“I Need Help!” Heed This Warning Before Heading Into Arizona From St. George

Four women recently visiting Southern Utah from Florida decided to see the Grand Canyon before they had to leave and drove into the Arizona Strip in their rental car. Like many tourists who head into this area unprepared, they wound up needing a rescue. 

Don’t Believe What You See on Your Phone Navigation 

The top part of Arizona that is separated by the Grand Canyon is home to some amazing country including the Grand Canyon and a National Monument called the Grand Canyon-Parashant. It is also still remote and dangerous for those unprepared. 

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit; it just means you need more than a rental car and Google maps when heading out. The roads are rough and can destroy street tires and during stormy weather the clay turns into unpassable mud. 

The women from Florida were rescued, but not after a long search from park rangers and the abandonment of their rental car that had sustained all kinds of damage. The fee to tow the car out of there will run in thousands of dollars. 

Some Basics for Visiting the Arizona Strip 

All the information you need for visiting this remote area can be found on the National Park Service site that describes how to best prepare. Here they describe the kind of clearance you will need and what tires are best. 

The first thing to do is contact the park service and see what conditions are like. You should also let someone know where you plan to go and when you will be back. Taking a satellite phone in case of trouble is a good idea as well. 

Read More: Prepare for Weird Weather in Utah With Surprising Vortex

Visiting this area can be an inspiring and enjoyable experience. Just make sure you know what you are doing before you begin. And pass the word along to anyone visiting who might not realize what they are getting into on a weekend jaunt.