The deaths of three hikers at the Wave this summer has prompted officials in Southern Utah to change the safety measures in order to prevent more tragedies, according to the Bureau of Land Management and reported by CBS KUTV.
The Wave brings tourists from around the world because of its unique contrasting sandstone patterns that run through the valleys and ridges. The area is located in an area on the Utah and Arizona border and is part of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.
"It is a beautiful hike and it's a wonderful experience if you go out there prepared," Rachel Tueller, a BLM public affairs officer for the Arizona Strip District, told CBS.
The safety review has resulted in multiple changes, including condensing the safety video and making it available at the Kanab Visitor Center, while previously it was only available online, installing a new safety kiosk at the wire Pass trailhead to remind hikers of different safety precautions such as wearing sunscreen and carrying water and putting a greater emphasis on the danger and difficulty of the hike.
"There is some risk that's going to be involved and it's a matter of being aware," Tueller said. "It's really up to the individual to do homework and to educate themselves."
The most recent death occurred on July 22 when Elizabeth Bervel, 27, of Mesa, died after losing the trail. Law enforcement officials suspect her death was heat related. Prior to that, a couple from California died in the same area over the July fourth holiday. Multiple other deaths have also occurred recently, prompting the changes.
The Wave has intense heat during the summer, as well as requiring extra exertion to hike through sand. The area also has no cell phone service and the trail is unmarked. Those two aspects are not on the list of upcoming changes at the moment.
"We are not certain what way we're going to be moving forward in terms of signage but it's definitely high on the list of considerations," Tueller said.
News coverage of the safety changes.
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