hiking safety
Some years ago, we were coming down the Muir Snowfield on Mount Rainier in the middle of July. It was a beautiful summer day when we started the hike, but around one o'clock in the afternoon, a wicked storm rolled in and the temperature plummeted. Snow started falling heavily, the wind was howling, and dense cloud cover descended upon us. We literally could not see more than a foot or two in front of us at any given time. As we carefully descended, we heard people calling out for help as they had wandered off the path and were flirting with falling off the cliffs to the side of the snowfield. Thankfully, we were well prepared for this situation and were able to help some of those hikers back down to safety. Hiking in the high country is amazing, but there are real dangers that bear being prepared for at all times. In the famous words of Edna Mode, "Luck favors the prepared, darling".
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the 5 Ws
Before heading out into the mountains, it's reasonable to consider the 5 Ws to make sure you have what you need to have a fun and safe adventure. I always hate it when we leave to go hiking with 7 people and come home with 6.
The 5 Ws: Weather, Water, Wild Animals, Where am I going, Who is with me
The 5 Ws: Weather, Water, Wild Animals, Where am I going, Who is with me
Weather
Our first rule of hiking 14ers or any tall mountain is to be off the mountain by noon. That's why people start hiking before the sun comes up. Nothing fun happens above tree line after 1:00 PM. The weather in the mountains can change on a dime. In the summer, expect thunderstorms every afternoon, even if the weather report says there will be none.
Check the weather forecast before you head out for your hike. If it looks iffy, then find somewhere else to go that may be safer. Flash floods, lightning, high winds, hail, and summer snowfall can turn a challenging hike into a deadly one. Most of the deaths on Capital Peak happen when bad weather rolls in on climbers coming down in the afternoon. They lose their way in the fog and fall to their deaths.
Lightning: If a storm approaches, descend from ridges, peaks, and elevated areas. As noted above, thunderstorms typically develop in the afternoon, so plan to hike early and be down the mountain by noon. If you can hear thunder, then you are in danger. If possible, seek shelter. Tents or open shelters are not safe. Hard topped cars, or a fully enclosed building is safe. If these aren't available (and they never are), then find find a valley or depression in the terrain. Avoid isolated trees or tall objects. Make sure metal framed packs or hiking poles are at least 100 feet away. People in groups should find shelter at least 100 feet away from each other. If you are stuck in the middle of a storm with lightning striking around you, then crouch on the ground with your weight on the balls of your feet, your feet together, your head lowered, and ears covered. Don't lie flat on the ground.
Rain: Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for many years, we are well accustomed to rain and we love a good rainy day. However, there are some aspects of rain when you are hiking that are worth remembering. If you are not carrying rain gear, and get thoroughly wet, rain can lower your body temperature and predispose you to hypothermia, even when it doesn't seem that cold. Most cases of hypothermia occur above freezing temperatures because people aren't anticipating being that cold in the summer. My kids all know that I am a big fan of making sure everything is in a ziplock plastic bag or a dry sack. Packs should have rain covers to keep them dry. Backpacks for overnight trips should be lined with a garbage bag. Nothing takes the fun out of an adventure like being wet and cold and then setting up camp and climbing into a wet sleeping bag. In the west, it's also important to be mindful of flash floods. This is especially important if you are hiking in a slot canyon in Utah, but even in the mountains of Colorado heavy rain can turn a burn scar from a forest fire six years ago into a mud slide disaster. Be mindful of where you are hiking and where you need to go if a flash flood should occur.
Sun: We all love hiking on a beautiful clear day, but even when there are clouds in the sky, the sun is still shining its powerful rays down on you. Sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat, lip balm, and sunscreen are a must (especially as the hair gets thinner on top). When hiking in the snow, it's important to remember that the glare from the snow will bake you from below and get your nose and under the chin. Hiking up in the mountains increases the risks of sun exposure. Just ask grandpa Al how much fun he has had having skin cancers widdled off his face over the years.
Changes in Temperature: While mentioned above, the reality is that the temperature can change on a dime in the mountains. When I would go hiking through the jungles of South America or Southeast Asia, the temperature never changed. Not so in the mountains. It can go from hot and sunny to freezing and cloudy in a matter of minutes. Always bring layers for any eventuality. When hiking 14ers, it's not uncommon to start in shorts and a short sleeved shirt and end up with gloves, a hat, a coat and long pants. I'm a big fan of having an emergency blanket on most hikes just in case. In case you hadn't noticed, I'm a just in case type of person.
