A large scale rescue operation was conducted yesterday at Lake Mead National Recreation Area after 28 hikers, three adults and 25 children with special needs, were exposed to dangerous heat as temperatures soared near 100°F.
The National Park Service service reports the group was not adequately prepared and were rescued on the Arizona Hot Springs Trail near Lake Mead. Arizona Hot Spring trail features a 750-foot elevation change and some steep scrambling and is considered very strenuous. As precaution, the Arizona Hot Springs and Goldstrike trails are both currently closed due to dangerous heat. These trails will close for the summer once day to day temperatures stay dangerously high.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area warns the rescue operation is a prime example of the dangers of hiking in extreme heat.
“This incident underscores the severity of the current conditions and the significant strain these emergencies place on park resources.” -Lake Mead National Recreation Area
On April 9th a hiker tragically died at the Arizona Hot Springs, likely due to heat exposure. Five others from the same group suffered from heat-related issues and required an airlift rescue.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area Statement:
Temporary Closure of Arizona Hot Springs and Goldstrike Trails Due to Extreme Heat
Arizona Hot Springs Trail and Goldstrike Trail are temporarily closed due to dangerously high temperatures and multiple heat-related search and rescue incidents. Temperatures in the canyons are expected to exceed 100°F, and many hikers are not adequately prepared for these extreme conditions.
With the season’s heat just beginning, most people are not yet acclimated, increasing the likelihood of heat illness. Yesterday, a hiker died on the Arizona Hot Springs Trail in what is suspected to be a heat-related incident. Five other members of the same group were also experiencing heat distress and required helicopter evacuation.
Today, rangers are actively responding to a large-scale rescue involving 28 hikers, three adults and 25 children with special needs, who attempted to reach Arizona Hot Springs without adequate preparation. This incident underscores the severity of the current conditions and the significant strain these emergencies place on park resources.
These trail closures are expected to remain in effect for the next several days. If temperatures drop by Sunday or Monday, the trails may reopen temporarily, but closures will resume as conditions become hazardous again.
Please check the park website at www.nps.gov/lake for the latest closure updates and information on safer alternatives for visiting Lake Mead. Your safety is our highest priority
