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Preventing Falls at Grand Canyon National Park
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A photo of Mather Point. Photo by Christian Espanol.
There is a hard balance that places like Grand Canyon try to find between the experience and the safety of the public. The history of the Park includes unfortunate events. The Park does take measures to prevent these sad occurrences from happening and is very much prepared to take emergency actions should it be necessary. Sadly, the Canyon is not immune from tragedy, but an understanding of what awaits visitors is important for a Grand Canyon outing not to be a distressing headline.
A closer view of the Mather Point railing.
Photo by Christian Espanol.
Many unfortunate incidents have occurred at the Park due to falls. These heartbreaking stories often make international news and start discussions of government accountability versus personal/parental responsibility. According to the book by Michael Ghiglieri and Thomas Myers Over the Edge: Death in the Canyon, there have been 53 accidental deaths at Grand Canyon spanning 80 years from 1925 through 2005. Preventing these incidents is a high priority for the Park Service, who rely on several levels of prevention to avoid tragedies.
Rails, walls, and other barriers do exist at the popular locations and points visited by the 4.5 million annual park visitors. These barriers are meant to address safety concerns, to control public access, and to provide a sense of security to those that want to be right on the edge. However, these barriers do not exist along every foot of the Canyon edge. The concept of railing, let alone a barrier high enough and secure enough to meet what some demand, is impractical and expensive, and it also would deter visitors to the National Park where the point is an unhindered experience in a natural wonder. Additionally trails, when you consider the miles of trails on the Rim let alone the park, rarely take you right on the Rim of the Canyon. Usually there are a few yards of brush, rock outcroppings, and trees before you reach the true edge along the trails. There is also the point that those without sure footing and insecure about proximity to the Canyon are naturally kept away from venturing too close to the edge even with railings and barriers. When accidents do happen, the National Park Service has many tools to help in rescues including rescue helicopters, rappelling crews, and well trained personnel.
Guests leaning on railings.
Photo by Christian Espanol.
Being careful when along the Canyon Rim goes without saying. Safety is a shared responsibility between the visitor and the Park. Too many stories of tragic falls have been told for a variety of reasons. The steps the Canyon in its descent nearly 1 mile down can be deceiving and varies widely. A ledge 10 feet down can be just as dangerous as one 100 feet down when you are talking about the Grand Canyon. Also, young children should always be kept in control as best as can be when you are along the rim. Many families and school groups of all ages included in the 4.5 million park guests visit the Canyon without incident. If you truly believe that you cannot control your child well enough to prevent a fall, the Park offers other activities targeted to children. Know your limits and understand the risk when visiting the Grand Canyon or any National Park.
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