Check the weather forecast before you head out for your hike. If it looks iffy, then find somewhere else to go that may be safer. Flash floods, lightning, high winds, hail, and summer snowfall can turn a challenging hike into a deadly one. Most of the deaths on Capital Peak happen when bad weather rolls in on climbers coming down in the afternoon. They lose their way in the fog and fall to their deaths.
Lightning: If a storm approaches, descend from ridges, peaks, and elevated areas. As noted above, thunderstorms typically develop in the afternoon, so plan to hike early and be down the mountain by noon. If you can hear thunder, then you are in danger. If possible, seek shelter. Tents or open shelters are not safe. Hard topped cars, or a fully enclosed building is safe. If these aren't available (and they never are), then find find a valley or depression in the terrain. Avoid isolated trees or tall objects. Make sure metal framed packs or hiking poles are at least 100 feet away. People in groups should find shelter at least 100 feet away from each other. If you are stuck in the middle of a storm with lightning striking around you, then crouch on the ground with your weight on the balls of your feet, your feet together, your head lowered, and ears covered. Don't lie flat on the ground.
Rain: Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for many years, we are well accustomed to rain and we love a good rainy day. However, there are some aspects of rain when you are hiking that are worth remembering. If you are not carrying rain gear, and get thoroughly wet, rain can lower your body temperature and predispose you to hypothermia, even when it doesn't seem that cold. Most cases of hypothermia occur above freezing temperatures because people aren't anticipating being that cold in the summer. My kids all know that I am a big fan of making sure everything is in a ziplock plastic bag or a dry sack. Packs should have rain covers to keep them dry. Backpacks for overnight trips should be lined with a garbage bag. Nothing takes the fun out of an adventure like being wet and cold and then setting up camp and climbing into a wet sleeping bag. In the west, it's also important to be mindful of flash floods. This is especially important if you are hiking in a slot canyon in Utah, but even in the mountains of Colorado heavy rain can turn a burn scar from a forest fire six years ago into a mud slide disaster. Be mindful of where you are hiking and where you need to go if a flash flood should occur.
Sun: We all love hiking on a beautiful clear day, but even when there are clouds in the sky, the sun is still shining its powerful rays down on you. Sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat, lip balm, and sunscreen are a must (especially as the hair gets thinner on top). When hiking in the snow, it's important to remember that the glare from the snow will bake you from below and get your nose and under the chin. Hiking up in the mountains increases the risks of sun exposure. Just ask grandpa Al how much fun he has had having skin cancers widdled off his face over the years.
Changes in Temperature: While mentioned above, the reality is that the temperature can change on a dime in the mountains. When I would go hiking through the jungles of South America or Southeast Asia, the temperature never changed. Not so in the mountains. It can go from hot and sunny to freezing and cloudy in a matter of minutes. Always bring layers for any eventuality. When hiking 14ers, it's not uncommon to start in shorts and a short sleeved shirt and end up with gloves, a hat, a coat and long pants. I'm a big fan of having an emergency blanket on most hikes just in case. In case you hadn't noticed, I'm a just in case type of person.
Water
Water: Growing up in Virginia, we never thought much about water when hiking. There was always a stream, a lake, or some readily available water source just about everywhere you went. In the West, water can be much harder to come by on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb when hiking in the mountains is that you need to drink 1 liter of water an hour (though that's hard to do). Whenever we plan a hike, I look at what water sources are available along the way. I always bring enough in my pack for the day, a way to filter water should the need arise, and leave plenty of water in my car. I think a lot of people forget to bring extra water in their car, it has saved us at the end of a long hike or camping trip more than once.
wild animals
We love seeing animals on our treks. Unless you are hiking in New Zealand, there are a few of these critters that merit some consideration and planning should you run across them in the woods. In Colorado, there are a handful to consider:
Bears: The best way to prevent a run in with a bear is to not have one. Hiking with a bear bell is helpful. Being noisy when you hike is also helpful. If a bear hears you coming, they will likely head the other way. When we used to pick Huckleberries with my grandfather, we were always talking and being purposefully noisy. On top of a 14er, probably no need to be bear aware, so be smart about where you are in the woods. Another smart idea is to keep your food in a bear container and never, ever eat in your tent or keep food in your tent. Don't give a hungry bear a reason to come into your campsite. If you do encounter a bear, it's also important to remember that most bear encounters do not result in human injury. Some helpful things to do:
1) Identify yourself by talking calmly to the bear and slowly waving your arms so they recognize that you are not prey.
