A 43-year-old California man died after falling in Spry Canyon in Zion National Park, marking the park’s second fatal fall in less than a week.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened on a Wednesday when the man fell from a lower area of the canyon. Another group in the area discovered him and called for help. Rescue crews responded to the scene, but he was pronounced dead after lifesaving efforts failed.
Authorities believe the fall was accidental. An investigation remains ongoing.
Fall Occurred in Spry Canyon
The incident took place in Spry Canyon, located in the southern portion of Zion National Park.
Spry Canyon is not a marked hiking trail. It is commonly accessed by experienced visitors using a technical canyoneering route that involves rope work and rappelling.
Typical features of the route include:
- About 3 miles point-to-point
- Multiple rappels
- A maximum rappel of roughly 165 feet
Investigators said the man was familiar with the area and had visited before. Officials also noted that rock scrambling may have been involved, which could have contributed to the fall.
Family members told authorities the man had been hiking alone at the time of the accident.
Second Fatal Fall in Zion This Month
The death occurred just five days after another fatal fall in Zion National Park.
A 68-year-old Texas man died after falling from a steep section of Angels Landing, one of the park’s most well-known hikes.
Angels Landing includes:
- A 5.4-mile round-trip hike
- 1,488 feet of elevation gain
- A series of steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles
- A narrow ridgeline section where chains are installed for handholds
The trail now requires a permit system introduced by the National Park Service in 2022.
Fatal Accidents Remain Rare
Despite the exposure on some Zion trails, fatal accidents are relatively uncommon.
Before the permit system was introduced, about 300,000 hikers attempted Angels Landing each year. Historical records show 19 fatalities on the route, including falls and medical emergencies.
Estimates cited by park-related sources suggest the chance of a visitor suffering a fatal fall in Zion is roughly 1 in 2.56 million.
Sources
- Backpacker Magazine. “Second Hiker Falls to His Death in Zion National Park in Less Than a Week.” https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-events/news/second-hiker-falls-to-his-death-in-zion-national-park-in-less-than-a-week/
- Fox 13 News Utah. “Second Hiker This Month Killed in Fall Inside Zion National Park.” https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/utahs-national-parks/second-hiker-this-month-killed-in-fall-inside-zion-national-park
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