HIKING TIPS

MY HIKING BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE 

• I have covered thousands of hiking trail miles all over the world

• I have hiked in many different kinds of environments including hot, humid, cold, wet, windy and lots in between.  I don't have as much experience with snow & ice conditions, but I do have some (although I definitely have done more hiking in the desert/heat).

• I regularly hike both alone and with other people.....and really enjoy both!

• Most of these tips come from my own hiking experiences, but it’s important to remember that every individual has different abilities, needs & interests and ultimately you need to find out and decide what works best for you 

• I can honestly say that hiking has changed my life (for the better) in many different ways.  Since I started including hiking as a regular part of my life, I am much happier and my level of stress has improved significantly.  I enjoy sharing my love of hiking with others & hope I can inspire some of you to get out and TAKE A HIKE! 

BENEFITS OF HIKING

• PHYSICAL HEALTH - It can improve your strength, balance, cardio & endurance

• MENTAL HEALTH - Nature is healing and has been shown to help us with our mood, stress, anxiety, depression & more

• SEE NEW COOL PLACES & THINGS - Explore scenery, animals, plants, geology, culture & history in a variety of places both near and far

• STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS - Time spent with…...and apart from other people can be beneficial to us

• BE PRESENT - A chance to get away and "live in the moment” without some of our responsibilities, problems, daily distractions or interruptions.  It can also be a much needed break from technology and devices like our phones, computers and social media

• TIME TO THINK - Time in nature can give you opportunities for creativity, productivity, reflection, problem solving, decision making, soul searching and much much more.  While hiking you tend to learn a lot about yourself

• FUN - simply put......hiking can be enjoyable!

CHOOSING A HIKE (SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER)

• FITNESS LEVEL - Know the abilities & limits of every hiker in your group.  I generally would recommend thinking of the person who the hike will be the most difficult for and then choose a hike based on them.  If you pick a hike that is too hard for people in your group you not only run the risk of somebody overdoing it, but typically they will be frustrated, which leads to more people getting annoyed, and nobody will end up enjoying the hike

• DIFFICULTY - The distance, elevation, steepness & altitude are all major factors that will contribute to the difficulty of a hike

• IS IT SAFE? - Think about the people who may or may not be around.  Is the area known for sketchy behavior?  If you are hiking alone then maybe you want a trail that's more popular so there are others around who could lend a hand if needed.   Also consider other risk factors like the parking areas and current conditions including the weather, visibility, fires, floods, landslides, rockslides or avalanche possibilities

• IS IT OPEN? Trails & parks can close at any point for safety, animal activity, weather, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, etc.  It is quite frustrating to get to a trail and find out it is closed, so it's best to do your research ahead of time

• TRAIL CONDITIONS - What is the terrain? Whether you are going to be traveling over dirt, rock, mud, ice or snow (or a combination) makes a difference out on the trail

• GETTING THERE AND BACK - Where does the hike start and finish?  Are the roads open and can you get there?  Does it require a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle?  Do you need a parking pass, permit or permission?

• HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE? - How long will the hike take?  Does the area close to visitors at a certain time?  Unless you're backpacking and planning on spending the night, give yourself enough time so that your hike will be finished before it gets dark

• WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE? - Sights? Views? Nature? Wildlife?  Pick a trail that gives you more of what you want to see

• START OFF SMALL - If you’re new to hiking, begin with trails that are shorter and/or more flat.  Then you can add to that as you get more experience

• GET PHYSICALLY FIT - Hiking is a great way to get in better shape, but you may also want to get in better shape to prepare for more hiking

• HIKE WITH SOMEONE MORE EXPERIENCED - Going with somebody else (who is going to be patient with you) is a good way to start off so you can learn from them

• DO YOUR RESEARCH - Find out the details you need to know for where you’re going BEFORE you go.  Check websites, posts, reviews, social media & hiking apps for up to date information

• TALK TO OTHERS - Park Rangers & Employees, Visitor Centers, online groups, other hikers, family and friends can all be good resources

