Most dangerous national parks to visit: Lake Mead, Death Valley among top 10

Two of the country’s most dangerous national parks are in Nevada, according to a new ranking from personal injury law firm John Foy & Associates.

The study analyzed national park deaths per 10 million visitors from 2007 to 2023, excluding suicides and homicides.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area ranked third on the list, while Death Valley National Park, which extends into Nevada from California, placed fourth.

Why is Lake Mead and Death Valley at the top of the list of most dangerous national parks?

Lake Mead had 6.23 deaths per 10 million visitors. That’s 112% above the national average but almost half the fatal accidents compared to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California, which were deemed the most dangerous. Those parks saw 12.19 deaths per 10 million visitors.

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington was named the second-most dangerous with 8.55 deaths per 10 million visitors.

Out of the 75 deaths recorded at Lake Mead Recreation Area during the period studied, drowning was the most common cause of death with 19 fatalities. The second-highest cause was motor vehicle crashes, which accounted for 17 deaths.

Death Valley National Park, which has a tiny corner in Nevada just west of Beatty, was No. 4 on the most dangerous list with 5.87 deaths per 10 million visitors. Death Valley’s most common cause of death was motor vehicle accidents, causing four deaths out of the 11 reported during the time period analyzed for the study.

Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada was not among the 10 most dangerous parks.

Most dangerous national parks in America

1. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California: 12.19 deaths per 10 million visitors.
2. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington: 8.55 deaths per 10 million visitors.
3. Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada: 6.23 deaths per 10 million visitors.
4. Death Valley National Park, California (and a little Nevada): 5.87 deaths per 10 million visitors.
5. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: 5.45 deaths per 10 million visitors.
6. Yosemite National Park, California: 5.23 deaths per 10 million visitors.
7. Mojave National Preserve, California: 4.36 deaths per 10 million visitors.
8. Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina: 4.35 deaths per 10 million visitors.
9. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Tennessee: 4.24 deaths per 10 million visitors.
10. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan: 4.04 deaths per 10 million visitors.

National parks safety tips

The most dangerous parks on the list, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, have an extensive list of recommendations and tips to keep you safe when visiting the parks. Those safety tips include:

• Check conditions: Before you visit, check the weather forecast and park conditions. You can also check road conditions, which can be dangerous in bad weather. 
• Be aware of wildlife: Keep your distance: View wildlife safely, such as two city buses away from bears. 
• Don’t feed animals: Never touch or feed wild animals. 
• Stay dry: Hypothermia can develop when exposed to cool air or water for prolonged periods. Symptoms include shivering, memory loss, stumbling, confusion, and sleepiness. 
• Drive carefully: Park roads are steep, curvy, dangerous, and slippery in bad weather. Carry tire chains or cables in your car, drive slowly, and follow speed limits. 
• Protect yourself from insects: Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and consider using insect repellent. 
• Learn about local regulations: Learn about park regulations on firearms and other activities.

Methodology for report on most dangerous national parks during winter

Mortality data was gathered from the U.S. National Park Service from 2007 to 2023. The incidents were categorized according to date, with any incidents between Nov. 1 and Feb. 28 for each year being considered or Feb. 29 if it was a leap year. Average visitation numbers were then gathered for the period covered. The parks were then ranked by the highest number of winter deaths per 10 million visitors. Any parks with less than 10 million total visitors between 2007 and 2023 were excluded. Homicide and suicide deaths were also removed from the statistics for winter deaths.