Zion National Park calls out visitors after 2 more rescues
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) In this May 5, 2015, photo hikers walk on the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion National Park. More than 30,000 people crowded to Zion National Park in a single day over Memorial Day weekend as the iconic red-rock landscape at the already crowded park remains highly popular.
Zion National Park officials are calling out two groups of visitors who failed to heed instructions for a demanding canyoneering route and had to be rescued.
Park officials said in a news release that the leader of one group mocked a ranger’s advice to take rope and harnesses for the difficult route to a popular spot known as “the Subway.” According to the release, a member of the group injured a knee Monday while making a nearly 7-foot jump and had to be extracted by helicopter.
Another group, said the release, wore inappropriate footwear and got lost on the route by making poor decisions. The group ended up spending an unexpected night in the canyon Monday and had to be rescued the next day.
Park spokeswoman Aly Baltrus said search and rescue operations have been increasing by 10 percent annually.
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