HIKING ESSENTIALS

You don't necessarily need to have expensive equipment, but having the right gear for the right situations is critical when hiking.  These are the must haves you should always bring with you on every hike (no matter the distance):

• WATER - Make sure you bring more water than what you think you will need.  Yes water can be somewhat heavy, but other than air it is your most prized possession out on the trail.  A hydration pack also makes it much easier to not only drink and carry your water, but carry the other things you need and want to bring with you as well.  One trick I use (especially in warmer weather) is to fill my hydration pack with some ice too so that it is cool against my back....plus you can use it to put food up against to keep cooler, prevent from melting or help perishables last a bit longer.  Be sure to read the section below on dehydration for more important water related tips and information

• FOOD - Generally you're going to want to choose high energy foods that are lightweight and things you know you already like.  Out on the trail is generally not the best time to experiment with new foods you've never tried before.  It's always wise to pack more food than what you will actually need in case you end up spending more time on the trail than you originally planned

• NAVIGATION - This includes your maps, GPS, hiking apps and/or compass that will help you find your way.  While this often includes our phones, you should always assume your technology will not work or have service.  With that in mind, be sure to always have a paper map as a backup for those times when technology fails.  Another thing I always do is take a photo/screenshot of the hiking map so I have access to it even when there is no cell coverage.  If you are using your phone, you can do many things to increase the battery life: turn off WiFi and Bluetooth features that aren't needed, close all unnecessary apps, reduce the screen brightness and switch to airplane mode (especially when you are without service anyways)

• PROPER FOOTWEAR - Pick hiking boots or hiking shoes that are going to be comfortable and appropriate for the terrain and conditions you'll be on.  Also be sure to lace them up properly; I've lost count of the the number of times my hiking boots have saved me from a serious ankle sprain.  Also don't forget socks that are comfy & quick drying.  Avoid cotton socks that will stay wet; wet socks are not fun at all and can wreak havoc on your feet

• PROPER CLOTHING - You're going to want quick drying, comfortable and lightweight clothes that can be layered for all conditions.  Typically your base layer (the clothing against your skin) should be something that is moisture wicking and dries quickly.  From there you can start to add layers as needed for warmth.  Avoid cotton & jeans that don’t dry well and can leave you wet and cold

• WATERPROOF GEAR - Your outer layer of clothing should be your protection from both wind and rain (if necessary).  That could mean water-resistant, water-repellant or waterproof clothing and footwear depending on the location and conditions.  Don't forget about protecting your gear/equipment properly from the elements as well

• SUN PROTECTION - Help beat the heat by wearing proper clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses 7 lip balm.  This not only helps you stay cooler longer, but lowers you chances for dehydration, fatigue and overexertion

• FIRST AID KIT -  Your first aid kit should at least have the basics to treat some of the common hiking injuries like cuts, scrapes, blisters and allergies.  Then you can build your kit from there depending on your individual situation and needs.  I would definitely include a good whistle too that will carry sound much further than your voice could in an emergency situation.  There are many prepackaged hiking kits available for purchase, or if you want to put your own together REI has a really good HIKING FIRST AID KIT CHECKLIST with items to consider

OTHER HIKING GEAR (TO CONSIDER)

It's important to practice using all of your different gear and equipment before your hikes so that you know how to properly use it when the time comes and you really need it.  Here are some other things you may want to consider bringing on your hikes:

• LIGHT SOURCE - I went back and forth on whether or not to include this as an essential item, but I ended up putting it here because it really depends a lot on where, when and how long you are hiking.  That being said, a flashlight or headlamp can be critical if you end up getting caught in the dark.  Don't forget batteries too!

• CAMERA - Because you're going to want to document all the cool places, sights & scenes from all of you hikes!

