good time. The Parks are great, but there's lots of places where you just DON'T want to play around
A woman fell today. I turned back to Scouts Landing after only going up 50ft when the hikers coming down reported it. Over the 4 hours we spent at Scout's, they had not recovered her body. Hard to think she is only the "sixth." Tragic for the people with her, not sure if they were family or friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.
Why people don´t use a harness? It´s easy ( you only need the harness, two snaps and two pieces of rope) and increases your safety almost 100%. If we hike Angels Landing at least my kid will wear it, though the chain is not continuous and for this use is better a steel cable than a chain...
I hiked the first part of Angels landing yesterday but then turned back after the first, shorter peak. The crowds were just out of hand. Right next to us was a group of maybe 40 boy scouts with only a handful of adults supervising. I was also shocked to see some small children on the trail.
Angels landing does not need expensive guards or permits. It needs some simple signs, with simple rules. No one under 16. No groups of more than 5. No passing without asking first. Another sign listing deaths to give people second thoughts about the trip if they're not up for it.
I hope to make it back on a less crowded day to make the attempt again. It certainly is one of the most beautiful and exceptional trails I've seen and should remain open for the informed adults who choose to make the trip.