U.S. National Parks Safety Index (2024) (2025)

Dear outdoor enthusiasts, last year we conducted an in-depth safety analysis of our beloved national parks to identify the safest and the “most dangerous” ones. Now, with 2024 coming to a close and new data now available, it’s time to see if the rankings have changed.

The goal of our research is to reassure even the most cautious adventurers that American national parks are incredibly safe—hence the air quotes around “most dangerous.” We analyzed up to 16 years of data on total deaths, missing persons, search and rescue missions, trail closures, park ranger presence, number of visitors and proximity to hospitals.

We'll dive into the methodology later, but first, let's take a look at…

Key Findings:

• National Park of American Samoa is the safest U.S. national park
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is the most dangerous U.S. national park
• Kings Canyon National Park saw the most significant safety increase since 2023
• Bryce Canyon National Park had the largest safety decline since last year
• Falling was the leading cause of death in U.S. national parks over the past sixteen years, followed by motor vehicle accidents and drowning

What Are The Safest National Parks in the U.S.?

Let’s start with a disclaimer: we understand the concerns about Gateway Arch National Park ranking among the safest national parks—how it feels unfair to compare it with other national parks since it’s in the middle of St. Louis, close to hospitals and all the good stuff. It doesn’t do justice to the ranking list, does it?

The fact that it is a national park still remains. So, to stay true to the data and, at the same time, level the playing field, this year we’ve decided to keep Gateway Arch National Park just as an honorable mention, as it’s still at the top of the ranking. This way, other national parks can still compete, and we maintain our reporting integrity. It’s a win-win.

Okay, with all that out of the way, here are the top 10 safest national parks in America:

★ Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis is not what people traditionally have in mind when they think of a national park, as it is more focused on exploring history, architecture, and culture rather than wilderness. This doesn’t take away from the experience. After going up to the top of the Arch, walking the paths around it, and visiting the museum, exploring the zoo, aquarium, and the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers would make for a perfect St. Louis getaway.

1. National Park of American Samoa

The National Park of American Samoa resembles the set location for the TV series Lost, but without the inciting incident. This tropical paradise—and I say this because it truly looks like one—is located in the South Pacific and spans across three islands: Tutuila, Ofu, and Ta‘ū. The Mount Alava Trail on Tutuila offers the most Instagram-worthy views of the island and the surrounding ocean. The National Park of American Samoa is not only a safe place for coral reefs and Samoan culture, but also for visitors, with no deaths, missing people or rescue missions. If you’re not planning on a strenuous hike during your vacation, you won’t be disappointed with a walk along the coastline of any of the islands.

2. Petrified Forest National Park

The landscape of Petrified Forest National Park feels like it’s been taken from a different planet and dropped in northeastern Arizona, with the trees petrified as if they weren’t made for our atmosphere. It’s a surreal experience, especially if you hike the Blue Mesa Trail and see the hills striped with blues and purples. The badlands seem to stretch endlessly, giving off Arrakis vibes from Frank Herbert’s Dune. Despite the terrain, people seem to navigate it pretty easily, as there were no missing persons, nor deaths recorded over the last sixteen years, albeit it had a very low number (seven, to be exact) of search and rescue missions.

3. Kobuk Valley National Park

What came first, the desert or the snow? Kobuk Valley National Park’s history goes all the way back to the last Ice Age, when what is now the wilderness of northern Alaska was completely covered with glaciers. As they retreated, they left behind acres of land along the riverbanks, forming what are now the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. So, make sure to add hiking and camping under the midnight sun in summer, or the northern lights in winter, to your bucket list. Even with the remoteness, the national park has no reported missing persons, no deaths, and no search and rescue missions, so hike and camp worry-free!

4. Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, often called the Grand Canyon of the Little Missouri, has a little bit of everything you’d expect from a wilderness in North Dakota: a bunch of wildlife (mainly bison, but also coyotes, turkeys, elk), great hiking trails (The Wind Canyon Trail, a short hike with lots of Instagram-friendly views), and a great camping opportunities at Cottonwood Campground or in the backcountry. Despite the attractions, the park is among the safest in America, with a low number of rescue missions and one fatality.

5. Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park sits just outside the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and is known for its 4,000-year-old thermal springs that emerge from the Zig-Zag Mountains. The park offers more than 26 miles of hiking trails winding through the woods, with views of the town below, quick access to hospitals and a high number of park rangers, which makes it both beautiful and safe. Camping is available at Gulpha Gorge Campground, located beside Gulpha Gorge Creek. Don’t miss the chance to “quaff the elixir" at one of the many thermal spring fountains scattered around town.

What Are The Most Dangerous National Parks in the U.S.?

Looking at the data, a number of national parks stood out from the rest in terms of low safety values. What seems to be a common denominator is, other than the metrics we discussed, are their remote locations, extreme weather conditions and unpredictability, as well as higher chance of interacting with wildlife. Which national parks are the bottom of the safety list? Here they are:

1. Wrangell-St.Elias National Park & Preserve

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is America’s largest national park located in the expansive Alaskan wilderness, stretching from glaciers and boreal forest all the way to the snow-capped mountains that seem to have been placed there to protect us from falling off the world’s edge. Its remoteness makes it hard for visitors to access medical care in case of emergency. Combining the fact there are no hospitals within a one-hour drive range with the low number of park rangers, diverse wildlife, and unpredictable weather, it is no surprise that Wrangell-St.Elias scored this low on the safety index list.

2. Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is hyped for its layers of red, orange, and gold that stretch across Arizona’s horizon. Such places naturally attract a lot of visitors, rightfully so, but unfortunately, some of them fail to follow safety measures and warning signs. Grand Canyon has attracted an average of 5 million visitors each year over the past 16 years; however, not all take safety precautions seriously, which led to 1,633 search and rescue missions, and 169 lives lost. Hike smart everyone, and stay away from the cliffs. The selfies aren’t worth it.

3. Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is a remote island in Lake Superior that’s ideal for those looking to unplug and enjoy solitude surrounded by fir trees. Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, the park's remoteness adds to its charm but also to its low safety ranking. The limited infrastructure and rugged terrain mean that visitors need to be well-prepared, as medical facilities are not nearby. Since 2013, 69 people have been rescued due to the park’s challenging conditions, and while two lives were lost since 2007, the park remains a safe destination for those who respect its wilderness and take proper precautions.

4. Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, located in West Texas, offers a stunning mix of mountains, deserts, and deep canyons carved by the Rio Grande. Exploring its vast landscapes can feel like stepping into a western movie, but that comes at a price. 32 people have tragically lost their lives, and 266 search and rescue missions were conducted here. However, with proper planning, respect for the environment, and awareness of the park’s challenging conditions, visitors can safely enjoy all that Big Bend has to offer.

5. Denali National Park & Preserve

Denali National Park & Preserve is a wilderness in its truest form, with few marked trails and lots of wildlife. Home to the highest peak in North America and stunning, varied landscapes, the park’s remote location and extreme weather have a negative impact on its safety ranking. While 245 search and rescue missions and 65 deaths have occurred in this park, most incidents can be avoided with proper planning, respect for the environment, and understanding of the challenging conditions. Keep an eye out for bears and moose, and don’t forget to pack bear spray – just in case.

How Safety Numbers Have Changed In U.S. National Parks Since Last Year

When comparing data from this year to last year, there have been notable changes in the ranking positions of the national parks. It's important to recognize that the safety index score for each park is influenced by multiple factors, each contributing its own weight to the overall score. As a result, these ranking shifts are not solely due to improvements in a single aspect but reflect a combination of changes across the variables.

Let’s start with the safety increases:

• Kings Canyon National Park saw the largest positive change, with the safety index improving by 1.68 points, increasing from 0.79 to 2.47. Kings Canyon went from ranking the eight most dangerous U.S. national parks in 2023, to the 24th position in 2024, heading to the middle of the list, between the safest and most dangerous parks.
• Zion National Park experienced a significant boost, jumping by 1.60 points to reach a 3.00 safety index. Zion National Park changed from ranking 20th most dangerous national park in 2023, to the 42nd position in 2024 (which makes Zion the 22nd safest park this year!)
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park also climbed with an increase of 1.55 points, reaching a 7.37 safety index and ranking as 4th safest national park, from ranking 8th safest last year.
• Other parks showing notable improvements include Mount Rainier, the National Park of American Samoa, and Lassen Volcanic National Park, all with gains of over 1.50 points. Mount Rainier went from being the 10th most dangerous park in 2023, to the middle of the list in 2024. National Park of American Samoa went from ranking 4th safest national park last year, to being crowned the safest this year. Lassen Volcanic National Park shot up 22 places on the list, moving closer to the safest ones.

