A Narrows trip at Zion National Park ended in tragedy/NPS file
A pre-Thanksgiving trip through the Narrows at Zion National Park in Utah ended in tragedy when a 31-year-old woman died less than two miles from the end.
The unidentified couple had started the 16-mile trip on Tuesday morning, but became cold overnight and likely suffered from hypothermia, a park release said Thursday. Early Wednesday morning the 33-year-old man continued on to get help while his wife remained behind.
Park rangers encountered the man on Riverside Walk where other visitors were assisting him down the trail. Other visitors farther up the Narrows administered CPR to the woman before Zion Search and Rescue Team members arrived.
Team members transported the man to the Zion Emergency Operations Center. Farther up the Narrows, other team members found a non-responsive woman near the Virgin River. First responders administered emergency aid, but they determined she was deceased.
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Comments
Not the first death of the year in the Narrows reported here. Hikers need to learn and take it seriously.
I am sorry to hear about another hiker that left unprepared after all of the postings about this one trail. The real pity is that this could have been avoided for less than $2 on Amazon for a space blanket that fits in your backback or even your back pocket. Please remember you are a visitor, not a resident. Research and Preparation are your friend.
Travel well fellow hikers.
I've hiked the Narrows since 1983 and preparation is key, especially in November. The couple were wolfully unprepared.
For anyone else considering such a hile, what should one do to prepare? What are the possible pitfalls? This info could save lives.
Bring a space blanket and extra non-cotton layers. Know your athletic ability. Time your progress and assume you will get significantly slower over time due to fatigue. If you don't have enough time, turn back. You can also purchase emergency phones or beacons, although in this case it likely would not have helped in time.
This is a 16 mile hike not a sunday stroll thru the tulips.. 2-3' times per week jog or hike 3-5 miles. Year around is best but at least 2 months before. Always a small pack with good shoulder straps. This is a 3--4 hour hike minimum. Start Hydrating 2-3 days before 30-40 oz of water. Load up on carbos for 2-3 days. If you do this than the pack just needs 1qt of water, high carbo bars minimal sugar avoid chocolate. Space blanket, gloves stocking hat, lightweight rain suit. The list is endless. Each person carries their own pack. This is what families and groups dont even think about. One person has a few items then something happens. Most importantly start the hike no less than 6 hours before sunset.
That's tragic I hiked it with my brother and sister in April and we did 3 miles and back and we were dead exhausted and dry I can't imagine what she went through
Space blankets are okay, I've used them the problem is there kind of rigid they're hard to tuck in and a lot of heat will escape. But what works amazing is simply a painter's ground plastic sheet maybe 1 mm thick wrap yourself like potato and you'll retain 95% of your body heat will not Escape you'll be wet (moisture)"but you'll be quite warm, you could buy a 9x12 sheet for a few bucks and put it in your back pocket.