• HIKING POLES - This is something I wish I had started using much earlier in life.  Once I begun hiking with trekking poles, I now never go without them.  The poles give you increased balance & stability; especially on terrain that is wet, icy, muddy, snowy, slippery and/or steep.  Your poles can be used to "dig in" during those uphill sections and they really help protect your knees when heading downhill.  My poles have definitely saved me from falling on more than a few occasions

• BUG PROTECTION - Bug sprays, repellants proper clothing, mosquito “nets” and even different scents can all play a part in whether the bugs ruin your hike or not.  This is another item that may be consider essential in some places

• ADDITIONAL SAFETY GEAR - Besides your standard first aid kit, some type of satellite communication or personal locator beacon is another device that regular hikers may want to invest in (especially if you do any solo hiking).  I always carry mine with me and it provides not only some safety protection, but also some peace of mind for both you and your family/friends back home

• BACKUP GEAR - Extra batteries, portable/solar chargers for your different devices do mean extra weight you have to carry, but that trade off may be worth it for some people (especially when it comes to navigation or safety devices and on longer and more remote hikes)

SHARING THE TRAIL

As much as many of us enjoy the peace and quiet of being out in nature, it's inevitable that you're going to encounter other people out and about on the trails.  So what happens when you come across another person and the trail isn't wide enough for both people to pass one another?  Who should step aside (yield) to let another person go by?  Thankfully there are some trail etiquette guidelines to help us all share those spaces respectfully. 

• TRAIL RIGHT OF WAY:

  1. Horse -  A person with a horse should always get the right of way from other people since they have an animal that could be unpredictable.  Try to give horses plenty of space and avoid any sudden movements or noises that could startle them

  2. Hiker 

  3. Biker

  4. Dog - Anyone with a dog should give the right of way to the other people on the trail

• In a situation involving two of the same (for instance a hiker coming towards another hiker), then the person going uphill has the right of way.  This is because usually they can't see quite as much as the person who's coming downhill.  It also allows the uphill person the opportunity to keep their "groove" and rhythm going up the incline without having to stop

• The person with the right of way can always give up their right and yield to others.  People will often do this if they want or need a break

• If you are coming up behind someone (going the same direction as them), try to give that person plenty of notice to avoid startling them by calling out something like “hello” or “behind you”

• When you are yielding to others, try not to step off the trail (unless there's no choice) in order to avoid damaging the vegetation

• Keep in mind in certain situations these guidelines may not always make the most sense (like if one person has a much better place to step aside or if someone is near a cliff/edge and it’s not a safe place to pass).  In those cases (or if you are unsure of what to do), then simply use common sense and communicate with the other people on the trail

• As another example, even though as a hiker you technically have the right of way over a person on a bike, most of the time I will step aside to let a biker pass because it's often easier for me to move aside rather than them stop and dismount (especially if they have already their momentum going uphill)

• When it comes to sharing the trail and the right of way, being safe and being respectful is more important than being right

GENERAL HIKING SAFETY

• PROPER PREPARATION - Always have a plan for the different situations that could come up

• KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING - Decide ahead of time what trails and route you will take.  Hikers who "wing it" have a much bigger chance of finding themselves in a bad situation

• SHARE YOUR PLANS - Once you have your plans figured out, be sure to share all of your hiking details (starting & end points, who you are going with, your planned trails/route and when you should be back or checking in) with at least one other person NOT hiking with you.  This is a CRITICALLY IMPORTANT SAFETY STEP in case something were to go wrong on your hike - that way people know where to start looking for you or where to send help

• PERSONAL SAFETY - Just like you should in any situation, you always want to be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for potential dangers or something that doesn't seem quite right

• PARKING - Are you able to leave your vehicle parked in a safe place?  To help prevent break-ins always leave your valuables out of sight (or better yet at home) and be sure to lock your vehicle

• STRENGTH IN NUMBERS - It’s usually safer to hike in a group and generally more people will help add a layer of protection

• HIKING ALONE - As I mentioned before, I do a lot of solo hiking.  While there are certainly more risks when you're out there by yourself, it can still be pretty safe if done properly.  If you do decide to hike alone, be sure to take extra precautions though to help protect yourself out on the trail

