Woman, 64, dies while hiking on dangerous desert trail in Big Bend National Park in Texas
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS: While hiking in Texas' exposed and difficult desert terrain, a 64-year-old woman collapsed and died after she was exhausted by the heat as the temperature rose to 30 degrees Celsius. The unnamed woman was walking the three-mile Hot Springs Canyon Trail at Big Bend National Park, Texas on Monday, March 6.
National Park’s Communications Center said in a news release that it received a call requesting emergency assistance along the Hot Springs Canyon Trail. The caller indicated that a 64-year-old female had "collapsed and was unresponsive".
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A team of Park Rangers and a US Border Patrol Agent responded and reached the location around 3:30 pm and immediately began CPR. A US Border Patrol helicopter was also called in to provide emergency transport for the woman. Unfortunately, the officials said, "all attempts to revive the hiker were unsuccessful."
The trail can be dangerous to attempt in the afternoon heat, the official ward in the news release, citing reasons that there is "little to no shade or water in the dry terrain". According to the officials, the trail winds three miles through rugged desert and "rocky cliffs above the Rio Grande". They further added, "No shade or water makes this trail dangerous to attempt in the heat of the afternoon."
“Big Bend National Park staff and our partners are saddened by this loss,” said Acting Deputy Superintendent Rick Gupman. He also added, “While we can’t conclude that weather was a factor in this incident, March reminds us that the beauty of Spring often brings dangerously hot temperatures to Big Bend." While extending their condolences, Gupman said, "Our entire Big Bend family extends our deep condolences to the hiker’s family and friends.”
Notably, the park's website mentions that "This trail is sand and rock from the trailhead to the hot spring. The section that climbs the hill and loops back to the parking lot has steps of rock or wood that assist in the elevation gain."
Advising to "hike market", the website further mentions, "Carry 1 liter of water per person per hour that you plan to hike. The importance of carrying enough water in this hot, dry climate cannot be overstated!" Moreover, it advises eating food for energy and having electrolytes "to replace what it's losing from perspiration." It also states, "The dry climate at Big Bend means that sweat often evaporates almost instantly; your body is likely losing lots of moisture and salts without you even realizing it. Eat plenty of salty snacks to keep your body's salt-to-water ratio in balance."
It also advises carrying sun protection and loose breathable clothing covering arms and legs. Moreover, it warns to keep an eye on wildlife especially snakes, and advises not to stack rocks which many "lurk hiker off the correct trail."