2) Stay calm. Don't scream or make sudden movements. Never try to imitate bear sounds or make high pitched sounds.
3) Pick up small children immediately.
4) Hike in groups (don't let your kids hike by themselves too far ahead).
5) Make yourself look big to the bear, for example, get to higher ground.
6) Don't let the bear have access to your food.
7) Move away slowly and sideways. This is nonthreatening to bears and allows you to keep an eye on the bear and makes it less likely you will trip.
8) Keep your pack on, it can provide protection if the worst comes to pass.
9) Do not run, bears will chase a fleeing animal out of instinct.
10) Do not climb a tree. They are better at it than you are.
11) Don't get between a mom and her cubs
What about playing dead if you are attacked?
Brown/Grizzly Bears: Leave your pack on and play dead. Lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped around your neck. Spread your legs so the bear can't flip you over easily. If the attack persists, then fight back and aim for the face. Brown Bears and Grizzly bears typically have a hump own their shoulders, their butts are lower than their shoulders, and have short round ears.
Black Bears: Do NOT play dead. Try to escape to somewhere safe. If impossible, fight back concentrating on the face. Black bears are usually smaller than brown or grizzly bears, have no shoulder hump, their butts are higher than their front shoulders, ears are prominent and more oval shaped.
What about bear spray?
I always carry bear spray with me when in the back country. It's light, and it works. I've used it once. It can be helpful to deter a charging or aggressive bear. It comes out quite quickly and aggressively and is quite pungent. Aim for the face of the bear. Be mindful of the bear spray you have and how far it sprays. Nothing like spraying it at a charging bear, only to realize the bear was too far away.
A great resource is the National park Service: NPS Bear Safety Website
Mountain Lions: We used to say that if you see a mountain lion, then you're already dead. In some ways, that may be true, but I've seen a mountain lion twice in the wild and I'm not dead yet. The most important thing about mountain lion safety is to never, ever hike or jog alone. This is a good rule for many other reasons, but especially in mountain lion country. Second, is to keep children close to you. My kids love hiking ahead of me since I am old and slow, but in the back country, they are not allowed to be alone. If you do see one, then it's important to remember:
1) Do not approach the mountain lion (seems obvious, but people defy common sense).
2) Do not run from the lion
3) Do not crouch down or bend over or lay down..
4) Make yourself as big as possible (Raise your arms, pick up your kids, throw stones, branches, speak firmly and loudly).
5) Fight back if attacked. They will go for your neck or head. Fight back and then brag about your awesomeness later.
Moose: So, a moose is not going to eat you, but moose are big, so respect the bigness. I have seen many a moose in my life, and thanks to my dad, been very, very close on occasion. Peter and I once witnessed a Denverite try to pet a moose in Breckenridge. How delightful. Some things to remember:
1) Don't be aggressive and give the moose some distance.
2) If it's going to charge, hide behind a tree or something big.
3) Run away. Unlike bears, running from a moose is acceptable behavior.
Mountain Goats: Of all the creatures we encounter on a regular basis, I have a healthy respect for mountain goats. They can hurt you or kill you. They are unpredictable, big, and have pointy things on their heads. Some thoughts:
1) Keep a distance of at least 50 yards.
2) If they are on the trail, wait for them to move off or find a way around them. Don't challenge a mountain goat for the trail.
3) If it approaches you, slowly move away.
4) If it won't leave you alone, chase it off by yelling, throwing rocks, or waving a coat or other clothing.
5) Don't pee on the trail. Really? Really. Mountain goats, like many other animals, will smell the salt and minerals in your urine and come to lick it up. So do your business away from the main thoroughfare if you can so they don't congregate on the trail.
Rattlesnakes: The good news about rattlesnakes is that about 30% of their bites result in no injection of venom. The bad news is that 70% of the time they do. So be smart in snake country. Where socks, pants, and hiking boots. Some other thoughts:
1) Keep your distance. Rattlesnakes can only strike a distance equal to half their length. Unlike cobras, they are not distance fighters.
2) Watch where you put your hands and where you step.