• SELF RELIANCE- Always assume you and your hiking group will have to take complete care of yourselves.  Help may not always be available or reachable…...not to mention a rescue can be really expensive!  People who are irresponsible not only put themselves at risk, but can put the rescuers and other people in danger too

DEHYDRATION

• Water is essential for every hike (no matter the distance).  Dehydration is possibly your biggest risk while hiking, and that risk increases in warmer temperatures and as a hike gets more difficult or strenuous

• Dehydration can quickly lead to other problems such as headache, nausea, dizziness, heat exhaustion, heat stroke & hypothermia so it's really important to prevent it from occurring

• Bring more than enough water for your hike.  Take into account the distance, time, weather & difficulty of the hike......then add even more water in case you take longer than expected

• Always have access to water or at least know where the nearest water source is

• Hydrate before, during, and after your hikes (don't just wait until you get thirsty).  Thirst is your bodies way of saying you are getting dehydrated

• Drink smaller amounts of water frequently (as opposed to large amounts of water every so often)

• Do not ever drink untreated water from rivers, lakes, creeks, ponds etc. as it can contain bacteria, parasites and/or viruses to make you sick.  Be sure you know your water source is safe or treated before consuming.  Water can be treated properly by boiling, filtration, UV light or tablets (iodine/chlorine).  I made this mistake once myself when I was younger and I can tell you it is not pleasant at all!

• Consuming electrolytes along with water can help replace the important minerals you lose during sweating.  You can get electrolytes in many forms including powders, tablets, liquids, drinks, gummies and gels

• Use the “pee test” to check your hydration levels.  Generally you want you urine to be a light yellow color.  If it's a darker yellow or heading towards brown in color that's a sign that you are dehydrated and definitely need more water

OVEREXERTION

• A common mistake made by many hikers (both beginner and advanced) is overdoing it.  Underestimating the difficulty of a hike or overestimating your own abilities can set you up for trouble

• Overexertion risk can be increased by the distance, altitude, elevation, temperature and pace of your hike.  Dehydration and overexertion can often go hand in hand 

• Overdoing it can quickly lead to other conditions like fatigue, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, nausea, clumsiness & poor judgement (which increases the likelihood of an injury too)

• Know your limits - be realistic and don’t try to do more than what you (or anyone else in your hiking group) can properly handle

• Bring all the essentials you need to stay safe and comfortable, but don’t carry more (extra weight) besides what you really need

• Use common sense and don’t be afraid to rest, turn around, alter your plans or quit if necessary.  As they saying goes it's better to be safe than sorry!

ILLNESSES & MEDICAL RISKS

Some of the most common medical concerns that can occur while hiking include:

• • Dehydration

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea 

  • Allergic Reaction

• • Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke

  • Hypothermia/Frostbite

  • Altitude Sickness

  • Pre-Existing Conditions

• Educate yourself so you are able to recognize the different signs & symptoms of these common conditions and how to handle each of them

• Be sure to carry the proper medications for any pre-existing conditions or allergies you may have

INJURIES

Many accidents that occur while hiking tend to result from one (or more) of the following:

• • Not paying attention

  • Fatigue or overexertion

  • Poor planning or poor decisions

• The most common hiking injuries tend to be cuts/scrapes, trips & falls or a bad step that results in an injury like a twisted ankle or knee.  To reduce the chances of these things happening, be sure to watch where you step.  Just one wrong step can change the dynamic of your hike in a hurry

• Going off trail significantly increases your risk for an injury

• Avoid taking photos & videos or looking at your phone while you are still walking.  If you are using or looking at a device, then simply stop walking and wait to move again until you are done using the device

• Use common sense and be extra careful around cliff edges and steep drop offs - no selfie, photo or text is worth your life!

