A woman visitor to Zion National Park fell to her death, possibly from Angels Landing (middle outcrop) on Monday/NPS photo
The trail to Angels Landing in Zion National Park in Utah was closed Tuesday morning as authorities tried to figure out where along the trail a woman fell to her death.
The hiker's body was found in Refrigerator Canyon along the West Rim Trail just before 5 p.m. Monday. The woman's injuries were consistent with a high-elevation fall, possibly from the Angels Landing Trail, according to the preliminary investigation. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is the primary investigating agency. The hiker’s identity and cause of death were being withheld pending the investigation.
There was no immediate word whether the woman had any companions or other hikers with her at the time of her fall.
“This is an extremely sad event. Our thoughts go out to this visitor’s family,” said Zion Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh.
The Angels Landing Trail and the West Rim Trail from the Grotto Trailhead to Angels Landing were to remain closed until noon local time Tuesday.
Over the years a number of park visitors have fallen to their death from points along the trail, which is precipitous in places, and even the top of Angels Landing. From the top, the views down Zion Canyon are incredible. But the hike up can be treacherous if you fear heights, and the elevation tops out just shy of 6,000 feet, an elevation that can be demanding on someone who left their sea-level home the day before for their Zion vacation.
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Comments
Having hiked to the top of Angel's Landing a few years ago (late spring), I was surprised there was not more park rangers monitoring the trail. Very overcrowded which led to some dangerous conditions.
And not not sure what the weather was like this week but it is winter time so it could have played a factor. And there was another recent fall last year.
Time for this trail to be monitored above the saddle.
AL is an amazing hike. I haven't done it since 2001 at which point it wasn't particularly crowded on a weekday afternoon in September. I wouldn't want to be up there when it was crowded.
The view from Observation Point is much higher, has a much better view of the valley below, is safer, and is easily reached over 3 miles with a climb of 900 ft from the Mesa Trail trail head.
my hubbie and i hiked to the top during our honeymoon 2/1/2010 and it was cold with snow and ice on the trail. I cant imagine a woman hiking that alone. Sounds like foul play.
Te St George news report this was a 13 year old hiking with her family. How sad!
Another Zion Tragedy and Now TeenBrains Distracted by Cellphones
Time to Close Trail (except for skilled climbers/hikers) ?
http://kutv.com/news/local/victim-of-fall-from-angels-landing-13-year-ol...
https://www.facebook.com/KUTV2News/videos/10155221240969406/
I just watched that video of climbing in the snow and ice, and I still feel my equilibrium feeling off. It is obvious to me that I will never climb that trail. It is to my advantage that I now know that about myself - some folks don't know that, or accept that they have these limitations.
Having hiked to the top of Angel's Landing on several occasions, the exposed section with the chains is not suitable for hikers who are not reasonably sure-footed or who have fear of heights. I once did it in Winter over some snow and ice, and it was scary. There is a turn-around area at the end of the paved trail, where the vertical section begins. I don't know what the NPS staffing is for this location, but it would seem to merit a skilled employee or volunteer stationed here during the day, to advise hikers of the risks involved. Signs are fine, but personal contact is often taken more seriously. Even so, this hike is risky and those so inclined need to accept that risk.