On the other hand, some parks saw declines:

• Bryce Canyon National Park dropped by 1.14 points. In 2023, the park ranked 9th safest in America, this year it went down two positions, leaving ‘the top 10’ list, and is now ranking 11th.
• Both Arches and Great Sand Dunes National Park decreased by 0.47 points each. Arches National Park went from ranking 14th safest to 24th safest, while Great Sand Dunes National Parks went from ranking 12th safest to 21st position.

Despite these changes, most parks maintained a relatively stable safety index, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve safety and visitor experiences across the National Park System.

Leading causes of fatal incidents

On a more serious note, we wanted to know the leading causes of fatal incidents and the risk groups in the past 16 years.

The numbers suggest that falls, claiming 23.59% of lives, emerge as the leading cause, followed closely by motor vehicle crashes and drowning, accounting for 14.13% and 12.13%, respectively. Medical emergencies when performing physical activities also represent a significant risk.

What stands out is the gender disparity: males are overwhelmingly more likely to be victims, with a staggering 76.3% of fatalities compared to 19.7% for females. Age-wise, the elderly (65 and over) face considerable risks, but the danger spans all age groups, with those between 55 and 64 and 45 to 54 also significantly affected.

But despite all the risks that come with exploring national parks, the number of incidents are extremely low and can be mostly attributed to human behavior.

To make sure the data is accurate, we excluded suicide from the report, as this isn’t intrinsically what makes a national park dangerous.

Are National Parks Really Dangerous?

No, not really. The odds of a fatal incident in national parks are about 1 in 859,839 visitors. That is incredibly low, to put things into perspective…

You are safer in a National Park than…

Walking Down the Street

The odds of a pedestrian dying in a traffic crash are 1 in 485, according to the National Safety Council. Hiking in a National Park usually presents fewer risks than going to your local coffee shop.

Climbing Ladders

Fatal falls from ladders happen with odds of about 1 in 680, according to the National Safety Council – again. Climbing a ladder in your backyard can be more dangerous than climbing a rock in the backcountry.

Eating a Meal

The odds of choking to death on food are approximately 1 in 2,659, according to Statista. This means that enjoying a meal is more hazardous than exploring national parklands. What if you were to eat a meal in a National Park? Hm…

Your chances of a fatal incident in a National Park are lower than you…

Having More Than 10 Fingers or Toes

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the odds of being born with extra fingers or toes (polydactyly) are about 1 in 700-1000. So, statistically speaking, you’re more likely to have an extra digit to count the number of safe trips to National Parks.

Living to 100 Years Old

In the U.S., the odds of living to be 100 years old are approximately 1 in 3,407. You're more likely to join the 1% centenarian club than to face the Grim Reaper in a National Park.

Seeing National Parks From Space

According to NASA, the odds of being selected to train as an astronaut are around 1 in 1,200 for qualified applicants. Looking at the American wilderness from the Earth’s orbit might be more within your grasp than becoming a part of its statistics.

How to Stay Safe While Hiking and Camping

While the likelihood of facing danger in the National Parks is incredibly low, understanding the safety measures is still considered good practice. By taking these simple precautions, visitors can ensure their outdoor experiences remain thrilling, only in a positive way.