• Your first aid kit should have supplies to treat those common hiking injuries like cuts, sprains and blisters

WEATHER

• Always be sure to check the weather before you go, but also be aware that weather can change quickly (especially in certain areas of the world

• Keep in mind that weather reports are sometimes wrong

• Bring clothing & gear for the worst possible conditions you could face

• Take extra breaks in warm conditions (to avoid overheating) and take shorter but frequent breaks in cold weather to help stay warm (and to avoid sweating which can make you cold)

• Avoid getting wet (from water, rain and/or sweat) in cold weather conditions since that can become really dangerous quickly

• If the weather is going to impact your safety, consider adjusting your plans, postponing or cancelling your hike.  It can be really frustrating to give up on a hike you really wanted to do or something you've been looking forward to seeing, but sometimes it's the smart thing to do

WILDLIFE (FAUNA)

• Remember that when you are out hiking you are a guest in the natural habitat and home for many animals and they should always be respected and have the right of way

• Wildlife can often be the highlight of your hike, but it's important to know the animals you could encounter or that may pose a risk for you for where you are going

• Know and follow all of the rules and guidelines involving wildlife in the areas you are hiking

• While it is most animal's nature to avoid humans, keep in mind they are wild creatures and just like humans each of them is unique and can behave and act differently

• Be on the lookout for signs of animals (footprints, scat, fur, markings, signs of feeding, game trails, habitat and sounds) that may tell you they are in the area (even if you can't see them)

• Most animals are typically more active at dawn, dusk or at night

• Many animal encounters occur when an animal is surprised or startled.  Make enough noise so that animals can hear you approaching (especially in bear country, going around blind corners, near overgrown brush or on trail sections where you can't see very far)

• Keep in mind that windy conditions or being near running water can make it much more difficult for animals to hear you (or for you to hear them)

• Generally if an animal is changing any of it's behavior because of you, then you are too close

• Sticking to the trails will often reduce your chances for a negative animal encounter

• Avoid wearing headphones (especially in areas where animals are common) which may prevent you from hearing animals in the area

• Do not ever approach or feed wild animals and don’t leave any of your food unattended where animals can get to it.  The saying "a fed animal is a dead animal" often holds true in the sense that animals who become used to people (or human food) typically become a nuisance or danger and often have to be put down.  Not to mention some human foods can be harmful or even deadly to an animal

• A mother with babies is often very protective and can be one of the most dangerous animal situations (so be sure to give them plenty of extra space)

• Another animal that is dangerous is one that is sick or injured.  If an animal is acting strange or displaying behavior that is unusual, then it's best to stay away

• People tend to think most about animals like bears, mountain lions & snakes, but the little creatures like ticks & mosquitos (who can carry diseases) can often pose the biggest dangers so take the proper steps to help reduce those encounters.  Use bug spray, keep yourself covered and stay on trail and away from brush and high grasses where ticks, bugs and other creatures often hang out

• In tick country it's always recommended to do a "tick check" on your body and clothing after every hike to look for any critters that may have tried to hitch a ride

• Watch where you step and be careful sticking your hands & feet into things like rock/wood piles, holes or other places you can't see into

HIKING IN BEAR COUNTRY

While bears will also typically avoid humans, they can be unpredictable, protective and dangerous at times.  As a result extra precautions are necessary whenever you are hiking in bear country.

• Find out the bear regulations and information for the areas you are going beforehand

• Know the different types of bears and the different habitats they tend to frequent

• Be extra aware and always pay attention to what is happening around you.  Look for any signs of bear activity (footprints, scat, markings and signs of feeding) because probably the last thing you want to do when hiking is surprise a bear or have a bear surprise you

• Make noise regularly so that bears know you are coming and aren't startled

• Your voice is the best way to announce your presence to any bears that may be in the area (as they will often associate a voice with a human).  Many people will use the "Hey Bear!" call every so often to alert any bears to your arrival

• Many places will sell and advertise "bear bells" to place on your shoes or backpack to let a bear know you are coming.  However I have had a number of Park Rangers tell me the bells don't seem to do much good because they sound too similar to sounds in nature (like a bird).  Personally I wouldn't rely on them (or spend any $ on them either).  Stick to using your voice

