Rangers share the scariest errors visitors make in national parks and the simple steps that can help keep you safe.
See Yellowstone bison toss grandfather into the air
A grandfather is recovering after a Yellowstone bison attack left him seriously injured during the animals’ mating season.
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Ken Nurse grew up in Montana and spent lots of time at Glacier National Park. But something scary happened on his latest trip in mid-August. He was reaching for his phone to take a photo when the ground gave way beneath him on an overlook near McDonald Falls.
“It looked like a lot of people had been on that area. It looked sturdy enough, that patch of land,” Nurse, who now lives in North Carolina, told USA TODAY.
He fell about 120 feet down to the water below.
“I think he hit like the side of the cliff on the way down,” his wife, Renae Nurse, said. “The people that were at the bottom of the falls, the gentleman who saved him … he told me that they heard something hit the water and then his daughter said, ‘Dad, there’s somebody in the water’ and he was able to reach out and grab him by the foot and bring him in to where he was at in the shallows and start CPR.”
A park ranger was also in the area and called for help right away.
Ken was airlifted out and spent about a week in a Montana hospital before getting to go home to North Carolina. He was lucky to survive with four broken ribs, a fractured elbow and wrist, and some lost bone and cartilage. “And I’m still recovering from a pretty massive concussion, but I’m moving around,” he said, with a long road still ahead.
He hopes other parkgoers learn from his experience. “Don’t ever try and get a picture that could be dangerous,” he said. “Don’t take an extra step. Just be careful.”
“Anything can happen,” Renae added. “We’re very, very thankful that our son wasn’t as close to him as he could have been, because he could have tumbled over with him.”
To help stay safe, here are eight scary mistakes to avoid in national parks.
1. Not checking current conditions
Conditions can change quickly in national parks and vary widely depending on time of year.
“Fall can bring rapidly changing weather, colder temperatures and shorter days,” Mike Garel, chief ranger at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, told USA TODAY by email. “Conditions can also change significantly with elevation.”
Garel advises checking the specific website of the park you plan to visit for the latest alerts, closures, weather and safety information.
2. Not planning ahead
Wade Mathews, public information officer for Garfield County Sheriff’s Office in Utah, suggests checking the future forecast for however long you plan to be in a park – and planning for even beyond that.
“Prepare for an overnight stay,” Mathews said, even if you aren’t expecting to stay overnight. “Prepare extra food and water.”
Just days ago, the sheriff’s office helped rescue 11 people stranded by flash flooding at Bryce Canyon National Park.
3. Not telling anyone where you’re going
“Before leaving, tell someone where you are going, your planned route, who is with you and when you expect to return,” Garel said.
“If you aren’t back in that time, they can send out help,” Mathews echoed.
4. Relying on cell service
Many park areas are remote and may not have cell service. Additionally, cell phones may not work if they get too hot or cold.
“Download maps before entering areas without service and carry appropriate backup navigation,” Garel said. “Depending on the activity and location, consider an emergency communication device.”
5. Underestimating activities
“Plan for the least experienced or capable person in your group,” Garel said, encouraging visitors to consider not only distance, but terrain, elevation, weather, remoteness, fitness, experience and equipment.
Park rangers can help you figure out the right trails or other activities for your travel party. Park websites and the National Park Service’s free app also offer descriptions.
“Allow enough time to finish activities before dark and carry a flashlight or headlamp,” Garel said. “If conditions change or someone in the group is uncomfortable, turning around is a good decision.”
6. Dressing inappropriately
“Desert temperatures drop extremely after the sun goes down,” Mathews said. That’s true for other climates, too.
“Bring layers for changing temperatures, wind and precipitation, and carry the 10 Essentials appropriate for your activity and environment,” Garel said referring to navigation, sun protection, extra clothing, first aid, light, fire, repair tools, extra food, extra water and shelter.
Footwear also matters. “Sneakers may be appropriate for developed areas but may not provide the traction or support needed on rough, steep or wet terrain,” Garel added.
7. Getting too close to wildlife
Visitors are required to stay at least 25 yards, or the length of two buses, from most wildlife, including bison.
Predators like cougars, bears and wolves require 100 yards of viewing distance.
8. Going too far
“Don’t go in areas that you’re not comfortable with,” Mathews said.
Go with your gut, and if something starts to feel off or conditions change along the way, Garel said, “Be prepared to turn around or change plans.”
What is the most dangerous national park?
A 2024 analysis of National Park Service statistics by outdoor clothing company KÜHL named Grand Canyon in Arizona and Wrangell-St.Elias in Alaska as the “most dangerous national parks” in the U.S. based on factors like total number of deaths, search and rescues and missing persons.
However, the Park Service’s website notes there is no singular most dangerous park, but rather, “The activities you choose to do while in the park, like hiking, biking, driving, or swimming, can expose you to hazards and put you in danger.”
Ken and Renae Nurse will be extra careful on future trips, which they plan on.
“Glacier (National) Park will always be my home away from home,” Ken said. “What happened happened, but it’s not going to keep me from going back.”
Renae joked that Ken will have to stay in the car next time, but said in seriousness, “It can be dangerous, but it is so worth going, and it is absolutely beautiful. It will take your breath away.”