Spring hiking is arriving in Utah. Use these tips to have fun during mud season
Mar 10, 2025, 4:27 PM | Updated: 4:27 pm
(Canva)
(Canva)
SALT LAKE CITY — As temperatures warm and snow begins to melt, some may venture into the mountains for spring hiking. As with an outdoor activity, there are some essentials that you shouldn’t leave home without.
Spring hiking essentials
While you prepare for spring hiking, University of Utah Health recommended packing essential items, including:
- an ample water supply,
- food,
- a map and a compass or GPS device,
- sunscreen,
- clothing appropriate for the weather, including layers you can easily put on or remove,
- a first aid kit,
- headlamp or flashlight,
- emergency whistle and signal mirror,
- cell-phone or radio, and
- animal-repellant spray.
Additionally, U of U Health advised against relying on your smartphone for navigation. As you leave cellular service areas, devices can overheat, or batteries can run out.
If there’s a chance you’ll encounter icy conditions on the trail, pack a pair of microspikes as well.
Prepare for muddy, possibly icy conditions
As you choose what clothing you will wear, consider the forecasted conditions, as well as recent weather events. Spring hiking is often wet and muddy. Wear waterproof shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
The National Forest Foundation recommended bringing a change of clothes and shoes for after your spring hiking trip. To avoid tracking mud into your vehicle, change and store the muddy articles in a plastic bag to clean when you arrive home.
Additionally, the foundation asked hikers not to walk on the very edges of trails. Over time, it can lead to widening of the trails, damaging vegetation and causing erosion.
Avoid crossing fast-running water that is deeper than knee height. Wear your shoes while crossing shallow waters to avoid slipping.
Check the forecast, be mindful of hazards
Before you head out on a spring hiking trip, check the weather forecast for the area you will be visiting. If stormy conditions are expected, University of Utah Health advised choosing a different day.
At any time of year, storms can pose the threats of lightning strikes and flash flooding to hikers. Flash flooding is likely to happen in the spring and summer, when snow is melting.
As you make your way to a hiking trail, monitor the conditions outside, watching for storm clouds and lightning, and keeping an ear out for thunder. If you notice those signs, turn around or avoid entering the trail.
Ideally, you should take cover in a hard-topped vehicle or a fully enclosed building.
The American Hiking Society said partially open buildings, like trail shelters, are not safe. Tents are also unsafe during storms, even if they’re fully closed.
FILE — A thunderstorm sends rain near Nephi Canyon on Sunday afternoon on July 22, 2007. Storm clouds mix with smoke in the background. (Jennifer Ackerman, Deseret News)
If you can’t get to shelter before a storm hits
If you can’t get to shelter before a storm sets in, the American Hiking Society recommended separating yourself from any metal you may be carrying, such as trekking poles, metal-framed backpacks, or water bottles. Stay at least 100 feet away from them for the duration of a storm, as metal attracts lightning.
Then, find a low point in the terrain, ensuring that you are not the tallest feature in the area. Avoid objects that tower above and stick out from their surroundings, such as single tress.
The University of Colorado advised against sheltering on ridges, above the treeline, or in meadows. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy recommended taking cover in the forest, if it’s available.
If you are with a group, the American Hiking Society recommends remaining at least 100 feet away from one another.
When you’ve found a place to wait out the storm, crouch down with your feet together and tuck your head. Remain sheltered for at least 30 minutes after the last roll of thunder.
Flash flooding
Similarly to avoiding storms, keep an eye out for signs of an approaching storm, and monitor nearby rivers and streams. According to the Utah Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks Blog, these are the warning signs of flash flooding:
- dramatic changes in water height, speed, or auditory volume,
- new debris in water,
- change in water color, and
- storm clouds.
If you notice any of the above signs, get to safety quickly by moving to higher ground. Do not wait, as flash floods can sweep you up quickly.
The DNR said flash flooding can happen anywhere, however steep areas, narrow canyons, and dry stream beds are likely locations.
Related: How to survive flash flooding in a Utah slot canyon and elsewhere
Spring hiking avalanche danger
Although avalanche danger may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a spring hiking trip, avalanches remain possible whenever there is adequate snow cover.
Research the trail you’ll be visiting to learn about current snow levels and temperatures, and consider checking the avalanche danger ratings if you plan on entering backcountry terrain.
Before you head out on any outdoor adventure, University of Utah Health recommends telling someone who will not be joining you where you are going and how long you plan to be gone. Additionally, check in with them when you return from your spring hiking trip.