• Don't play music as a way to notify bears you are in the area.  Besides ruining the nature experience for other people, it also makes it hard for you to hear what may be around you

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.  Also be sure that your bear spray is out and easily ACCESSIBLE.  If it's in your backpack or not easy to get to, then by the time you actually needed to use it then it's probably too late

• Hike during the daytime as bears are typically more active at dawn & dusk

• Solo hiking is strongly discouraged in bear country (especially with grizzly & brown bears).  Even as much as I love solo hiking, I would never hike by myself in grizzly bear country

• Bears tend to avoid people in groups (the bigger the better).  Bear attacks on hiking groups of 3 or more people is almost unheard of

• Trail running in bear country is not a good decision at all as your chances for a surprise encounter are significantly increased

• Keep kids and pets close; don't let them run ahead which could lead to a surprise interaction

• Properly store your food as required by local regulations.  Don't leave your pack unattended either.  Just one opportunity where a bear is able to gain food from a human source can lead to bear behavior that is dangerous for both the bear and for people

• Don't run from a bear as that may trigger their natural predator - prey response.  Not to mention they can run a lot faster than we can!  Also keep in mind that most bears are much better tree climbers than we are.  Your best bet is often to stay calm and slowly ack

PLANTS (FLORA)

• People often don’t spend much time thinking about plants in terms of hiking, but they too can present problems for a variety of reasons:

  • Poisonous

  • Painful/Itchy

  • Allergic Reaction

• A good general rule for plants is “Look but don’t touch”

• Don't eat wild plants unless you are absolutely certain it is safe (and allowed)

• Be respectful of the plants that are growing - remember some plants only grow in certain places of the world and that other flora and fauna may need that plant for survival.  Just one step on a plant could do damage that may take decades to repair

• Staying on the trail will minimize your encounters with vegetation (both for your sake and the sake of the plants)

• Wash yourself & your clothing after hiking to help get rid of any plant oils that could cause irritation or an allergic reaction

GETTING LOST

The reality is that getting lost when hiking is not a common problem for most people in most places who simply plan ahead, pay attention and make reasonable decisions.  That being said, getting lost could turn into a dangerous situation, so by taking proper precautions you can help minimize that risk.

• Have the proper navigation skills and resources (map, compass, etc) with you on all your hikes

• Have a backup plan in case your phone dies, you don't have cell coverage or you face any technical difficulties

• Hiking in the dark (especially if you are unprepared) drastically increases the chances of getting lost

• Stay on the trail - Going off trail is the most common way that hikers get lost (plus you are much more likely to get injured if you go off trail too)

• Every so often, look back behind to see what the hike looks like going in the other direction.  Take note of reference points in case you ended up needing them later.  You can even use your camera to document some of the landmarks or trail intersections you come across

• Consider carrying a GPS, satellite communicator or personal locator beacon to help you stay on course and to communicate with others in the event you did get lost (especially when going somewhere new, somewhere more remote or when solo hiking)

IF YOU ARE LOST

• If you do get lost, follow these steps:  STOP - DON’T PANIC - LOOK AROUND - THINK - PLAN

• If you are on a trail (even if it’s the wrong one), don’t go off trail

• Consider retracing your steps back the way you came

• Look for recognizable features & landmarks to help guide you

• Look back at any photos you may have taken on your hike and use those to help point out landmarks that may guide you

• Listen for different sounds that may help you (such as other people, vehicles, water features, etc)

• Use your voice (or hopefully a whistle) to call for help

• If you’re without coverage, save your phone battery for when you’re able to get service and make a call.  You can do this by placing your phone on airplane mode, closing apps, turning off WiFi & Bluetooth, reducing the screen brightness, or simply turning the phone off until later

• It is possible that 911 may still work even if you don’t have network coverage.  However don’t use up your entire battery trying to call over and over from the same areas if your signal is weak

• It doesn't always apply, but often times heading downhill or following a waterway (such as a river) may lead you to safety (as long as it doesn't take you into a place you can't get out of (like a canyon)

