I love this book. Sadly, I knew one of the people who was later chronicled in its pages, in the murder section. But I love the book anyway, because it is mainly a compendium of the incredibly boneheaded ways people manage to get themselves killed in the Grand Canyon. I don't mean to make light of the tragedies documented in the book, but one has to wonder how some of these folks managed it.
There is the expected assortment of teenagers and young adults clowning around on the edge. I have seen a few of these bozos and I am amazed that none of the ones I saw actually went over--thank God for small favors. But there are also the truly bizarre, like the model posing for a photo shoot who took one step too far.
The book is basically a listing of fatal incident reports filed with the Grand Canyon authorities over the years. If one is thinking about hiking down into the Canyon, it is a worthwhile read. Many of the incidents are painfully (and fatally) obvious, but others are very instructive. The book isn't a cover-to-cover read; instead, it is meant to be browsed, like the reference work that it is. But if you are a hiker thinking about going down to the bottom for a few days, it will give a very good idea of the things that can kill you down there.
I just completed my tenth Canyon hike, and sure enough, as we emerged at the top of Bright Angel Trail, we saw a tourist posing for a picture on the wrong side of the safety railing. He was lying on a snow bank, flailing around like he was about to fall. He had no idea how close he was to acting out the part for real. Another time, several miles below the rim in two feet of snow, we came across a family hauling airline luggage down the trail. But what can you do? You shake your head and go get a beer at the El Tovar. In the case of the numbskull family, we did phone the rangers, since there were small children involved.
I recommend this book for anyone considering a hike down into the Grand Canyon, and for anyone who finds themselves entertained by stories of the colossal stupidity with which some people remove themselves from the gene pool.
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About the author
Buy this if your going to the GC so you don’t do any of these stupid deadly things!
I loved this book, I learned so much. It is stunning how many stupid things people have done over the years at this jaw-dropping natural wonder! You have to respect Mother Nature. Especially one as wild as this one. Amazingly many of the deaths are due to heat stroke and dehydration. You’d think taking and drinking enough water when its over 100 degrees would be common sense.I bought this before my husband and I went to the GC this May, at which point 4 people had already fallen to their deaths in the canyon. I can’t tell you how many people we saw that had gone over the railings out to small sandstone shelf’s to get pictures, standing on one leg and even doing handstands. Obviously didn’t read the book or watch the news, or read the signs.
Top reviews from other countries
R
worth reading for inquisitive minds
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 21, 2020Craig Maish
Do not pretend to fall over a cliff ..... !
Reviewed in Canada on August 25, 2017Busy Lizzie
Couldn't put it down
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2013