National parks are some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places on Earth. They attract millions of visitors each year, drawn by the promise of stunning vistas, unique wildlife, and the chance to reconnect with nature. However, with the allure of these natural wonders comes the inherent risk of adventure. Every year, countless visitors find themselves in situations that require search and rescue (SAR) operations. Let’s explore seven national parks that consistently see the highest number of SAR missions annually.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina / Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, is renowned for its lush forests, mist-covered peaks, and diverse wildlife. It’s also one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park’s vast network of trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail, attracts hikers of all skill levels. However, its popularity and challenging terrain contribute to a high number of SAR missions each year. Hikers often get lost, injured, or find themselves unprepared for sudden weather changes, necessitating swift and coordinated rescue efforts.
Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is famous for its towering cliffs, deep canyons, and breathtaking views. The park’s most notorious trail, Angels Landing, is both a hiker’s dream and a nightmare. This narrow trail with steep drop-offs attracts thrill-seekers but also results in numerous accidents and rescues. The combination of high altitudes and deceptive beauty can catch visitors off guard, leading to exhaustion, falls, and other emergencies. Consequently, Zion sees a significant number of SAR missions annually, often involving complex operations in challenging terrain.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the most rugged and demanding hikes in the United States. The park’s high elevation and challenging trails, such as Longs Peak, pose serious risks even to experienced hikers. Altitude sickness, sudden weather changes, and difficult terrain contribute to frequent SAR missions. Injuries that might seem minor can quickly become life-threatening in such a remote and high-altitude environment. The park’s SAR teams are often called upon to assist hikers in distress, making it one of the parks with the highest number of annual rescues.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world, is known for its geothermal features, vast landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Despite its age and popularity, Yellowstone remains a hotspot for SAR missions. Many incidents stem from tourists’ interactions with wildlife, particularly bison, which can be unpredictable and dangerous. Additionally, the park’s numerous lakes and rivers are sites of frequent water-related rescues. The combination of natural hazards and visitor behavior ensures that Yellowstone’s SAR teams remain busy year-round.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, while separate entities, share resources and SAR teams due to their proximity. These parks are home to some of the tallest trees and deepest canyons in the United States. The rugged and often slippery terrain, combined with the parks’ popularity, leads to a high number of accidents, particularly falls. Since 2013, over 1,000 SAR missions have been conducted in these parks, underscoring the constant need for well-trained rescue teams capable of navigating difficult environments to reach those in distress.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the world, also holds the record for a significant number of SAR operations. From 2013 to 2020, the park saw over 1,600 search and rescue missions. The vast and unforgiving landscape, combined with extreme temperatures and treacherous trails, poses a multitude of risks. Many incidents involve falls from cliffs or heat-related illnesses during the intense summer months. The park’s SAR teams often rely on helicopters for quick and efficient rescues due to the harsh and inaccessible terrain.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park is famed for its stunning granite cliffs, majestic waterfalls, and giant sequoias. However, its beauty is matched by its danger. The park’s numerous steep trails, slippery rocks, and potential for rockslides contribute to a high number of SAR missions each year. Visitors frequently get lost, injured, or underestimate the difficulty of their chosen hikes. As a result, Yosemite consistently ranks among the top national parks for search and rescue operations, highlighting the need for preparedness and caution when exploring its wild landscapes.