• If you are not confident about getting yourself out, and especially if you think help will be on the way, then it’s generally better to stay put where you are.  You don’t want to waste your energy wandering around without a plan

• If possible, try to make yourself more visible so that it's easier for others to spot you

• If it's getting dark, start thinking about ways you can keep yourself warm and dry at night (using your clothing, fire, shelter or protection from the elements/weather and any other resources that may be available)

• Keep in mind that water is going to be your most precious resource (even more so than food)

• In the event you were lost, you ultimately have to weigh all the different factors and make the best decision about whether you should stay put and wait for rescue or try to get yourself out

• Remember again that people who plan ahead, pay attention and make reasonable decisions rarely get lost, so don’t let that deter you from getting out to hike.  Simply taking the proper precautions and putting in a little bit of time & thought can help you stay safe out on the trails!

LEAVE NO TRACE

LEAVE NO TRACE is a set of principles that help guide people venturing into the outdoors so that we can all minimize our impact on the environment and so that people are able to enjoy nature respectfully and responsibly for generations.  Another way to think about it is to leave the places you visit the same way (or even better) than when you first arrived.

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE #1: PLAN AHEAD

• KNOW THE RULES & REGULATIONS FOR WHERE YOU ARE GOING

• WHERE CAN YOU LEGALLY PARK?

• GATHER ALL THE NECESSARY PASSES & PERMITS YOU WILL NEED

• ARE DOGS ALLOWED?  IS IT ON-LEASH ONLY OR IS OFF-LEASH ALLOWED? 

• ARE THERE ANY AREAS THAT ARE CLOSED OR OFF LIMITS?

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE #2: ONLY TRAVEL ON DURABLE SURFACES

• DON’T PARK IN PLACES OR ON SURFACES THAT CAN BE DAMAGED

• STAY ON DESIGNATED TRAILS

• DON’T USE (OR MAKE) SHORTCUTS BETWEEN TRAILS

• IF YOU MUST GO OFF TRAIL, STAY ON DURABLE SURFACES THAT CAN TOLERATE HEAVY USE (ROCK, GRAVEL, SAND, SNOW, AND SOME DRY GRASSES) 

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE #3: PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT

• DON’T LEAVE ANYTHING BEHIND.  THIS INCLUDES BIODEGRADABLE WASTE LIKE FRUIT PEELS THAT CAN TAKE A REALLY LONG TIME TO DISINTEGRATE AND CAN NEGATIVELY IMPACT WILDLIFE

• DISPOSE OF ALL GARBAGE PROPERLY

• KNOW AND FOLLOW THE LOCAL REGULATIONS REGARDING DISPOSING OF HUMAN & PET WASTE

• CONSIDER PICKING UP GARBAGE THAT IS LEFT BEHIND BY OTHERS

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE #4: LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND

• LOOK BUT DON’T DISTURB, MOVE, DAMAGE OR TAKE NATURAL OBJECTS FROM THEIR ENVIRONMENT

• HELP PRESERVE AND PROTECT CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ARTIFACTS

• MOVING, TAKING, CARVING, BREAKING, PICKING, PULLING, WRITING ON, BUILDING, STACKING AND TRAMPLING CAN DO DAMAGE THAT IS IRREPLACEABLE OR MAY TAKE DECADES TO REPAIR

• KEEPING NATURE IN THE RIGHT CONDITIONS HELPS ENSURE THAT ALL PEOPLE CAN ENJOY IT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE #5: MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS

• FOLLOW THE RULES & REGULATIONS REGARDING CAMPFIRES AS THEY HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE DESTRUCTIVE AND DEVASTATING

• BUILD YOUR FIRE IN AN EXISTING FIRE RING OR USE A FIRE PAN 

• KEEP YOUR CAMPFIRES SMALL AND UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES

