Wyoming’s two National Parks are recognized as being some of the most beautiful places on Earth. Yellowstone was the world’s very first National Park and Grand Teton is a stunning small park full of iconic scenes straight out of an adventurer’s dream. These little slices of paradise, though, aren’t entirely perfect – both parks have been named among the most dangerous in the country. So what makes them so risky?

If you’re planning a visit to this incredible national park, there’s no better time to visit than during National Park Week. Learn all about this celebration of America’s great outdoors — including fee-free days throughout the year!

Grand Teton National Park is visited by approximately 3.4 million people each year. Unfortunately, over the years, 48 visitors have perished in the park.
K. Magaraci
The leading cause of trouble in the Tetons is the rugged terrain. Of the 48 deaths between 2010 and 2020, 21 were caused by falls.
K. Magaraci
The steep and challenging trails throughout the park include canyons, mountains, and wilderness areas that put guests into a truly wild environment and test visitor's fitness, which may explain why the other top dangers include environmental hazards, like hypothermia, and medical events like heart attacks.
K. Magaraci
Despite being in the heart of bear country, though, it appears that no fatal attacks have occured within the park. That doesn't mean the danger isn't there - but it is a testament to the park's rangers and bear management program. In the wild areas surrounding the park but just outside of its boundaries, bears have occasionally attacked and killed hikers and hunters.
K. Magaraci
While the wildlife in Grand Teton has yet to take a life, guests should continue to use common sense to keep their distance - that's a "first" that nobody wants to be remembered for.
K. Magaraci

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Just north of Grand Teton, Yellowstone National Park draws visitors from all over the world to see its famous landscape.
K. Magaraci
The park's geyser basins are criss-crossed with boardwalks meant to keep visitors safe from the fragile and steaming earth below, but this isn't Disneyland, and accidents do happen.
K. Magaraci
While these springs may look like idylllic places to take a swim, their incredibly hot and acidic water make them a fatal attraction. more than 20 different guests - including several rangers - have perished in the pools.
K. Magaraci
The first thermal-related death happened in 1890, and they have steadily occured ever since, despite warnings and efforts by rangers to keep people out of the hot pots.
K. Magaraci
Unlike Grand Teton, too, the wildlife in Yellowstone has been involved in many more attacks. Perhaps because the land is more remote and wilder. Grizzly bears have taken a few lives in the park, and bison have been involved in fatal car accidents and have injured numerous people.
K. Magaraci
Don't let this discourage you from visiting two of the most beautiful parks in the country - just please, be careful, and follow all ranger guidance to keep you and your family safe.
K. Magaraci

To learn more about the dangers of Yellowstone in particular, read about Yellowstone National Park’s dark and deadly history.

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Hiking in the Tetons

Tori Jane | July 11, 2022

Are there problems with Grand Teton National Park flooding?  

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. It’s home to some of the most awe-inspiring hiking trails in Wyoming and it’s visited by millions of folks every year that want just a taste of Wyoming’s amazing natural beauty. Unfortunately, though, there is always the occasional natural disaster in Wyoming, and the Tetons are not an exception. There has been significant flooding in Grand Teton National Park and nearby areas on numerous instances, including recently; in 2022, there was historic flooding at Yellowstone National Park. Roadways, trails, and bridges were flooded out and the parks were closed for a while as the water eventually drained out. The flooding was so significant that it changed the course of the Yellowstone River! There is a history of occasional floods at Grand Teton as well, and the park has some well-known floodplains that help during such an occasion.  

What are the most dangerous National Parks in the United States?  

Our amazing National Parks of the United States are ALL worth a visit. After all, they’ve been designated as National Parks for a reason, and usually, those reasons include scenic beauty, historic significance, and other excellent qualifiers. However, these parks tend to be remote, and many of them have dangerous weather, conditions, or areas that visitors need to be aware of. The most dangerous National Parks in the United States include Grand Canyon National Park, with 134 deaths recorded in the last decade thanks to factors like steep drops, plunges, flooding, extreme heat, and more. Yosemite National Park comes in second place with 126 deaths in the last 10 years and Great Smoky Mountains National Park has seen 92 deaths in the same period.  

What are the most amazing Grand Teton National Park hikes?  

There are literally hundreds of trails weaving all over Grand Teton, and we love them all. Some of the most amazing Grand Teton National Park hikes include the most amazing jewels like the Cascade Canyon Trail to Lake Solitude. It’s a hike so remote you’ll need a ferry to get to the trailhead – it's amazing. Another scenic hiking trail at Grand Teton National Park is the famed Jenny Lake Loop, a 7.6-mile adventure through some of Wyoming’s most incredible scenery. If you’re a fan of amazing mountain views, you’ll love that one.

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Featured Addresses
Grand Teton National Park Headquarters, Moose, WY, 103 Headquarters Rd, Moose, WY 83012, USA
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA