Plan ahead when hiking in the summer heat
Jul 15, 2024, 8:00 PM | Updated: 8:45 pm
White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park. (Ravell Call)
(Ravell Call)
MOAB, Utah — The story this weekend of a father and daughter who perished while hiking in Canyonlands National Park is just the latest example of the dangers of hiking in the summer heat, especially during this unusual stretch of 100 degree temperatures.
The 52-year-old man and his 23-year-old daughter were from Green Bay Wisconsin. They may not have been used to the temperatures this time of year in the Utah deserts.
Temperatures above 100 degrees stretched statewide, while in Wisconsin the daytime highs were in the upper 70’s and lower 80’s on Saturday.
Experts recommend easing into summer temperatures when traveling. It can take 10 days to two weeks to acclimatize.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
The pair evidently got lost and ran out of water on their hike.
That leads us to the next recommendation: plan for the worst case scenario before heading outdoors. It is always better to carry too much rather than too little water with you, even though it can be heavy. Remember, hydrating begins before you start a summer outdoor adventure.
The sunrise at the Mesa Arch in the Canyonlands National Park. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
The Mesa Arch hike in Canyonlands is a good example. Most hikers hit the trail before the sun comes up, since the desired photos seen online are taken at sunrise.
The trail is well marked and listed at just over half a mile and a 30 minute expected trip.
The inclination would be that because you begin a short 30 min hike in the dark, there shouldn’t be a need for carrying much water. But, consider a twisted ankle, wrong turn, or any number of mishaps. That extra water could be a lifesaver, particularly this time of year.
A good rule of thumb is to turn around when your halfway through your water supply.
Choice of clothing
Long sleeve shirts and long pants may be counterintuitive in extreme temperatures, but they’ll prevent sunburn. They’ll also prevent your skin and body from heating up.
A good hat may be your best friend, keeping your head from heating up and the sun off of your face and neck.
Speaking of your neck, a buff is also a handy accessory and can be soaked in a nearby water source to cool down your neck and shoulders, while also cooling the blood traveling to your brain.
When in doubt, turn around
A final point: that iconic picture is not worth your life.
If exhaustion kicks in, the trail is too difficult, the temperatures too high, turn around. Better to save that adventure for a different day or time in your life.
That’s easier said than done when on a much anticipated vacation to a place you’re not sure you will visit again. But, I’ve heard it said that “your ego is your worst enemy.” It’s amazing how quickly things can escalate.
