Unexpected Quicksand Incident in Utah’s Arches National Park
Quicksand, often thought of as a dramatic plot device in movies, presented a real-life challenge for one hiker in Utah’s Arches National Park. Known for its stunning natural sandstone arches, the park attracts over a million visitors annually, with mishaps like falls and heat-related illnesses being more common than quicksand encounters.
This rare quicksand incident unfolded as an experienced hiker, whose name has not been disclosed, found himself stuck up to his thigh in a small canyon on the second day of a 32-kilometer backpacking journey. The hiker, unable to free himself, used an emergency satellite beacon to send out a distress signal, which Grand County emergency responders quickly received.
John Marshall, who had previously assisted in a similar situation over ten years ago, was contacted at 7:15 a.m. “I was just rolling out of bed,” he recalled, surprised to hear about another quicksand incident, “Did I hear that right? Did they say quicksand?”
The rescue operation involved a team equipped with all-terrain vehicles, a ladder, traction boards, backboards, and a drone. Marshall’s drone provided a detailed view, revealing a park ranger attempting to aid the hiker with a shovel. However, the quicksand perpetually refilled the space the hiker tried to clear.
Utilizing the ladder and boards, the rescue team gradually freed the hiker’s leg, which had been trapped in the frigid muck for hours with temperatures hovering between minus 6 and minus 1 Celsius. After warming the hiker, he was able to walk out independently, even carrying his backpack.
Marshall, who has gained some expertise in quicksand rescues, explained, “In quicksand you’re extremely buoyant. Most people won’t sink past their waist in quicksand.” He emphasized that while quicksand is hazardous, complete submersion is unlikely.
In 2014, Marshall assisted a 78-year-old woman who was stuck in quicksand in the same canyon, merely 3 kilometers from this recent incident. After missing a book club meeting, her friends found her car at a trailhead and ultimately saved her. Despite being trapped for over 13 hours, she fully recovered.
Both of these quicksand rescues in Arches National Park concluded positively, demonstrating the effectiveness and preparedness of the rescue teams in handling such unusual situations.
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