Arches National Park Rangers find 66-year-old dead off trail

Arches National Park officials report the late visitor as a 66-year-old man from Austin, Texas who became “overdue” during his trip.

Grand County Sheriff’s office would receive an Attempt to Locate (ATL) on the morning of August 1, 2023. The subject was a 66-year-old man from Austin, Texas, missing in Arches National Park, Moab, Utah.

According to park officials, the 66-year-old had “been reported overdue” during his visit.

Park rangers would first locate the late visitor’s vehicle at the Sand Dune Arch Trail parking lot. A search of the area followed.

Tragically, the man was found deceased off-trail nearby, the park confirms in their media release late Wednesday. An investigation into this incident is currently being conducted jointly by the NPS and Grand County Sheriff’s Office.

No additional information about the incident is available at this time.

Summer Safety in Arches National Park

Arches rangers respond to hundreds of search or rescue incidents in the park every year. These frequently involve: heat exhaustion, dehydration, climbing or scrambling and improper footwear.

“We want your visit to be safe and enjoyable,” the park notes. In kind, you’ll find Arches’ advice for a safe visit in the summer heat and sun:

• During the summer, expect high temperatures, intense sunlight and low humidity.
• Eat plenty of food and drink at least one gallon of water, per person, each day.
• Carry and drink water (at least 2 liters) during all activities in the park, such as hiking.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin.
• Avoid hiking in the middle of the day. Save strenuous activity for early mornings or evenings.
• You can get water at the visitor center and at the Devils Garden trailhead and campground.

This story is developing.