• Planning is Everything: Before you head out, check your national park's website. Go to 'Plan Your Visit' and look for ‘Find a Park’. Then select the State you want to visit and browse from the list of national parks. After finding the one that looks the most interesting to you, click on it. All current alerts and weather conditions will be displayed at the very top of the page, below the header.
• Weather Watch: Outdoor weather can be fickle. Use park webcams to get a real-time view of what you’re walking into. Pack for all scenarios!
• Stay on Marked Trails: Sticking to designated paths and trails is key for your safety. Venturing off-trail can lead to unexpected hazards and increases your chances of getting lost. Plus, staying on the trail helps protect the park's natural habitat.
• Gear Up: The right gear can make or break your trip. This isn’t just about comfort, it’s about safety. Think communication devices, suitable outdoor clothing, and enough food and water.
• Stay in Your Comfort Zone: Pushing your limits is tempting, but knowing your physical and mental boundaries is crucial for outdoor safety. Overconfidence can make a difference between a successful hiking trip and one gone wrong.
• Listen to the Pros: Park staff are there to help. Their advice is invaluable and can steer you clear of trouble.
• Emergency Prep: Have an emergency plan. Know the nearest medical facilities and basic first aid, and have a way to call for help. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Methodology

We began by compelling a list with all 63 National Parks across the United States. We gathered information on the key safety indicators for each park from four primary resources: the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking and Google Maps.

• Total Deaths (2007-2024): The number of deaths recorded in each park over these 16 years were compiled from the National Park Service Mortality Spreadsheet. We excluded suicide from the report, as this isn’t intrinsically what makes a national park dangerous.
• Missing People (2007-2024): We reviewed records of National Park Service cold cases in each park from 2007 to 2024.
• Search and Rescue Missions (2013-2024): The frequency of search and rescue operations conducted between 2013 and 2020 was picked from the National Park Service website. The data for the years 2021 to 2024 was supplemented using information available from Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking.
• Trail Closures, Alerts, and Cautions: We picked the frequency of trail closures and the issuance of alerts and cautions due to potentially dangerous wildlife or natural phenomena from the National Park Service Trail Status Reports. This data is accurate as of 15 September 2024.
• Park Rangers: We utilized the U.S. Department of the Interior Database to ascertain the number of park ranger employees at each National Park. While we could obtain exact figures for some parks directly, for others where such specific data was unavailable. For those, we turned our attention to the ranger staffing levels of the nearest cities and divided them by the number of parks in the area. This approach helped fill in the gaps, ensuring a more complete picture. This data is accurate as of 15 September 2024.
• Proximity to Hospitals: Each park was evaluated for the presence of a hospital that operates 24 hours a day within a one-hour travel radius by car.
• Visitor (2007-2023): We gathered the number of visitors to each park over the years from the National Park Service Stats Report Viewer.

You can see all the data in the table below:

After compiling all the data, we compared other safety metrics to the average yearly visitor numbers, to ensure that our analysis was accurate and appropriately scaled to the level of human activity in each park, and then normalized all the numbers. Proximity to hospitals was not normalized but was included as a binary (yes/no) factor in the final rating. Each indicator was then assigned a different weight score that impacted the final results of our analysis.

• Number of Missing Persons — 0.05
• Total Deaths — 0.50
• Visitor Statistics — 0.00
• Search and Rescue Missions — 0.20
• Trail Closures, Alerts, and Cautions due to Animal Presence — 0.05
• Number of Park Rangers — 0.05
• Proximity to Hospitals — 0.15

We summed up the scores for each national park to get a total, which was multiplied by 10 to convert to a scale of 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating a safer environment and lowest a more dangerous one.

To assess the differences in safety indices from last year to this year, we compared the U.S. National Parks Safety Index 2023 data with the U.S. National Parks Safety Index 2024 data. Both datasets include the above-mentioned metrics, updated through their respective years.

Conclusion

And that’s a wrap of our national park safety index update! Just like in the previous version, we want to underline that there is nothing inherently dangerous about America’s national parks. The research shows visiting national parks is very safe, even more so with proper preparation. The perceived risks often stem from people not respecting safety guidelines, or from unpredictable natural and environmental elements.

This reassurance is backed by the low incident rates relative to the millions who visit each year, underscoring the National Park Service's commitment to visitor safety and the success of its conservation efforts.

So, my fellow adventurers, we can all take solace in the splendors of America’s national parks, which can be enjoyed with peace of mind.

Research done by Andreea Racu.
Data analyzed by Oded Gross.
Written by Ivan Slovic.
Featured image by Zack Frank. - Pinnacles National Park.