I saw that, Bob. We've already had one heat related fatality here in Moab, another currently in critical condition and literally a couple dozen other heat related incidents. Just yesterday an entire family of five was helo'd out of a trail in mid-day after getting lost, dehydrated and beginning to suffer heat exhaustion. Seriously people, when it's this hot outside you should SERIOUSLY reconsider recreating in the heat. Common sense goes a looooong way.
That is sad to hear. My brother and I went out there one July when it reached 109 degrees, but we left the trailhead at 4:00 AM, had the right clothing and plenty of water. I remember getting back to the trailhead around noon and seeing about 10 people just leaving and going out in the middle of the day and just shaking my head. The BLM rangers for North Coyote Buttes are probably the most thorough and cautious rangers I have ever dealt with, spending most of the orientation time on safety. I think the article is a little misguided focusing on the lottery system and even suggesting the BLM is at fault. If you decide to go out into any wilderness area you are taking a risk and it is a personal decision and that individual is solely responsible for what happens. You are right Bret, a lot more common sense is needed.
As much as I dislike the highly restricted access, I certainly wouldn't place any blame on the BLM lottery system for this incident. Even at 106F, this should not be a dangerous hike, if you start early and take plenty of water. But I have heard about hikers getting lost on the return trip. I wonder if that happened to this couple?
Once temps get into the high 90's, I don't plan any desert hikes. There are just too many other places to enjoy.
Then, of course, there are those that rush to Death Valley to have the bragging rights of being there for the record highs !
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on July 25, 2013 at 12:39 PM
Another death at the wave - 27 year old on her 5th wedding anniversary trip:
Discussion
5 repliesAs much as I dislike the highly restricted access, I certainly wouldn't place any blame on the BLM lottery system for this incident. Even at 106F, this should not be a dangerous hike, if you start early and take plenty of water. But I have heard about hikers getting lost on the return trip. I wonder if that happened to this couple?
Once temps get into the high 90's, I don't plan any desert hikes. There are just too many other places to enjoy.
Then, of course, there are those that rush to Death Valley to have the bragging rights of being there for the record highs !
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/56629184-78/hiking-deputies-hike-wave.html.csp
So sad. Apparently they lost the trail on the return and were wandering around for a few hours.