© Lauren HimiakChains are available for much of Angels Landing to assist hikers on the steep ascent.
Another tragedy has struck Zion National Park. A woman hiking up Angels Landing has died after tripping. She fell about 1,000 feet to her death.
According to park officials, the woman - who is not being immediately identified - was hiking alone when she fell around 2 p.m. on Friday.
"She was a third of the way from Scout Lookout to the top," said District Ranger Ray O'Neil. "We're still looking into it at this point. It just sounds like a terrible accident."
Just four months ago a California hiker died along the same route in August.
Prayers to the family. I just climbed AL last Tuesday – that is horrible news. I really hope that they keep the trail open for adults. Adults are capable of knowing the risk (there are a number of warning signs on the trail) and their limitations. I must admit that I was dumbfounded by the number of families with children that were attempting the hike. This trail is NO place for children. There are a number of areas that have over 1,000 foot drops on either side – and, there are areas where no chain is available. One slip, and you are dead. Anyone considering a “family hike” to Angels Landing, PLEASE do not take children on this hike. There are many trails in Zion that are stunning that do not put your children at risk. In my mind, only an irresponsible parent (and/or mental midget) would let a child go on this hike. A number of parents believe this is a “confidence builder” for the kids. Sorry, anyone with this belief is absolutely nuts – there are many ways for a child to build self-esteem without putting them in harms way – the recent deaths have proven that it COULD happen to your child …. Is this really worth the potential lose of a child?
I was right behind the woman, when she tripped and fell. The weather was perfect. Although the trail is dangerous, what made it more dangerous was the number of people that were there. It was extremely crowded. Additionally, there were people hiking with infants in backpacks, children hiking on an “adventure”, people climbing with sandles…etc. The numbers need to be limited on this hike…