Four fatalities, 18 medical transports, and 66 patients in less than two years has Lake Mead National Recreation Area proposing to close the Goldstrike Canyon and Arizona Hot Spring trails from May 15 to Sept. 30 annually.
Park management implemented emergency closures of the two trails, along the Nevada-Arizona border where temperatures frequently surpass 100 degrees, in the summers of 2014 and 2015 after public safety incidents significantly increased. The new proposal, which is open to public comment until May 1, would administratively change the closure from an emergency closure to a permanent seasonal closure.
In 2013, 17 incidents resulted in one fatality, 31 patients, and five medical transports. Then, in the first seven months of 2014, 37 incidents resulted in three fatalities, 35 patients, and 13 medical transports. Park management added signs to discourage summer hiking, but the signs did not have the desired effect. People continued to hike the trails, endangering their lives and the lives of other visitors and rescue crews.
Goldstrike Canyon is a strenuous hike, requiring bouldering and climbing. It leads to Goldstrike and Nevada hot springs, and the Colorado River. The area known as White Rock Canyon has multiple trails leading to the Arizona Hot Spring, Liberty Bell Arch, and the Colorado River.
During the closure period, visitors can still access the popular hot springs via the Colorado River. Other less-strenuous trails in the park will remain open, although those who choose to hike during the summer are encouraged to follow summer safety tips.
To comment
- Deadline: May 1, 2016
- Online: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?documentID=71982
- Mail: Lake Mead National Recreation Area Superintendent, Attention: Proposed Seasonal Trail Closure, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, Nevada 89005
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Comments
I simply state hiking in those areas in the Summer results in one simple conclusion. "Exit your vehicle! Join the food chain!" The only predators found in the Summer are Sun, Heat, Ignorance, and Thirst. Take the first letters of those words to describe your situation. Don't become another statistics stating that word! Sensible people do not hike those trails in the Summer! Wait until mid-October when the temps cool.
I am an avid hiker and anything but a novice. I feel slighted when these trails are closed because of the uneducated. I carry at least a minimum 1/2 gallon of fluids on my back. I start all my summer hikes before 6 a.m. and make sure I am done by 10 a.m. This is just another example of the nanny-state placating to adults who don't act like adults.
Instead of weak warning signs put the actual death and rescue statistics on the signs. Also no one under the age of 18 is allowed to hike during the Summer months. Period.
Yes I am sad for those that lost their lives. However I believe stronger warning signs may have prevented some of the deaths.