Hiking in the Sedona Heat
Hiking in Sedona is one of the most popular activities for visitors and locals alike. Every year over a million people visit the Sedona area. Many of them come just for our virtually endless and gorgeous trail system. However many of these people come unprepared for the reality of hiking in the desert.
Every year on average, dozens of people need rescuing by emergency services in the Sedona area. This year (2018) there have already been more than fifteen rescues. Don’t become part of that statistic. Here are four tips for making your hiking trip a success:
Water: No matter how long of a hike you have planned, bring water. Bring enough water for each person hiking to have their own liter or two, even if you aren’t planning on being out for very long. Make sure young children (and easily distracted adults too) are drinking throughout the trip.
Water: Yes, water is both tip one and two. Not only should you bring water on your adventure but you should also begin thinking about it the day before. If you begin a strenuous activity already slightly dehydrated, you are at a much higher risk of becoming dangerously so, no matter how much water you chug at the trailhead. Health professionals suggests drinking at least two liters a day.
Planning: Choose a trail that falls well within your group’s hiking abilities. Some trails are easy walking across even ground and some are strenuous scampers uphill. Know the risks involved on the trail you choose. Different trails present their own challenges, such as wild animals, steep drop offs, or river crossings. Many trails are also outside of cell service.
Tell someone: Make sure someone who isn’t on the trail knows where you are going. Tell the front desk of your hotel, a local friend, or even a ranger where you plan on hiking and for how long. Also make sure to check in with them when you return.
Every year on average, dozens of people need rescuing by emergency services in the Sedona area. This year (2018) there have already been more than fifteen rescues. Don’t become part of that statistic. Here are four tips for making your hiking trip a success:
Water: No matter how long of a hike you have planned, bring water. Bring enough water for each person hiking to have their own liter or two, even if you aren’t planning on being out for very long. Make sure young children (and easily distracted adults too) are drinking throughout the trip.
Water: Yes, water is both tip one and two. Not only should you bring water on your adventure but you should also begin thinking about it the day before. If you begin a strenuous activity already slightly dehydrated, you are at a much higher risk of becoming dangerously so, no matter how much water you chug at the trailhead. Health professionals suggests drinking at least two liters a day.
Planning: Choose a trail that falls well within your group’s hiking abilities. Some trails are easy walking across even ground and some are strenuous scampers uphill. Know the risks involved on the trail you choose. Different trails present their own challenges, such as wild animals, steep drop offs, or river crossings. Many trails are also outside of cell service.
Tell someone: Make sure someone who isn’t on the trail knows where you are going. Tell the front desk of your hotel, a local friend, or even a ranger where you plan on hiking and for how long. Also make sure to check in with them when you return.
The summer heat in Sedona easily hits 100 degrees. If the weather is too hot, consider one of the many other activities in the Sedona area. Never enter a situation you aren’t sure of thinking that you can rely on emergency evacuation services to come get you. While it is possible to be rescued from the wilderness, the process is expensive and puts the rescuers’ lives at risk as well.
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