Staying Safe on Your Summer Hike

That’s a Long Way Down… 

Experiencing existential dread when you see the bottom of the canyon at a national park? It’s difficult not to be absolutely floored by just how far that drop is! But rest assured: it’s plenty far, far enough to cause you to sustain (almost certainly) fatal injuries. So, what can be done? Well, for starters, don’t hike around in restricted areas. Many national parks will have signs instructing visitors where they can hike and where they ought to avoid. If you’re going bouldering or rock climbing, be mindful of where you’re climbing. It’s important that you’re going climbing in a place that’s appropriate for someone of your skill level and experience level. If you’re climbing and/or bouldering, make sure you’re taking the appropriate safety precautions, and that you pack the appropriate safety gear. In some cases, it may be a good idea to climb and/or boulder with a group of more experienced people.  

Consider Medical Conditions 

It’s important to consider medical conditions when you’re hiking. Going on a 10-mile hike that increases over 4,000 feet in elevation is going to be much more difficult if you’re 35, asthmatic, and 42 weeks pregnant than it would be if you were 20 years old and in the best shape of your life. Pay attention to things such as heart conditions, asthma, allergies, and problems with balance and coordination. These may play a part in deciding whether any given hike is a good idea for you and your crew. Obesity may also make certain hikes extremely dangerous, especially for those who are at heavier weights. Remember to only go on hikes that you’re comfortable with. If you have concerns about how your medical history may impact your ability to go on a hike, it’s important to discuss these concerns with your doctor.  

Am I an Expert? 

When you approach a trailhead, you’ll likely see information about the hike, along with some indication of how difficult the hike is. If you’re a beginner, it’s important to be honest with yourself about that when deciding on whether or not a hike is right for you. On many of these hikes, it is very difficult—if not impossible—for rescuers to come to your aid if you need help. In some cases, there may be a risk of you getting lost, struggling to continue, not packing enough supplies, or a general lack of preparedness. When you’re planning on going on a hike, it’s important to seriously research the hike so that you know what to expect. This is less important for short, beginner hikes that are considered to be family friendly. However, long hikes that potentially have rough terrain, difficult-to-navigate areas, and climbing, may not be suitable for everyone. If you have children, it will be important to consider this on your hike.  

The Dog Needs to Be Safe Too! 

Man’s best friend also needs some special consideration on the hike too. A collapsible water bowl is a great start, but your furry friend might need more. Many dogs actually need hiking shoes—and of course, your dog won’t want to wear them. Nevertheless, it may be important for them to get on board with the shoes. Hiking can damage your dog’s paws, especially in the heat. In some situations, a dog’s paws may be so significantly injured, that the dog is no longer able to walk, causing the owner to carry their fur baby down the hike. This might not sound like the end of the world when you’ve got a purse dog, but it’s a pretty significant inconvenience when you’ve got a Bernese Mountain Dog who outweighs your wife. Also, remember that your furry friend is wearing a fur coat on the hike. Make sure you pack enough water for them and make sure that you’re watching out for signs that they’re overheating. 

No Night Hikes! 

You should never hike at night without a guide who knows exactly what they’re doing. It’s one thing to get lost on a trail at night and end up in someone’s backyard—this is not an uncommon occurrence in neighborhoods located in mountains near trailheads. It’s an entirely different problem to end up stranded on a trail in a national park that spans for hundreds of miles where there’s no service and no telling where you are. Even if you are just hiking in a neighborhood that happens to have trail heads, you should avoid hiking at night as that’s when the mountain lions tend to come out. If you’re hiking later in the day, make sure you look up when the sun is going to set so you can be off the trail before darkness falls. 

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