Day Hiking
Tips and tricks for when you’re back before the sun sets.
Plan the Path – When you choose a trailhead to begin on, know how many miles you’re going to hike before turning around and approximately how long it will take.
Transportation – How you get to and from a trail is important in and of itself. Whether you take a taxi or lyft service or your own vehicle. Sometimes if you aren’t doing a round trip you’ll need an uber or a friend to pick you up at the end point.
Necessities – There a few things you need such as: Boots, a map of your route, and a day pack. Inside the day pack there are a few more necessities you should always have. Snacks and water are extremely important on long hikes, insect repellant and rain gear for the possibilities, and a first aid kit and a head lamp for emergencies.
Facilities – Most parks don’t have bathrooms so we must take care to either prepare beforehand or know where a restroom is. If there are none in sight and there is an emergency, distancing yourself from the path and digging a hole can suffice.
Trail Knowledge – Things to keep in mind is how the trail is marked. Many trails use either signs or paint splotches on trees to keep the hikers on the path. If there are intersecting trails they will generally have different name and paint colors.
Hiking Rules
Plan and Stay at Allowed Sites only – Parks are often located next to private land and easily disturbed ecosystems. Staying on the path is important along with only hiking a designated campsites.
Campfires – Only light fires at specified fire pits to avoid forest fires and other incidents. Another rule to follow is to never burn trash. Also always make sure to clean up and put out any fires you make. 100% all the way put out.
Respect the Wild – Keep pets on leashes and close to their owners at all times. This protects the animals as well as the wildlife. Secure food in bear cannisters or bear bags as not to feed the bears and spread trash. And always leave the site better than you found it.
