Park-ing Safely

The headline this morning is that an “apartment building”size piece of granite cleaved from the side of El Capitan in the middle of the afternoon yesterday, immediately killing one visitor and severely injuring another.  Reports from visitors indicate that others, who were hiking at the base of the popular mountain face, may be buried under tons of rubble. 

Most terrifying is that, I’ve been on that path at the mountain's base.  In February of 2010, I specifically sought out that trail as it has a magnificent view at 6:30am toward Eagle Peak…and due to global warming, there was enough snowmelt that it created...wait, rather than waste 1,000 words...

In this shot, El Capitan is just to the left of us.  So, it's alarming to hear that people, no more or less experienced than me, suffered at the completely random rock-fall in a place that I visited.

And I'd go back in a heartbeat. 

If you have been following this story from yesterday's news, or you merely Googled it now, you'll know that almost every media agency is covering what happened in one of the most visited National Parks in the United States.  But let me tell you what they're not: you have a far greater chance of being struck by lightning than dying in this fashion.  

In a recent article in Outside Magazine, Yosemite isn't even the most deadly of our National Parks.  That title goes to Lake Mead.  The added attraction of a navigable lake adds drownings to the total of people who bit the big one there.  Also, for some reason, Lake Mead has the highest number of homicides in the National Park system, and that's just creepy.  But, drownings are the number one killer in National Parks according to the WashPo, followed by our own idiot piloting of vehicles.  The Post credits our rubber-necking at the scenic views as the cause for 27% of fatal auto accidents in the parks. 

The long and the short of it is that deaths in National Parks is largely due to our own stupidity, whether it's because we're ignoring signs to stay on the path, or because we need to get the perfect shot and slip.  To combat this, here's some advice:

• Practice safe boating and only swim in designated areas by the Parks.  There's a reason why you shouldn't just go off and do your own thing without life jackets.  If they recommend safety devices, take a hint.
• If it's a truly scenic view, the Park knows this, and usually provides decent pull-offs convenient for getting out and stretching your legs and taking a quick shot or glance.  If the first one is full, drive to the next one, or be patient and wait.  Don't worry, the scenery isn't going anywhere.
• Know your Park and read up on paths/trails that may be dangerous or outside of your comfort zone.  Sure the Precipice Trail in Acadia seems like a good idea, but don't expect guard rails and stairs built into the rock-face.  The wilderness is not necessarily ADA accessible, and shouldn't be.  
• Hike, travel, boat at your own pace.  As the NY Times puts it, we are reaching near capacity of visitors at some of our parks, but don't let them push you up the hill or down.  Do your own thing, and stay safe. 
• And, maybe the best advice of all, go off season.  Our park system is beautiful year-round.  However, if you decide to visit, avoid months of high travel.  That usually means August in the U.S., but can also bleed into seasons that boast fall foliage.  Since the parks never close, there will be basic amenities 365 days a year like restaurants and lodging.  Take advantage of that.  And, if you do wind up at a park during peak season, be the first person in that park in the AM.  If you can get in before the crowds, you'll avoid the pushing and shoving at the more common points-of-interest.

Most of all, don't let headlines like the recent ones in Yosemite cause you to change your plans.  If anything, due to global warming, these resources are in the midst of change, and not for the better.  The best time to visit the National Parks is whenever you have the ability to get there.  I dread the day when I may have to tell my children that they used to have glaciers in Glacier National Park.  So, go now, and be safe!