Hikers Be Warned: Officials Caution Eaton Canyon Visitors When Climbing Near Waterfalls
The recent deaths of two hikers at Eaton Canyon Park in the Angeles National Forest have prompted a warning from officials, reports L.A. Now.
L.A. Sheriff's Sergeant Debra Herman noted that people often underestimate the power of Mother Nature, hiking on trails well beyond their skill level.
"You’re not invincible when it comes to Mother Nature," Herman said.
County emergency personnel have been responding to daily incidents in Eaton Canyon.
“The only day this week we did not have a rescue was Tuesday,” said Herman.
Herman also noted that the waterfalls are swollen after a wet winter and drawing large crowds of people to the trail. Hikers of all levels must take proper precautions.
“It is absolutely beautiful, and especially with the rain we had last year we have a lot of water,” Herman said. “But you have to be prepared. It is very steep, and you need to respect the area and know what you are doing before you go up there.”
Saturday morning marked the second fatality in 2011 at the popular waterfall trail in Eaton Canyon. John Jutiyasantayanon, a 23-year-old man from Montclair, died after slipping and falling 40 feet near a waterfall along the hiking trail. Erwin Molina, a 28-year old man, died on July 31 after falling 35 feet while braving the same trail.
Charles Ballard, a volunteer with the Altadena mountain rescue team, describes the first falls along the trail as "extremely dangerous," according to LA Times.
"It's narrow, it's loose and it's treacherous," said Ballard of the slippery climb.
Ballard's group, which normally conducts 30-40 rescues annually, has done 48 already in 2011.
"It looks safe, and they take it for granted," said Diana Ford, a 51-year-old Altadena resident who hikes Eaton Canyon daily with her dog, of hikers. "There's a rescue here at least three times a week, especially in the summer.... You criss-cross the river several times, so it's wet. And if you aren't careful, you will slip."
Hikers are warned to be wary when climbing near the waterfalls.
Yosemite National Park has also experienced fatalities this year, instigating doubt that the warning signs serve as a proper deterrent to keep visitors out of the water plus suggestions for visitor waivers. We asked readers, "When it comes to putting yourself in a dangerous situation, who is accountable for your safety: You or the location?" Angelenos chimed in and said "you."
