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In 2025, fatalities at US national parks decreased to 198, but men made up 83% of deaths. Five major parks accounted for a quarter of all fatalities, mainly from vehicle accidents. The trend highlights ongoing safety concerns.
In 2025, 198 people died at national park sites across the United States, marking a decline from previous years, according to the National Park Service. Men accounted for 83% of these fatalities, highlighting a significant demographic trend that remains consistent despite overall reductions. This data underscores ongoing safety concerns in popular parks and among high-risk groups.
The National Park Service’s 2025 mortality report reveals a total of 198 deaths at parks nationwide, down from an average of over 300 annually during the pandemic years. Of these, 114 were men, 23 women, and 61 individuals’ sex was unrecorded. Experts attribute the high male fatality rate to risk-taking behaviors and participation in high-risk activities such as solo climbing and off-trail hiking, with Dan Whitten, a retired search-and-rescue specialist, emphasizing that men often perceive themselves as more capable in wilderness settings.
Additionally, national data indicates men are responsible for nearly 70% of all motor vehicle collision fatalities, which is a leading cause of death at parks. The report highlights five parks—Lake Mead, Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace Scenic Byway, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite—that together account for 25% of all deaths. Most fatalities in these parks stem from vehicle accidents and drownings, often linked to their high accessibility and popularity among visitors.
Why It Matters
This trend is significant because it reveals that despite overall reductions in fatalities, certain demographics and park types remain high-risk. The high proportion of male deaths suggests targeted safety measures and public awareness campaigns could be effective. Moreover, the concentration of deaths in easily accessible, heavily visited parks points to the importance of safety infrastructure and visitor education to prevent future tragedies.
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Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic years (2020-2023), annual deaths at national parks averaged over 300, with a peak of 374 in 2021. The decline in 2025 reflects increased safety efforts and possibly changing visitor behaviors. Historically, vehicle accidents and drownings have been the primary causes of death, especially in parks with high visitation rates. The consistent gender disparity aligns with broader national safety data showing men are more prone to risky behaviors and fatal accidents.
“Men seem to inherently think they can do certain things that may traditionally fall into ‘masculine’ roles. Some people think that because they’re male, they have some advantage in the wilderness. That’s just not true.”
— Dan Whitten, retired search-and-rescue expert
“The data shows a significant decline in fatalities compared to previous years, but safety remains a concern in high-traffic parks.”
— National Park Service
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear whether the decline in fatalities will continue in subsequent years or if new safety measures have directly caused this reduction. The specific behaviors and circumstances leading to the remaining deaths, especially among men, require further investigation to inform targeted interventions.
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What’s Next
Next steps include analyzing detailed incident reports to identify preventable factors, implementing targeted safety campaigns aimed at high-risk groups, and enhancing safety infrastructure in the most accident-prone parks. The National Park Service may also review visitation patterns to better allocate resources.
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Key Questions
Why do men account for most fatalities in national parks?
Men are more likely to engage in high-risk activities and exhibit risk-taking behaviors, which increases their likelihood of accidents. They also account for a large proportion of high-risk activity participation such as solo climbing and off-trail hiking.
Which parks have the highest number of deaths?
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace Scenic Byway, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite National Park recorded the most deaths in 2025, mainly due to vehicle accidents and drownings.
Are vehicle accidents the main cause of death in parks?
Yes, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of fatalities, especially in parks with high accessibility and visitation, followed by drownings.
Has the overall number of deaths increased or decreased?
Deaths decreased in 2025 to 198 from previous years’ averages exceeding 300, indicating a positive trend, though safety concerns persist.
Source: Outside
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