Mysterious Deaths Near Hite’s Cove

[Wandering Daisy]

In the afternoon, on a south facing slope, when it is well over 100 degrees the added reflective heat can easily make the near ground temperature much higher- I would not be surprised if it hit 120+. Add to that the effort of climbing uphill, and hyperthermia/heat stroke is not unusual at all.

This tragedy has its lessons, but is so sad. Hard to say what any of us would have done in similar circumstances. Unless you have experience in canyoneering, trails that descend (like the Grand Canyon) can be deceptive because going down is so easy that one fails to comprehend the effort that will be needed to go back up. At least in mountaineering, you get to go downhill when you are wiped out.

[Jimr]

We all live two lives: the life we learn from and the life we live after that. It's sad this family didn't get to see the life after that.

[wildhiker]

And a year later, this copycat hike almost ends in tragedy:
https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-eve ... alifornia/

[balzaccom]

Just in case anyone else is interested---

I've done trail work on that trail, both before and after the tragedy, There is really nothing attractive there. It's been burned badly. It's very exposed. And there are at least five other trails in the area that are nicer to hike.

Just leave it alone for a few years, wait for the green to grow up, and go back with there is at least a hint of shade.

[Carne_DelMuerto]

And a year later, this copycat hike almost ends in tragedy:
https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-eve ... alifornia/

Just proves the adage: Common sense isn't.

[Lumbergh21]

And a year later, this copycat hike almost ends in tragedy:
https://www.backpacker.com/news-and-eve ... alifornia/

Wow, it is rare to read of such large amounts of stupidity and selfishness. I was sad to read about the death of the family, but this guy, couldn't care less if he had met his end in this assinine pursuit.