A fatal fall at Zion National Park and a critical injury near Moab this spring prompted St. George podiatrist Dr. Landon Cameron to share hiking safety guidance.
St. George, UT (PRUnderground) June 2nd, 2026
Foot & Ankle Center serves patients across St. George, UT, and Mesquite, NV, two communities situated near some of Southern Utah’s most popular hiking corridors. A string of serious hiking accidents across Utah this spring, including one in Pritchett Canyon near Moab¹ and Angels Landing in Zion National Park,² has prompted clinic founder Dr. Landon Cameron, DPM, FACFAS to urge outdoor enthusiasts to pay closer attention to foot stability and trail preparation before heading onto local terrain.
Foot & Ankle Center specializes in diagnosing and treating foot and ankle conditions that commonly affect active patients, including ankle instability, tendon injuries, stress fractures, and chronic overuse that can arise from hiking and trail recreation. The practice regularly provides Utah residents and visitors with comprehensive foot and ankle care. Recent hiking accidents across Utah are especially concerning for Dr. Cameron, who believes many trail injuries stem from preventable issues involving footwear, conditioning, and overlooked foot or ankle instability.
“What I see in my practice is that hikers can underestimate how much their foot and ankle mechanics contribute to trail safety,” said Dr. Cameron. “Fatigue, poor footwear, or an unaddressed ankle weakness can turn a manageable stretch of terrain into a dangerous one very quickly. Hiking boots with ankle support, firm midsoles, and grippy outsoles help maintain traction and reduce the risk of rolling an ankle on loose rock or uneven ground. Hikers who head out in worn athletic shoes or sandals place significantly more mechanical demand on the ankle and arch, raising the risk of a sprain, a stress fracture, or a fall on technical terrain.”
Cameron advises hikers to address chronic ankle weakness or prior injuries before tackling demanding trails, noting that conditions such as stress fractures and Achilles tendinitis can worsen significantly under the demands of steep or rocky terrain. He also emphasizes preparation and pacing as habits that protect hikers on the trail.
“We see patients who pushed through discomfort on a hike and ended up with injuries that required weeks of recovery,” Cameron said. “Stretch your calves and Achilles tendon before you go, condition your ankles in the weeks leading up to a demanding hike, and know when to turn around.”
Foot & Ankle Center was named the 2025 Gold Winner for podiatry in the Best of Southern Utah awards presented by The Spectrum & Daily News, marking the third consecutive year the practice has received top recognition from the community.
To learn more about trail-related foot and ankle injuries or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cameron, call 435-714-6996 or visit MyFootDoc.com.
Sources:
¹https://kutv.com/news/local/adult-airlifted-in-critical-condition-after-fall-on-moab-area-hike
²https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2026/04/update-hiker-dies-after-fall-angels-landing-trail-zion-national-park
About Foot & Ankle Center
Foot & Ankle Center has the experience to treat all foot and ankle concerns such as foot & ankle pain, heel pain, toenail fungus, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and many more. They believe in a conservative approach to podiatry, evaluating all options for treatment before surgery.
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