Hiking Safety TipsOver the years we have learned a number of hiking safety tips while walking the trails in Yosemite National Park. If your safe on the trails, you'll want to hike again. Here are the best ten tips that we have learned over the years. Have fun and be safe.The First Safety Tip #1 Do not hike alone. It is always a good idea to hike with a friend. You are less likely to panic if you get lost or come across a bear or other wild animal. You'll have someone to go get help if you should need it. And on the off chance that you get hypothermia, you have someone to share body heat with you. Hiking Safety Tip #2 Know the trail that you are going on. Take a look at a map ahead of time. Plan your route. Stay on the marked trails. Don't take shortcuts. Shortcuts rarely payoff when hiking. Getting lost in Yosemite is no fun. If you are going on the trails above Yosemite, carry a GPS with you. If not, at least carry a compass. If your going on a really long hike, take a field guide with you. Know what poison oak looks like before you go. The odds are very good that you will come across some while hiking. Hiking Safety Tip #3 Take Some Basic Things With You. Do not carry more than you need to, but carry some water and snacks. For longer hikes a first aid kit, a pocket knife and matches are a good idea in addition to your backpack and sleeping bag. Take quick snacks that will give you energy. Like a candy bar, some trail mix, jerky sticks or hard cheeses with you. You burn a lot of calories when you hike. Hiking Safety Tip #4 Know your limitations. Exercises and get yourself in shape before going on a hike. It is no fun to make the local evening news when the Yosemite Search and Rescue Team has to haul you out! They make about 200 rescues a year...don't be one of them.If you walk with someone who is slow, put them in front of you. Pace yourself. Take regular breaks. Keep yourself hydrated and you will be fine. Hiking Safety Tip #5 Wear sunscreen. Don't get sunburned. Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours. Wear a hat, visor or bandanna. Don't forget the polorized sunglasses. The trails get mighty hot in the non shaded areas. Hiking Safety Tip #6 Check the weather before you go. Storms move in and move out quickly here in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Be smart, this doesn't take much effort. If there is a chance of a storm, have proper hiking clothes with you. You want to avoid hypothermia. Hiking Safety Tip #7 Drink water, not sports drinks. Sport drinks are loaded with sugar, you don't want to crash. Drink water before your hike. Drink frequently while hiking. If you get dehydrated you will get a headache and fatigued. A gallon of water will weigh 8 pounds. If you are going to drink from streams, rivers and waterfalls, take a filter with you. Natural water sources have bacteria in it from animals bathing and eliminating in it. Hiking Safety Tip #8 Wear hiking shoes or hiking boots. I can't believe the footwear that I see people hiking in. Take care of your feet...they are leading you on your hike! When your feet hurt, the hike is over. Safety Tip #9 Grab a hiking stick or take a pair of hiking poles with you. Something in your hands will help you keep your balance. If you are going over rocky terrain (rockslides do happen in Yosemite) , a stream, uneven steps (and there are a lot on Yosemite trails) or if you have bad knees...walking poles are the way to go. When your legs get shaky, and they will, something in your hands lets you keep your balance so that you don't fall and get injured. They also help to give your upper body a workout! And Finally Safety Tip #10 Have some common sense. Tell someone where you are going. Tell them the route that you are taking and stick to it. Tell them when you are expected to return and to get help if you are not back when you should be. Carry a cell phone with you. Have the battery charged up. Keep your phone off and turn it on only when you need to use it. Get Some Great Hiking Tips Here
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