Zion National Park calls out visitors after 2 more rescues

SALT LAKE CITY – Zion National Park officials are calling out two groups of visitors who didn’t heed instructions for a demanding canyoneering route and had to be rescued.

Officials with the southern Utah park said in a news release this week that the leader of one group mocked a ranger’s advice to take rope and harnesses for the difficult route to a popular spot known as “the Subway.” A member of the group injured a knee Monday making a nearly 7-foot jump and had to be hauled out by helicopter.

Another group wore inappropriate footwear and got lost on the route while making poor decisions. The group ended up spending an unexpected night in the canyon Monday and had to be rescued the next day.

Zion spokeswoman Aly Baltrus says search and rescues have been increasing by 10 per cent a year.