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On The Trail
Howdy,
Every outing should begin with the proper preparation, which usually takes just minutes. Even the easiest trail can turn up unexpected surprises. People seldom think about getting lost or suffering an injury, but unexpected things can and do happen all the time. Simple precautions can make the difference between a miserable outcome, or merely a good story to tell afterwards. Use the top trails ratings and desvriptions to determine if a particular trail is a good match with your fitness and energy level, given the current conditions and the time of year.
Have A Plan:
The first step to enjoying any trail is to match the trail to your abilities. It's no use overestimating your experience or fitness.
Leave word about your plans. The most basic of precautions is leaving word of your intentions with family or friends. Many people will hike the backcountry their entire lives without ever relying on this safety net, but it's free insurance.
Review the route:
Carry the essentials: Dress to keep cool but always be ready for cold unless you know the weather extremely well. Like here in the desert, when it's 111 degree with no chance of rain one can usually infer that it is really going to be 110 degrees in full sun so wear that hat, use plenty sunscreen and drink plenty of water. And carry enough food.
Less than Essential, But Useful Items:
Map & Compass
Cell phone
hiking gear(first-aid kit, pocket knife, water-proof matches)
Trail Etiquette:
Leave No Trace
Stay on the trail
Share the trail
Leave it there and take nothing but pictures
Never litter
Every outing should begin with the proper preparation, which usually takes just minutes. Even the easiest trail can turn up unexpected surprises. People seldom think about getting lost or suffering an injury, but unexpected things can and do happen all the time. Simple precautions can make the difference between a miserable outcome, or merely a good story to tell afterwards. Use the top trails ratings and desvriptions to determine if a particular trail is a good match with your fitness and energy level, given the current conditions and the time of year.
Have A Plan:
The first step to enjoying any trail is to match the trail to your abilities. It's no use overestimating your experience or fitness.
Leave word about your plans. The most basic of precautions is leaving word of your intentions with family or friends. Many people will hike the backcountry their entire lives without ever relying on this safety net, but it's free insurance.
Review the route:
Carry the essentials: Dress to keep cool but always be ready for cold unless you know the weather extremely well. Like here in the desert, when it's 111 degree with no chance of rain one can usually infer that it is really going to be 110 degrees in full sun so wear that hat, use plenty sunscreen and drink plenty of water. And carry enough food.
Less than Essential, But Useful Items:
Map & Compass
Cell phone
hiking gear(first-aid kit, pocket knife, water-proof matches)
Trail Etiquette:
Leave No Trace
Stay on the trail
Share the trail
Leave it there and take nothing but pictures
Never litter
A canvas campateer