3) If you hear a snake, stand still until you have located it so you don't walk right into it.
4) Don't pick up the snake. Seems simple, but the only time I have been bitten by a snake was when I was picking it up. Seems obvious.
5) If a bite does occur:
a) See if its a dry bite by assessing for swelling, muscle twitching, and pain.
b) Immobilize the area and wash it gently with soap and water, always keeping it lower than the heart.
c) Mark the area of swelling with a pen to see if its gets worse later.
d) Remove jewelry or tight things that might constrict swelling.
e) Do not cut the wound with a knife or pack it in ice.
f) Don't suck the venom out by mouth.
g) Get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
Deer: Of all the animals on this list, it's the deer that will likely be the ones to get you. About 120 deaths a year are caused by deer, usually in car accidents. When you are driving home from your hike (or on the way), be mindful of deer in the road. Drive slow, use your brights, and pay attention at sunset until sunrise for these happy critters jumping in front of your car.
Bears: The best way to prevent a run in with a bear is to not have one. Hiking with a bear bell is helpful. Being noisy when you hike is also helpful. If a bear hears you coming, they will likely head the other way. When we used to pick Huckleberries with my grandfather, we were always talking and being purposefully noisy. On top of a 14er, probably no need to be bear aware, so be smart about where you are in the woods. Another smart idea is to keep your food in a bear container and never, ever eat in your tent or keep food in your tent. Don't give a hungry bear a reason to come into your campsite. If you do encounter a bear, it's also important to remember that most bear encounters do not result in human injury. Some helpful things to do:
1) Identify yourself by talking calmly to the bear and slowly waving your arms so they recognize that you are not prey.
2) Stay calm. Don't scream or make sudden movements. Never try to imitate bear sounds or make high pitched sounds.
3) Pick up small children immediately.
4) Hike in groups (don't let your kids hike by themselves too far ahead).
5) Make yourself look big to the bear, for example, get to higher ground.
6) Don't let the bear have access to your food.
7) Move away slowly and sideways. This is nonthreatening to bears and allows you to keep an eye on the bear and makes it less likely you will trip.
8) Keep your pack on, it can provide protection if the worst comes to pass.
9) Do not run, bears will chase a fleeing animal out of instinct.
10) Do not climb a tree. They are better at it than you are.
11) Don't get between a mom and her cubs
What about playing dead if you are attacked?
Brown/Grizzly Bears: Leave your pack on and play dead. Lay flat on your stomach with your hands clasped around your neck. Spread your legs so the bear can't flip you over easily. If the attack persists, then fight back and aim for the face. Brown Bears and Grizzly bears typically have a hump own their shoulders, their butts are lower than their shoulders, and have short round ears.
Black Bears: Do NOT play dead. Try to escape to somewhere safe. If impossible, fight back concentrating on the face. Black bears are usually smaller than brown or grizzly bears, have no shoulder hump, their butts are higher than their front shoulders, ears are prominent and more oval shaped.
What about bear spray?
I always carry bear spray with me when in the back country. It's light, and it works. I've used it once. It can be helpful to deter a charging or aggressive bear. It comes out quite quickly and aggressively and is quite pungent. Aim for the face of the bear. Be mindful of the bear spray you have and how far it sprays. Nothing like spraying it at a charging bear, only to realize the bear was too far away.
A great resource is the National park Service: NPS Bear Safety Website
Mountain Lions: We used to say that if you see a mountain lion, then you're already dead. In some ways, that may be true, but I've seen a mountain lion twice in the wild and I'm not dead yet. The most important thing about mountain lion safety is to never, ever hike or jog alone. This is a good rule for many other reasons, but especially in mountain lion country. Second, is to keep children close to you. My kids love hiking ahead of me since I am old and slow, but in the back country, they are not allowed to be alone. If you do see one, then it's important to remember:
1) Do not approach the mountain lion (seems obvious, but people defy common sense).
2) Do not run from the lion
3) Do not crouch down or bend over or lay down..
4) Make yourself as big as possible (Raise your arms, pick up your kids, throw stones, branches, speak firmly and loudly).
5) Fight back if attacked. They will go for your neck or head. Fight back and then brag about your awesomeness later.
Moose: So, a moose is not going to eat you, but moose are big, so respect the bigness. I have seen many a moose in my life, and thanks to my dad, been very, very close on occasion. Peter and I once witnessed a Denverite try to pet a moose in Breckenridge. How delightful. Some things to remember:
1) Don't be aggressive and give the moose some distance.
