Heat
Canyon trails can run well over 100°F in summer. Start at sunrise, carry more water than you think you'll need and turn back when you've drunk half of it.
Trail safety
The best rescue is the one we never have to make.
Most of our callouts start with a hike that ran longer, hotter or darker than planned. A few minutes of preparation keeps your day in the mountains a good one.
Before you go
Leave a plan with someone you trust
If you're overdue, they call 911 and we start the search from your plan instead of from nothing. Tell them:
- 01Where you're parking and which trail you're on
- 02Who's with you and what you're wearing
- 03The time to call 911 if they haven't heard from you
Pack check
The Ten Essentials
Carry them on every hike, even a short one. Tap each one as it goes in your pack.
0 of 10 packed ·
Our local hazards
What gets people in trouble here
Darkness
Sunset comes fast in the canyons. Carry a headlamp even on a short hike, and know what time it gets dark.
Steep, loose ground
Use-trails and shortcuts lead onto crumbling slopes and cliff bands. If you couldn't climb back up it, don't go down it.
Moving water
After rain, dry washes and creeks rise in minutes. Never cross fast water, and stay out of washes when storms are forecast.
Snow at elevation
The nearby high country gets real winter conditions. Trails disappear under snow and ice. Bring traction and warm layers, or save it for spring.
No cell signal
Much of the backcountry has no coverage. Download offline maps before you leave, and consider a satellite messenger for remote trips.
If you're lost or hurt
Stop. Call. Stay put.
- 1Stop moving. Wandering makes you harder to find and more likely to get hurt.
- 2Call 911 as soon as you have any signal. If a call won't connect, try a text to 911.
- 3Save your battery. Once you've reached help, lower the brightness and keep the phone on for callbacks.
- 4Be seen and heard. Stay in the open, wear bright layers and blow a whistle in sets of three.
Want a trail safety talk for your group?
Scout troops, schools, hiking clubs and businesses: our members can come to you.