Hiker Dies After Fall at Zion National Park

A 68-year-old man named Gilberto Ramos from Laredo, Texas, tragically lost his life after a fall on one of Zion National Park’s most challenging trails. This unfortunate incident occurred on Friday, April 17, around 2:00 p.m. local time, when officials received a report about a hiker falling from a chained section of the well-known Angel’s Landing Trail, notorious for its steep inclines and precarious edges.

Responding swiftly, park rangers and local authorities found Ramos on the north side of Angel’s Landing, situated in Zion Canyon near Big Bend. Recovery operations were completed by Friday evening, and his body was taken to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office for further proceedings.

On Monday, both the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the state medical examiner publicly identified Ramos. Following the incident, authorities promptly closed the West Rim Trail, which includes Scout Lookout and Angel’s Landing, to facilitate response and recovery efforts.

The National Park Service and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fall. In a related note, the park has announced that Angel’s Landing will be closed for maintenance from April 20 to April 23, during which no permits will be issued. The day-ahead lottery is set to resume on April 23, with an increase planned for April 24.

While Angel’s Landing remains closed, the broader West Rim Trail is open for visitors and hikers.