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Father, Daughter Die At Canyonlands National Park In 100°+ Heat

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Published Date

July 13, 2024
A father and his daughter died in Canyonlands National Park when they got lost on a rugged trail and ran out of water, according to the National Park Service.

A father and his daughter died in Canyonlands National Park when they got lost on a rugged trail and ran out of water, according to the National Park Service/NPS file photo of Syncline Trail

A 52-year-old father and his 23-year-old daughter perished in Canyonlands National Park in Utah after getting lost and running out of water in 100°+ Fahrenheit heat, according to the park.

The two, from Green Bay, Wisconsin, had been hiking on the Syncline Trail, an 8-mile-loop in the Island in the Sky District of the park, on Friday when they texted 911 for help. 

National Park Service rangers and Bureau of Land Management Moab District Helitack personnel responded and initiated a search operation. When they were located, the two individuals were already deceased, according to the park. Utah’s Department of Public Safety provided additional assistance. San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the National Park Service are investigating this incident. No additional information is available at this time.  

According to the park's website, "the Syncline Loop Trail follows canyons around Upheaval Dome and requires navigating steep switchbacks, climbing and scrambling through boulder fields, and a 1,500-foot (460 m) elevation change. This is the most challenging trail in the Island in the Sky district, and most park rescues occur on this trail (NPS emphasis)."

While temperatures remain high this summer, park visitors are advised to carry and drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during midday heat.

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Comments

Submitted by Stephen Startz on July 15, 2024 - 9:28am.

People underestimate how treacherous the heat and desert can be. Take more water than you originally were planning. Can't hurt. Thoughts and prayers for the family.LerF2


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