Date of Event: 5/25/2019
Canyon involved: Na-gah fork of Shinob Canyon
Region: Capitol Reef NP, Utah
Country: United States
Submitted by: Henry Moon
Source: Facebook post by Austin Farnworth
Injury: Head Trauma
Cause: Fall
Description of event:
5 minutes into the approach for Na-gah canyon in Capitol Reef, a large boulder came loose while we were climbing over it. It threw Abigail and myself out of the way, while it pushed 14 year old Sam off a 20 foot cliff. Luckily the boulder stopped at the edge and did not follow him down. Sam landed on his pack which had a water bladder in it and took the brunt of the force. Then Sam rolled a short distance down the hillside, breaking his nose and a few other bones in his face. He was able to walk out under his own power and make it back to the car.
Analysis: My wife had led a group over the same boulder a week before without issue and it wasn’t a rock that you’d ever suspect to move. A week of rain in the park had most likely loosened up the boulder. The main takeaway is to be more cautious when hiking after recent rains; it is surprising what can come loose.
Note: Sandstone especially is weaker and more friable when wet.
The boulder
