This news story about two hiker deaths in Death Valley National Park’s Golden Canyon in a week has been adapted and compiled from two separate National Park Service press releases. You can read the original releases here and here.
The National Park Service strongly advises against hiking in Death Valley National Park in summer. Anyone who does want to do a hike is urged to make sure they’re back by 10 am. This week’s unfortunate events on the popular Golden Canyon Trail show exactly why those recommendations exist.
In the week of August 16-22, there were two separate hiker fatalities on the same trail in Death Valley National Park. They are a sad reminder of how exceptionally hot and dangerous Death Valley can be in summer.
Two Separate Hiker Deaths in Death Valley National Park’s Golden Canyon in Same Week
One of the most popular trails in Death Valley National Park, the Golden Canyon Trail leads to scenic spots like Red Cathedral and links up with other trails toward Zabriskie Point.
The combined Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch and Badlands Trails make up an 8-mile loop through beautiful but exposed and shadeless badlands.
Hiking in this area requires some planning and preparation. I’ve done this hike myself and it’s no joke. Sunscreen, a hat and lots of water are absolutely necessary to hike to Golden Canyon Trail safely.
Even in the morning, it gets very hot there. In summer, the heat can be literally life-threatening and lethal, as this week’s two hiker fatalities sadly prove.
These separate deaths on Death Valley National Park’s Golden Canyon Trail took place respectively on August 18 and August 21.
August 18 Hiker Death on Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley
On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, Mr. Lawrence Stanback, 60, of San Francisco, California, died while hiking near Red Cathedral along the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park.
National park staff received a report of suspected heat stroke and CPR in progress at 1:40 pm. An inter-agency search and rescue was initiated, with park rangers responding on foot locating Mr. Stanback and confirming that he was deceased.
California Highway Patrol Inland Division Air Operations helicopter H-80 responded to assist with the recovery, but winds were too strong to safely land. In the cooler evening hours, national park staff were able to safely complete the recovery.
August 21 Hiker Death on Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley
On Saturday, August 21, 2021, Mr. Blake Chaplin, 52, of Leawood, Kansas, was found deceased near the Manly Beacon formation along the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park. This was the second fatality along this trail within a week.
National park staff received a report from an early-morning hiker who discovered Mr. Chaplin next to the trail. Park rangers responded and confirmed the report.
No helicopters were available to assist, so national park staff search and rescue team members hiked in to recover the body.
Temperatures on August 21st and 22nd reached 109 degrees, which is below the daily normal of 115 degrees. Although these temperatures may be cooler compared to a typical Death Valley summer day, precautions should still be taken while visiting in the heat.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Coroner are investigating the cause of both deaths on the Golden Canyon Trail within the same week. Foul play is not suspected.
Safety Tips to Visit Death Valley in Summer
Park rangers urge summer travelers to visit Death Valley safely by limiting strenuous activity, such as and especially hiking, to the relatively cooler morning hours. Hikers should end their hike before 10 am.
Visitors in summer should drink plenty of water, eat salty snacks and stay close to air conditioning. Incredible scenery can be viewed from vistas and overlooks within a few minutes’ walk from a vehicle.