A tragic situation unfolded last Friday at Moab-area Canyonlands National Park when a 52-year-old father and his 23-year-old daughter succumbed to the elements amid sweltering temperatures.
According to the National Park Service, a 911 text was received by Utah's San Juan County Dispatch related to a situation in the Island in the Sky area of Canyonlands National Park.
Officials quickly mobilized rescue crews and initiated a search operation, but by the time the two individuals in need of help were found, it was too late and they were both deceased.
The two individuals, both from Green Bay, Wisconsin, had been hiking on the Syncline Trail and had gotten lost, running out of water with temperatures above 100 degrees.
Syncline Loop trail is a highly-rated 7.9-mile trail that travels around Upheaval Dome. It's considered to be a highly challenging route, according to AllTrails , recommended only for experienced adventurers. Reviewers of the trail note that some sections are difficult to follow and that there's quite a bit of sun exposure. Hikers recommend carrying a minimum of four liters of water per person, with many reporting that all water had been depleted by the end of the hike.
This tragic example serves as a good reminder to always bring ample water while exploring the backcountry and to not underestimate the effects of hazardous temperatures. While not much water may be needed on many trails assuming everything goes right, when something wrong happens, it's crucial to be prepared with additional supplies.
A GPS-based emergency communication device can also be an important tool. A device like a Garmin inReach will allow for GPS coordinates and a message to be sent from most backcountry locations.
Condolences go out to those impacted by these deaths.
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