Skip to main content

It’s official: These are the most dangerous national parks in the United States

Be careful when visiting these parks

By Amanda Teague Mar 2, 2025 5:00 AM

Lake Mead — AnnBoulais / Pixabay

America’s national parks may be stunning, but they can also be deadly. Every year, millions of visitors flock to these protected landscapes for adventure, but hidden dangers lurk beneath the beauty – from treacherous cliffs to unpredictable waters and wildlife encounters.

To shed light on the risks, Malloy Law Offices analyzed data from the National Park Service (NPS), reviewing fatal incidents from 2014 to 2023. Their findings reveal which national parks pose the greatest dangers and why.

Recommended Videos

Topping the list as the deadliest national park in the U.S. is Lake Mead National Recreation Area, with 204 fatal incidents over the past decade. Drowning is the leading cause of death, followed by motor vehicle crashes.

Coming in second is Grand Canyon National Park, where 134 fatalities have occurred, many due to falls from steep cliffs and medical emergencies like heat exhaustion and cardiac events.

“The Grand Canyon’s steep cliffs and intense hikes demand heightened physical readiness,” notes Malloy Law Offices founder Seann Malloy. “It’s important that visitors stay on marked trails and recognize the limits of their physical condition.”

In third place is Yosemite National Park, famous for its dramatic landscapes, but also its dangers. Falls account for 42 deaths, making it a particularly risky destination for hikers and rock climbers navigating its sheer cliffs and rugged terrain.

“Yosemite’s rocky landscapes can deceive even the most experienced hikers,” warns Malloy. “Staying cautious and properly equipped is essential, particularly near ledges and waterfalls.”

The most dangerous national parks: The full list

Grand Canyon — DomCarver / Pixabay

Lake Mead National Recreation Area: 204 incidents
Grand Canyon National Park: 134 incidents
Yosemite National Park: 125 incidents
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 99 incidents
Blue Ridge Parkway: 97 incidents
Natchez Trace Parkway: 96 incidents
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: 77 incidents
Golden Gate National Recreation Area: 72 incidents
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks: 65 incidents
Baltimore-Washington Parkway: 62 incidents

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio

Topics

Destinations

4 wildlife trips worth traveling for this fall

Kenya

Sometimes the best time to experience the wild isn’t always the busiest time. Across some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, the shoulder seasons bring their own rewards that can draw travelers in. Wildlife travel is a type of travel I’ve recently become increasingly fascinated with, and I hope to do more of it in the coming years.

Traveling in the fall for fewer crowds, dramatic landscapes, more unique seasonal animal behaviors, and intimate encounters simply makes sense to me. As many safari destinations reopen for the season this fall, these five wildlife trips will get you inspiration for your next adventure.

First Look: Hard Rock is Opening a Baller Resort and Spa in Malta

Indoors, Architecture, Building

A petite rocky paradise which, as an island, is in itself a UNESCO World Heritage site, Malta’s popularity has been steadily growing. And paired with Delta’s first direct flight from JFK, today’s announcement of the Hard Rock Hotel Malta’s opening may be the perfect reason to pack your bags and explore this otherworldly Mediterranean archipelago, just south of Sicily.

As the red-headed stepchild of bigger, more popular destinations like Greece, Croatia, Spain and even Turkey, Malta offers all the perks of a Southern European holiday in a pared-down, more compact setting. Yup, you still get beautiful beaches and clear turquoise water, but you’ll also be able to explore the easy-to-traverse prehistoric temples, Roman-era remains and Neolithic carvings, as well as access thriving local traditions like its Ventian-like dghajsa boats. With its new resort, however, Hard Rock hopes to cement the island country as a more sophisticated hotspot for International travelers, offering the first combination of 5-star luxury, beach club and live entertainment.

These Are the World’s Most Instagrammable Cities in the Fall

Road, City, Street

A new study has revealed that Paris is the most Instagrammable place for autumn travel. Having been there myself — albeit, in the winter — I can see why. Growing up in Los Angeles, you’re not accustomed to seeing the landscape change around you after each season. This is why yours truly is hitting up Portland, Maine, soon to experience foliage season. Paris in the fall is now on the bucket list.

The September 2026 study on the most Instagrammable places for autumn travel was conducted by Duel.com, which looked at how many Instagram hashtags each city has, along with the number of sights and landmarks available to photograph. It also measured average September temperatures and the overall cost of a trip. Each city was scored out of 100, revealing the best cities for travelers looking for the right angle and backdrop.