Winter in U.S. nationwide parks could be a magical time, an opportunity to expertise common locations with fewer crowds and distinctive winter landscapes. Nonetheless, visiting nationwide parks within the winter requires additional planning and preparation. Sadly, it appears not everybody is prepared for the winter chilly.
On January 17, two teams of hikers, totaling 15 individuals, have been rescued from a slot canyon close to Zion Nationwide Park in Utah after succumbing to extreme chilly and exhibiting early indicators of hypothermia. The canyoneering teams had gotten misplaced within the canyon and have been guided again to the trailhead by Search and Rescue (SARS).
The massive-scale incident has officers urging guests to recollect the significance of getting ready for the climate, significantly in slot canyons within the winter.
15 Hikers Referred to as For Assist After Getting Misplaced In Yankee Doodle Canyon
Yankee Doodle Canyon is inside the bounds of Dixie Nationwide Forest, which covers a lot of the land round Zion Nationwide Park all the best way to Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park. The slot canyon is called a difficult canyoneering route that’s free to entry.
Regardless of the principle canyoneering loop operating just below a mile, Yankee Doodle Canyon is taken into account a considerably technical route. The canyon could be completely dry, but in addition usually has some water in it, much like the Narrows in Zion Nationwide Park.
In January, this water is close to freezing, usually round 40 levels. Moreover, the slot canyon will get little or no solar through the quick winter days, making the canyon considerably colder than the encircling space.
These circumstances are exactly what led to a mass rescue within the canyon on January 17. Based on Washington County officers, rescuers have been known as to assist a bunch of 10 hikers who had gotten misplaced in Yankee Doodle Canyon. The group was disoriented, and two members have been exhibiting indicators of hypothermia.
Rescuers hiked to the misplaced group. The 2 most affected members of the group have been airlifted out of the canyon, whereas rescue staff members guided the remainder out of the canyon. Alongside the best way, the operation bumped into one other group of canyoneerers. The five-member group was additionally misplaced, and accepted the rescuers assist being guided out of the canyon.
Thankfully, all 15 individuals made it out safely, and declined further first help as soon as out of Yankee Doodle Canyon. The 2 airlifted hikers additionally declined ambulance transport as soon as they landed on the trailhead.
The Mass Rescue Is Serving As A Warning For Zion Nationwide Park Guests
Whereas Yankee Doodle Canyon isn’t in Zion Nationwide Park itself, its proximity and comparable situations make it an excellent cautionary story for January guests to the park.
Zion Nationwide Park, like all of Utah, has seen hotter temperatures and decrease than common snow over the 2025-2026 winter. That lack of snow has led some to forego the winter costume code, even for hikes just like the Narrows that contain water.
These climbing round water ought to put on additional, waterproof layers to insulate towards even small quantities of water. Washington County Search and Rescue Sergeant Lucas Alfred shared this warning with these planning to go to Higher Zion:
“With out correct prep within the winter, even one as gentle as what we’ve got this yr, hypothermia is all the time a priority.”
Members of TheTravel staff have been on the bottom in Zion Nationwide Park on January 17, and confirmed that areas across the Narrows had lingering patches of snow, highlighting how little sunshine these areas get through the winter months.
The close to freezing water can be increased than some months, because the unseasonably heat climate signifies that snow has already melted off and joined the Virgin River. Hikers ought to plan to convey the next gadgets for any hike in or round Zion Nationwide Park, significantly if there could also be water alongside the path:
- Waterproof waders
- Waterproof climbing boots with good grip
- Layers of quick-drying clothes
- A strolling stick
- A map of the path
- One liter of water per particular person per hour of climbing
- Excessive protein/carb snacks
Whereas this rescue had a contented ending, the warning is evident. Visiting Zion Nationwide Park and the encircling areas in winter requires additional planning. Whether or not meaning renting insulated waterproof gear from retailers like Zion Guru or bringing additional gear of your personal, Zion is a unique animal in winter. Significantly whereas Zion Canyon is open to private vehicles for a limited time, guests are inspired to over-prepare earlier than driving to the trailheads.
The desert could also be identified for its warmth, however in winter, it is hypothermia that’s the most definitely killer.
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