Although we still are in “spring” — a word triggering images of blooming bulbs and with other delightful connotations, it is quite a time of transition. Allergies abound, particularly from all the conifer pollen being blown around. And just before Easter, rain became snow, while a week before that temperatures reached into the 80s. It is a back-and-forth limbo period for wardrobes and the thermostat’s heating/cooling settings.
From a hiking standpoint, now is the perfect time to fully embrace the idea of Arizona summer. One key element for safe outdoor adventuring is cultivating a survival mentality. When does this mentality start? At home, before you even head out the door. Failure to think in this way can lead to common reasons that hikers need to be rescued in the Sedona area, including: having insufficient or improper clothing, having insufficient or no water, having few or no safety/survival items, not knowing what to expect for the hike (for example, the terrain, weather conditions), and not recognizing one’s physical limitations as well as those of all group members.
Here are some specific tips to help prepare our bodies, backpacks, and mindsets for the hotter days we know will soon be steadily upon us.
Get acclimated: This can be thought of as “training for summer” — intentionally exposing yourself to warm weather by spending time in it. During these May days, head out for some exercise around mid-day or early afternoon. After multiple exposures, you will notice a difference.
Use sunscreen and have the right clothes: Effective clothing options include a lightweight, light-colored sun shirt and hat with a full brim. A moistened cooling towel (a bandana can work, too) around your neck helps draw heat away from your skin through evaporation. And a lightweight reflective umbrella is a great accessory for keeping your upper body in shade.
Manage hydration: Preload your system with water and electrolytes before your hike. In 90-degree temperatures, a rule of thumb is to carry one liter of water per hour of hiking, and drink frequently. Bring along electrolyte mixes you can add to your water. Reaching the half-way point in your water is a strong signal that your hike should also be at or beyond its half-way point. If you hike with a bladder instead of water bottles, knowing where your water level is becomes very important.
Don’t take hot-weather risks: Know exactly where you are going, what your distances are, and have a good estimate of your time on the trail. Hiking early and ending by mid- to late morning is an excellent way to avoid the heat. In terms of navigation, have downloaded or paper maps with you, as cell service tends to be spotty in the area. Take a photo of the map displayed at the trailhead.
Hike with others and tell someone your plan: This is good practice for any time of the year. Notify someone of where you will be hiking and your expected return time; this is especially important if you choose to hike on your own.
Carry extra resources for others: In addition to covering your own needs, by carrying extra supplies, if you meet hikers who have made a hot-weather miscalculation, you can show them a map, and/or offer them sunscreen, water, electrolytes (also salty snacks are good to have along), and sugar, like hard candy or an energy bar.
The heat isn’t something to mess around with — implementing these strategies and precautions will help hikers avoid getting heat exhaustion or worse. Heat exhaustion typically starts with a headache and light headedness. Untreated, exhaustion can progress to heat stroke with a rapid rise in body temperature to 106 degrees or greater. The hiker can become confused with slurred speech with or without profuse sweating. If you are with or come across a hiker with these symptoms, call 911 immediately, seek shade, and offer cool water and cool compresses until help arrives.
If you are interested in assisting hikers, especially visitors who often are not aware of the risks of hiking in the heat, the nonprofit organization Friends of the Forest has volunteer opportunities through both its Trail Ambassador and Preventative Search and Rescue committees. These involve interacting with trail users in the Red Rock Ranger District to gauge how prepared they are for their hike, and if appropriate, to provide suggestions for safer options, such as going earlier in the day, and/or picking a different, less strenuous hike. Find more information at: https://www.friendsoftheforestsedona.org/.
For happy trails this summer, utilize a survival mentality ahead of your hike, which will help you prepare well and stay safe!
Serving Sedona, written this week by Kristine Crandall, Friends of the Forest, appears Wednesday in the Sedona Red Rock News.