Hiking is one of my favorite outdoor activities, and it can also be a great way to stay in shape. With some of the most spectacular trails leading into remote wilderness areas, you'll want to ensure a safe and rewarding experience.
Here are seven safety tips to keep in mind before heading out the door:
Build your endurance for a longer hike
Don't plan a long hike your first time out, especially after a long winter of inactivity. It's best to start out slow and work your way up to a lengthier hike a little at a time to prevent injury and frustration. Also keep in mind any elevation changes. Hiking a mile on fairly flat ground at sea level is a lot easier than hiking a mile at higher elevations.
I usually limit my first hike of the season to three miles round-trip and build up from there.
Break in your hiking shoes
Although you'll probably be excited to try your out your new hiking shoes right away, never wear new shoes on the trail without breaking them in first. There are few things more miserable than experiencing blisters or painful foot ailments in the middle of a hike. Break your shoes in by walking in them for at least 30 miles first.
Bring plenty of water
Another hard lesson learned on the trail is the importance of bringing enough water. Drier, high-elevation climates will require more water. Coming from the Pacific Northwest to the high desert climate of Sedona, Ariz., I hadn't realized how quickly I would become dehydrated in that environment, and dehydration can quickly lead to exhaustion and even heat stroke. Fortunately, another group of hikers was nearby and offered to share. It's worth the extra weight in your pack to bring plenty of water, as well as water purifying tablets.
Food is fuel
Eat a healthy breakfast before leaving home and bring nutritious snacks to eat along the way. Nuts, raisins and energy bars are easy to pack and the perfect fuel to keep you going.
Sun protection
Sun block is not an option, it's a necessity. A nasty sunburn on the trail can leave you not only in pain, but exhausted, not to mention the long-term effects of sun exposure, including skin cancer. The higher elevation hike you're on the greater your need for sun block. Shortly after moving to Colorado, I went on a hike in the spectacular Rocky Mountains; while the scenery was incredible, I received a bad sunburn in the less than an hour out on the trail.
First-aid and other essentials
Bring a basic first aid kit, a knife, lighter and a small flashlight. All can be life savers if you get stuck out on the trail or lost for a period of time.
Common sense
Make sure someone knows where you'll be hiking and the approximate time you'll return. Always be aware of your surroundings and don't wander too far off the trail. Even a minor injury can turn into something tragic. Be especially cautious near slippery rocks and steep hillsides, and if you're in an area with dangerous wildlife may exist, be sure to make noise. Bears will typically move away if they hear people in the area.
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