• BE WARY OF BUILDING CAMPFIRES IN WINDY & DRY CONDITIONS

• ONLY BURN DOWNED AND DEAD WOOD THAT CAN BE BROKEN BY HAND

• DON'T BURN YOUR TRASH OR THROW TRASH IN A FIRE

• MAKE SURE TO PUT OUT ALL CAMPFIRES COMPLETELY & THEN SCATTER THE COOL ASHES

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE #6: RESPECT WILDLIFE

• OBSERVE ANIMALS FROM A DISTANCE.  DON’T FOLLOW OR APPROACH THEM.  LET WILD ANIMALS STAY WILD IN THEIR HOME

• NEVER FEED ANIMALS & KEEP YOUR FOOD PROPERLY STORED

• KEEP CONTROL OF YOUR PETS SO THEY DON’T DISTURB WILDLIFE

• GIVE EXTRA SPACE TO ANIMALS WHO ARE NESTING, IN MATING SEASON, RAISING YOUNG,  SICK OR INJURED & DURING THE WINTER

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE #7: BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

• MANY PEOPLE HIKE FOR THE NATURE EXPERIENCE & SOLITUDE SO CONSIDER HOW YOUR BEHAVIOR AFFECTS OTHER VISITORS

• PROPERLY SHARE THE TRAIL AND YIELD WHEN APPROPRIATE

• SMILING, WAVING, SAYING “HELLO” & “THANK YOU” IS ENCOURAGED

• ALLOW THE SOUNDS OF NATURE TO BE HEARD.  AVOID PLAYING MUSIC, TALKING ON YOUR PHONE OR MAKING LOUD NOISES THAT OTHER PEOPLE CAN HEAR

“TAKE ONLY MEMORIES,

LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS”

- Chief Seattle

BASIC HIKING TERMS

• TRAILHEAD - The place where a hike starts and/or finishes.  Usually this will be at a parking lot or road and often includes signs & maps

• TRAIL JUNCTION - A point where 2 (or more) trails intersect

• SWITCHBACK - A trial that zig zags back & forth (typically these will occur in steeper areas to make it a bit easier for going up and down)

• CAIRNS - Human-made stack of rocks that are used to mark hiking routes or points.  They are especially common in desert areas when traveling over rocks

  • Do not tamper with cairns - Moving rocks can cause another person to get confused or lost

  • Do not add to cairns - Adding extra rocks can change a cairn’s appearance or could collapse the pile

  • Do not create new cairns - Besides confusing other hikers, you could cause the soil to erode or damage the ground environment

TYPES OF HIKES

• OUT & BACK - Sometimes called “In & Out”, an “Out & Back” is where you hike to an end point, turn around and hike back on the same trail(s) but in the opposite direction (starting and finishing at the same spot)

• LOOP - A “Loop” hike follows one or more trails and brings you back to the same place you first started, without repeating any of the paths (often traveling in a circle or oval shaped route)

• LOLLIPOP - Also called a “Lasso” or “Popsicle”, the “Lollipop” hike combines an out & back with a loop; hence the shape ends up looking like a candy sucker with a stem 

• FIGURE 8 - A “Figure 8” hike is pretty much just like it sounds and looks like; a combination of two loops

• POINT TO POINT - A “Point to Point” hike starts at one place but finishes at a different location.  That means on these hikes you need to arrange a second type of transportation (such as another vehicle, hiking shuttle, bus, bike, etc) between the starting and finishing spots

FINAL THOUGHTS

• All of this may seem like a lot, but taking all of these things into consideration should help you better stay safe and hopefully make your hikes more enjoyable too

• Like most things in life, you will make your share of mistakes while hiking.  The important thing is to try and be as prepared as possible so that the mistakes you do make are only minor and don’t end up becoming major problems

• Every time you hike, reflect afterwards on what went well and what didn't

• Get suggestions from others, but also be sure to do what works best for you

In the end, remember that hiking is supposed to be fun.  It can be a great lifelong activity with many benefits and open you up to new places for exploration and self reflection.  Hopefully you are able to get out and experience some of the same benefits and enjoyment that I get from hiking!