Dangerous heat leaves 1 dead, 33 hikers needing rescue at Lake Mead, rangers say
“Dangerously high temperatures” left one hiker dead and another 33 hikers needing rescue at Lake Mead, rangers say.
A hiker died on Arizona Hot Springs Trail in Lake Mead National Recreation Area on Wednesday, April 9, rangers said in an Instagram post.
The death is believed to be heat-related, rangers said.
Five others trekking with the hiker were evacuated by helicopter after also “experiencing heat distress,” rangers said.
Then, the next day, rangers said they responded to a large-scale rescue with three adults and 25 children.
The group tried “to reach Arizona Hot Springs without adequate preparation,” according to rangers.
“This incident underscores the severity of the current conditions and the significant strain these emergencies place on park resources,” rangers said.
Arizona Hot Springs and Goldstrike trails were temporarily closed, given the high temperatures in the area, rangers said.
“Temperatures in the canyons are expected to exceed 100°F, and many hikers are not adequately prepared for these extreme conditions,” rangers said. “With the season’s heat just beginning, most people are not yet acclimated, increasing the likelihood of heat illness.”
With cooler temperatures, the trails reopened Monday, April 14, rangers said in an Instagram post.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area spans southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona.
