Comments about ‘Idaho woman dies after fall in Zion National Park’

it is one of the most dramatic and scenic hikes in the US, but highly dangerous with incredibly steep dropoffs...

Best Wishes to the lady's family.

Angels Landing is a hike that should be undertaken by the well prepared and knowledgeable hikers. I did this hike a couple years in the heat of the day without proper preparation and was nearly overcome by heat and dehydration. Those who venture to the very top are in grave danger of falling due to the precarious nature of the rock. At least one person dies on that hike every year. Nature has its risks that should not be taken lightly.

Yes, this is a potentially dangerous trail. However, I have been to the top several times and never really felt I was in any immediate danger. I was careful and did not take unnecessary risks. I'm not sure how someone falls 1,000 feet on that trail. While this is a tragic accident and I send best wishes to the family of the victim, I hope the Park Service doesn't close the trail and curtail the enjoyment for the rest of us. This is what happened with the Lady Mountain Trail [in Zion Park] several years ago. That was a great hike and now no one can enjoy it.

You can do The Lady Mtn. trail...you just need to know where the old trail is...you will be on your own. I really don`t think they will close Angels. Too important.

I have hiked that trail every year for the past 31 years. It heips me stay alive at 65. I have never felt in danger at any time. It's too bad the Park doesn't do something to restrict the trail from Scout's Lookout to those who are unsure and unprepared.

I came off that trail about 20 minutes before she fell. I decided to hike back to the Zion Lodge from the Grotto to rendezvous with my party there. We had not been together for 5 minutes when about 7-8 Park Service police SUVs went screaming past the lodge towards the Angels Landing trailhead. Somehow, that sight said "fatality" to me. It was eerie to think that I must have passed the lady as I was coming down off of Angels Landing. On the other hand, who can say who is about to die in an accident? I found the conditions on the trail to be as close to ideal as they could be...there was no snow or moisture on the rocks...however, I did see a LOT of pointless risk taking all weekend long on the trails at Zion...it surprises me there were not more falls than just the one. Very SAD...no one goes to a park like that thinking they will die there. But that is the definition of accident, isn't it? An unfortunate and unexpected occurrence. That's why we must be safe and listen to the warnings.

Prayers to the family. I just climbed AL last Tuesday — that is horrible news. I really hope that they keep the trail open for adults. Adults are capable of knowing the risk (there are a number of warning signs on the trail) and their limitations. I must admit that I was dumbfounded by the number of families with children that were attempting the hike. This trail is NO place for children. There are a number of areas that have over 1,000 foot drops on either side — and, there are areas where no chain is available. One slip, and you are dead. Anyone considering a “family hike” to Angels Landing, PLEASE do not take children on this hike. There are many trails in Zion that are stunning that do not put your children at risk. In my mind, only an irresponsible parent (and/or mental midget) would let a child go on this hike. A number of parents believe this is a “confidence builder” for the kids. Sorry, anyone with this belief is absolutely nuts — there are many ways for a child to build self-esteem without risking a child's life.

I have been a very close friend to this family for years. Tammy was a very kind and loving person and I have been struck dumbfounded by some of the comments made here. According to witnesses she tripped on the trail. It wasn't that she was some idiot goofing off. She had recently lost a lot of weight and was working to make herself healthier. Everyone should always be causious and careful in nature, that is true, but keep your snide comments to yourself!

Tammy was a very thoughtful, caring, concientous person who would never give a second thought to help someone in need or offer a word of encouragement. Tammy did not have a wreckless bone in her body, she was always a careful person. This was a tragic accident with an unspeakable loss for those of us who knew and loved her. Tammy loved her family and friends dearly. She was striving to improve her health and fitness. She was a positive person and a determined individual.