It’s no secret that Yosemite National Park is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Northern California. However, its beauty isn’t the only thing this world-famous park is known for. Recently named one of the most dangerous parks in the country, there’s plenty of reasons to use caution when visiting this gorgeous destination.
Yosemite National Park is one of the most beautiful places you can visit on earth but unfortunately, it can also be quite perilous. According to a study by Outforia, it's one of the most dangerous national parks in America.
Outforia recently released a list of the most dangerous parks in the country, and our very own Yosemite came in at #2. Yikes. Grand Canyon National Park took the #1 spot, and the Great Smoky Mountains came in below Yosemite at #3.
Outforia's list was based on the number of fatalities that the 62 U.S. national parks have recorded from 2010 to 2020 and was sourced directly from the National Park Service via a Freedom of Information request. Yosemite recorded that 126 people have died in the park over the last decade.
Of these 126 tragic deaths, 45 came directly from falls. Destinations like Taft Point, Nevada Falls, and Half Dome are famously photogenic, with many visitors going to extraordinary lengths for that "perfect shot." The rugged terrain makes for a great Instagram photo, but it can also be a huge danger to distracted visitors.
In fact, Outforia observed that falls were the most common cause of death in national parks with 245 recorded fatalities. Medical issues came in as the second most common cause of death. Although many of these deaths may not have had anything to do with the park itself, the harsh environment of national parks is definitely known to push people to their limits.
Don't let this data scare you away from visiting Yosemite, but do be aware of the dangers that come with exploring this beautiful destination. Always be aware of your surroundings, plan ahead, and never let your guard down. For more information about this study and other travel resources, visit Outforia's website.
Sadly, some of the most beautiful places on earth are also the most dangerous places to visit. What did you think about these statistics from Outforia? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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