Arizona Hot Springs and Goldstrike Trails have announced the closure of multiple trails in Arizona’s Lake Mead National Recreation Area, following the death of one hiker and the rescue of 33 others over the course of two days.
According to the social media post, the closure was due to dangerously high temperatures and a number of heat-related search and rescue incidents.
The canyons are expected to reach 100°F, and many hikers are not “adequately prepared for these extreme conditions.”
Most people have not yet acclimated to the season’s heat, which increases the risk of heat illness,” they said. “A hiker died yesterday on the Arizona Hot Springs Trail in what is believed to be a heat-related incident. Five other members of the same group were also experiencing heat stress and needed helicopter evacuation.”
At the time of the post, rangers were actively responding to a large-scale rescue involving 28 hikers, three adults, and 25 special needs children.
The group allegedly attempted to travel to Arizona Hot Springs without adequate preparation.
They also emphasized that, given the park’s current conditions, these emergencies place a significant strain on park resources.
The park will remain closed for the next few days, but depending on the temperatures on Sunday and Monday, it may reopen temporarily.
“The trails may reopen temporarily, but closures will resume as conditions become hazardous again,” Lake Mead National Recreation Area says.
According to a press release on the website, these trails will be closed for the summer if day-to-day temperatures remain dangerously high. Heat-related visitor rescues and, tragically, fatalities have occurred on these trails in the past.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, school administrator Catherine Normoyle argued over the post’s details in a letter to the parents of the children involved.
According to the administrator’s letter, the hiking group consisted of 10 adults and 18 students, Normoyle said. Only three were identified as “special needs.”
Normoyle also stated that park officials issued citations to the school for “creating a hazardous condition” and leading a group of more than 20 people without a permit.
The park’s website states that for the most recent closure updates and information on safer alternatives, go to www.nps.gov/lake.