Friday, May 1, 2020 | 4:15 p.m.
A spike in hiker rescues has prompted the National Park Service to temporarily close a trail off U.S. 93 outside of Boulder City. The Lone Palm Trail will be closed from Saturday through Sept. 30.
There have been nine search and rescues on the trail in the last 45 days, compared to just one about the same time last year, officials said.
The rescues take an average of four hours to complete, with one lasting nine hours, officials said.
The trail is strenuous and people are miscalculating their abilities to complete it, National Park Service Superintendent Margaret Goodro said. Some hikers have gotten lost without enough water, she said.
“Providing rescues on this trail during triple-digit heat is endangering their lives and the lives of rescue crews,” Goodro said. “We will reopen the area in the fall, when temperatures are cooler."
The Goldstrike Canyon and Arizona Hot Spring trails were also closed earlier than normal this season to comply with coronavirus social distancing guidelines. They will also remain closed through Sept. 30.
The River Mountains Loop Trail and Historic Railroad Trail will remain open.
Park Service officials advised hikers to limit their hikes to the early morning hours when it’s cooler, bring plenty of water and take ample breaks.
