Arizona’s vast landscape is undeniably beautiful, but it sometimes comes at a hefty price. Exploring the rugged, boundless terrain of the desert Southwest can be quite risky – in fact, per our friends at Outforia, our very own Grand Canyon National Park is the most dangerous national park in the U.S. Here’s why – and some of the reasons might surprise you. It’s so much riskier than just falls – check it out! Which dangers of the Grand Canyon worry you the most? Let us know.

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

Among the most iconic natural wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a bucket list destination for almost everyone.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M. Quinn
The park spans over a million acres, and its vast, rugged landscape enchants visitors from all over the globe. It would be remarkably challenging to find anyone who doesn't recognize photos of the natural wonder - especially anyone here in Arizona.
Despite being such a magical place, the Grand Canyon has its drawbacks (like most places, anyway).
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M. Quinn
In fact, Outforia recently named it the #1 most dangerous national park in America, and we're inclined to agree based on the statistics.
In total, 134 people died here between 2010 and 2020. That's... a lot more than we would have otherwise expected, but okay.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/Michael Quinn
The most common cause of death was medical/natural, with extreme heat often to blame. Tourists often underestimate the power of extreme heat and require rescue upon biting off more than they can chew - or in this case, hike.
Falling was the second-most common cause of death, claiming 27 lives in the past 11 years.
Grand Canyon West website
Several of those individuals fell from the Grand Canyon Skywalk, likely as a result of leaning too far over the edge while taking photos. That's gonna be a giant NOPE from us, thanks.
Other leading causes of death in the Grand Canyon (in descending order) included environmental factors, drowning, and other/undetermined.
Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park - NPS/M. Quinn
Automobile accidents and poisonings had fatalities in the single digits. Homicides are another factor, though incredibly rare around these parts.
Two other Arizona national parks made the list, too: Petrified Forest and Saguaro National Parks also lead in terms of death in the parks.
Wikimedia Commons/Adbar
Saguaro National Park saw 15 deaths from 2010-2020, while Petrified Forest had none - so it must have been dangerous for other reasons, we suppose, which is almost even scarier...
Motor vehicle crashes were the #1 cause of death at Saguaro National Park.
Flickr/John Fowler
A near-even mixture of other/undetermined causes, environmental factors, and medical/natural deaths made up the remaining fatalities. In all, though, it's Grand Canyon National Park that takes the cake when it comes to unfortunate endings for guests.

What do you think about the Grand Canyon being named the most dangerous national park in the country? Were you aware of all the inherent dangers of the Grand Canyon? Planning on going anyway? Let us know in the comments section, and check out our facts about the Grand Canyon for some more lighthearted information about Arizona’s most iconic natural wonder. It’s not all that bad, we promise – we just want you to be safe!

Can’t get enough of the amazingness that is the Copper State? Same. No worries, we’ve got your back! Check out the awesome natural wonders of Arizona road trip next time you’re feeling adventurous.

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Dangers of the Grand Canyon

Tori Jane | December 14, 2022
  1. Is the Grand Canyon dangerous?  

Like just about anywhere, the Grand Canyon can most certainly be dangerous if folks aren’t careful and/or act foolishly. The Grand Canyon claims about 11 lives per year, with more than 900 known deaths having occurred here.  

2. What are some of the major dangers of the Grand Canyon? 

So, what makes the Grand Canyon so dangerous? Numerous things, like:  

  • Extreme heat in the summer 
  • Extreme cold in the winter 
  • Helicopter and/or plane crashes 

 

3. What are some other dangerous places in Arizona? 

Of course, the list of dangerous places in Arizona certainly doesn’t begin nor end with the Grand Canyon alone. Other dangerous places in Arizona are places like:  

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