Death in Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park welcomes more than 4 million visitors every year, but this jewel of America’s parks has seen more than its fair share of deaths among its tourists. More than 70 people have perished attempting to climb Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain—some of whom vanished into the wilderness, never to be found. Thousand-foot falls from high rock ledges, hypothermia, avalanches that bury climbers, lightning strikes, a historic flood, and even plane crashes are among the ways that park visitors have met a bad end. Author Randi Minetor also provides tips for staying alive and safe in the Rocky Mountains.