The Popular US National Park That Has Seen Some Of The Most Lost Hikers

Many of America's national parks are extremely popular with hikers, campers, and a myriad of other outdoor enthusiasts. Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is certainly among them, as it is known for its stunning scenery, diversity of wildlife, incredible hiking and camping opportunities, and being one of the top national parks for paddlesports. In fact, according to Smithsonian Magazine, it is among the Top 10 most popular national parks in the United States, drawing nearly three and a half million visitors annually. However, that is not the only list it makes. It's also often listed as one of the national parks with the most missing hikers.

Given that the National Park System maintains 431 sites, including 63 national parks, it is quite the honor to be among the most popular. It is equally dubious to be listed among those with the most missing hikers. However, many of the reasons visitors are drawn to Grand Tetons are the very same reasons so many go missing each year.

The park's mountainous terrain is very rugged and remote, which lends to its scenic beauty. It also makes hiking, climbing, and camping more perilous than at less dramatic geographic areas. Add to that the very unpredictable weather patterns, which range from severe thunderstorms and flash flooding in the summer to blizzards and avalanches in the winter. Mix in a myriad of wildlife, including a pair of dangerous types of bears, and you have a recipe for a high number of missing persons.

Over the years, there have been a number of hikers and visitors who have gone missing in Grand Teton National Park. One of the more notorious — and currently open — cases involves a hiker that went missing in the park in June 2021. According to Buckrail, Cian McLaughlin was 27 when he embarked for a hiking adventure in Grand Teton National Park. While the fact no sign of McLaughlin has been seen since is reason enough to garner attention, it was the charges filed against a woman who gave false information about his disappearance that thrust this case into the national spotlight.

Of course, not all that go missing in the park are hikers. A 2024 case involves a kayaker who has yet to resurface. As reported by Jackson Hole Radio, in June, 43-year-old Wesley Dopkins was kayaking Jackson Lake with a friend. Due to high winds, the pair became separated. While his friend made it back to the marina, Dopkins has never been found, despite authorities recovering his kayak, paddle, and dry bag. 

Not everyone who goes missing in Grand Tetons stays missing — or goes missing by accident. In 2021, 22-year-old travel blogger Gabby Petito was presumed missing in the park along with her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie. However, Laundrie briefly resurfaced. After Petito's body was found, it was discovered he was responsible for her death, before dying by suicide. Others have tried not to be found as well, such as Ohio teenager Fauna Jackson, who went missing in 2016. When she was found, it was determined she had changed her appearance and attempted to hide from searchers, per Fox 8 News. 

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Despite having a higher-than-average number of people who go missing each year, staying safe in Grand Tetons National Park isn't much different than the precautions to take in any outdoor recreational area. Regardless of whether you're hiking, camping, kayaking, or climbing, it is always safest to go with others. If you are taking a solo backpacking trip or camping alone, it is even more important to alert others to your plan and avoid mistakes people make when visiting national parks.

Whether going solo, with a partner, or in a group, it is always crucial to carry an emergency supply kit – even if you are only planning a short outing. After all, the vast majority of people who end up missing in national parks are only out for a day trip. So, regardless of whether you expect your adventure to take hours or days, carrying a pack like the Molle System Survival Kit ensures you have what you need to respond to virtually any unexpected situation. It is also important to dress properly for the season, especially if you are hiking in the winter, as inclement weather can make a routine adventure dangerous if you are unprepared.

It is also imperative to adhere to any signs and warnings that are posted in regards to the park and trail conditions, weather, or wildlife. Even without posted warnings, it is essential to be aware of your surroundings and proceed with caution around wildlife. Grand Teton National Park is home to a number of potentially dangerous wildlife, including moose, bison, and both grizzly and black bears. So, it is a good idea to carry bear spray and know what to do if attacked by a bear before entering the Grand Tetons.