Desert Hiking Safety Tips

In addition, here are a couple of basic safety refreshers to keep in mind when recreating outdoors:

• Take short, familiar trails.
• Start early…the earlier the better.
• Rest often.
• Never hike alone
• Keep skin covered as much as possible by wearing a long sleeved shirt and a hat. Light colored clothing will help reflect heat.
• Stay hydrated all the time. The best place to store water is in your body! Make sure to drink extra (water) the day before a planned hike to pre-hydrate. On the hike, carry more water than you think you’ll need. Depending on the length of the hike, carry at least 70-100 ounces. Always keep extra water in your vehicle for after the hike.
• Carry a bandana in your pack. They are light-weight and can be used for numerous situations. If you are beginning to suffer from excessive heat, wet the bandana and place on the nape of the neck and/or the forehead. This will help to cool you down quickly. Seek shade under a tree or bush.
• Leave word with someone trustworthy about where you intend to go. If you plan to camp overnight, fill out a slip at the Ranger Station so we don’t assume you are lost or injured, if your car is at the trailhead at closing time (sunset).
  
• Map miles are not the same as effort miles. On good trails, hikers can go up to 2.5 MPH. On most trails, count on no more than 1 or 1.5 MPH, especially if admiring the views, cooling off under Palo Verde trees, taking pictures, etc.
  
• Going uphill takes more time. A 1,000’ climb equals a mile of effort and adds 10 or 20 minutes. Downhill is no faster if the trail is bad.
  
• Heat can kill you! Avoid travel if it is above 100 degrees. Hike between sun up and 11 a.m. Your efficiency drops drastically with heat and dehydration.
  
• Carry enough water – two quarts at least. (It is impossible to carry enough on a 115-degree day.)
  
• Be wary of rattlesnakes, particularly at night and when it is relatively cool. We have a plentiful supply here.
  
• Carry something to signal with – a police whistle, signal mirror, and matches for a fire, a colored panel – to make you visible.
  
• It is good sense to carry a hiking staff to aid in rough spots, and some sprain tape.
  
• White Tank Mountain is tough country. Off-trail travel can get you in bad trouble quickly.
  
• Look behind you frequently. The trail back looks different from the trail out.

Be considerate – leave no trace.