TL;DR
In 2025, fatalities at US national parks decreased to 198, down from previous years. Men accounted for 83% of deaths, mainly due to risk-taking behaviors. Five parks caused a quarter of all fatalities.
In 2025, 198 people died at National Park Service sites across the United States, marking a decline from previous years, with men accounting for 83% of all fatalities, according to recent NPS data.
The National Park Service’s 2025 mortality report shows a decrease in deaths compared to pandemic years, which averaged over 300 annually. Men, primarily engaging in high-risk activities, made up 114 of the fatalities, while women accounted for 23, and the sex of 61 individuals was unrecorded.
Analysis by Outside indicates that risky behaviors, such as solo backpacking and off-trail climbing, contribute to the higher male death toll. Dan Whitten, a retired search-and-rescue expert, noted that men tend to underestimate dangers, partly due to cultural perceptions of masculinity. Additionally, CDC data shows men are more likely to die in motor vehicle accidents, which remain the leading cause of death in parks, often linked to park accessibility.
Five national parks—Lake Mead, Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace Scenic Byway, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite—accounted for 25% of all deaths, with Lake Mead recording the highest number at 11 fatalities. Many deaths are associated with vehicle accidents and drownings, especially in parks with high visitation and easy access.
Why It Matters
This data highlights the ongoing risks associated with national park visits, especially for men engaging in risky behaviors. Understanding these patterns can inform safety campaigns and resource allocation, potentially reducing future fatalities. The concentration of deaths in accessible parks suggests that safety improvements could target high-traffic areas to prevent accidents.
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Background
Previous years saw higher death tolls, with over 370 annually during 2021-2023, during the pandemic. The overall trend shows a decline in fatalities, but the demographic and site-specific patterns remain consistent. Historically, motor vehicle accidents and drownings have been the leading causes of death in parks, often linked to the parks’ accessibility and popularity.
“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 most dangerous thing most of us do on a daily basis is drive. The fears about wilderness dangers are often statistically insignificant compared to everyday risks.”
— Whitten
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What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear why exactly the male fatality rate remains so high despite overall declines, and whether targeted safety interventions have been effective. Data on specific activities leading to deaths is limited, and future trends are uncertain.
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What’s Next
The National Park Service is expected to analyze safety data further and develop targeted campaigns to reduce risky behaviors, especially among men. Monitoring trends in park fatalities will continue, with possible safety improvements at high-risk sites.
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Key Questions
Why do men account for most deaths in national parks?
Men are more likely to engage in high-risk activities such as solo hiking and off-trail climbing, and behavioral factors like risk-taking and overconfidence contribute to higher fatality rates, according to experts.
Which parks have the highest number of fatalities?
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, largely due to their accessibility and high visitation.
Are fatalities decreasing overall?
Yes, fatalities at national parks declined from over 370 annually during 2021-2023 to 198 in 2025, indicating a positive trend, though risks remain.
What are the main causes of death in parks?
Motor vehicle accidents and drownings are the leading causes, especially in parks with high visitation and easy access.
What measures are being taken to improve safety?
The NPS is analyzing data to develop targeted safety campaigns and improve signage, access control, and rescue preparedness at high-risk sites.
Source: Outside