2) If it's going to charge, hide behind a tree or something big.
3) Run away. Unlike bears, running from a moose is acceptable behavior.
Mountain Goats: Of all the creatures we encounter on a regular basis, I have a healthy respect for mountain goats. They can hurt you or kill you. They are unpredictable, big, and have pointy things on their heads. Some thoughts:
1) Keep a distance of at least 50 yards.
2) If they are on the trail, wait for them to move off or find a way around them. Don't challenge a mountain goat for the trail.
3) If it approaches you, slowly move away.
4) If it won't leave you alone, chase it off by yelling, throwing rocks, or waving a coat or other clothing.
5) Don't pee on the trail. Really? Really. Mountain goats, like many other animals, will smell the salt and minerals in your urine and come to lick it up. So do your business away from the main thoroughfare if you can so they don't congregate on the trail.
Rattlesnakes: The good news about rattlesnakes is that about 30% of their bites result in no injection of venom. The bad news is that 70% of the time they do. So be smart in snake country. Where socks, pants, and hiking boots. Some other thoughts:
1) Keep your distance. Rattlesnakes can only strike a distance equal to half their length. Unlike cobras, they are not distance fighters.
2) Watch where you put your hands and where you step.
3) If you hear a snake, stand still until you have located it so you don't walk right into it.
4) Don't pick up the snake. Seems simple, but the only time I have been bitten by a snake was when I was picking it up. Seems obvious.
5) If a bite does occur:
a) See if its a dry bite by assessing for swelling, muscle twitching, and pain.
b) Immobilize the area and wash it gently with soap and water, always keeping it lower than the heart.
c) Mark the area of swelling with a pen to see if its gets worse later.
d) Remove jewelry or tight things that might constrict swelling.
e) Do not cut the wound with a knife or pack it in ice.
f) Don't suck the venom out by mouth.
g) Get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
Deer: Of all the animals on this list, it's the deer that will likely be the ones to get you. About 120 deaths a year are caused by deer, usually in car accidents. When you are driving home from your hike (or on the way), be mindful of deer in the road. Drive slow, use your brights, and pay attention at sunset until sunrise for these happy critters jumping in front of your car.
where am i going?
The intent of this W is to make sure you know what kind of adventure you are about to have. Hiking on a trail around Colorado Springs is a lot different than tackling the Chicago basin. Where you are going merits some thought. It determines what supplies you should bring and what risks you need to consider.
The second intent of this W is to make sure you have a good map and compass with you at all times. My dad used to make me do land navigation courses for reasons that are still not perfectly clear to me. The end result, however, is that I can find my way with a map and compass in any terrain (maybe that was the reason). I'm a big believer in having a map and compass when you are out in the mountains. It can save your life. I'm also a big believer in modern GPS and communication devices. It's silly to head out in the woods, jungle, or dessert in the modern era without one of these devices with you. Cell phones are great, but often unreliable in the mountains (and one of the reasons I love being there. No texts or unwanted calls). However, if you are going somewhere off grid, make sure you have a way to communicate with the outside world in a pinch or just for fun. It's nice to know you're not alone even if you are.
The second intent of this W is to make sure you have a good map and compass with you at all times. My dad used to make me do land navigation courses for reasons that are still not perfectly clear to me. The end result, however, is that I can find my way with a map and compass in any terrain (maybe that was the reason). I'm a big believer in having a map and compass when you are out in the mountains. It can save your life. I'm also a big believer in modern GPS and communication devices. It's silly to head out in the woods, jungle, or dessert in the modern era without one of these devices with you. Cell phones are great, but often unreliable in the mountains (and one of the reasons I love being there. No texts or unwanted calls). However, if you are going somewhere off grid, make sure you have a way to communicate with the outside world in a pinch or just for fun. It's nice to know you're not alone even if you are.
who is with me?
Knowing who is in your party and understanding their experience level, their overall health and fitness and what kind of gear they have is imperative to your safety and happiness. If someone is visiting from sea level, don't run them up a 14er. Go slow, let them set the pace. If someone has no experience with ropes or mountain safety, don't take them up Capital Peak. If someone has never been camping in the snow, maybe help them go through their gear ahead of time. Sometimes your safety and happiness depends directly on the other people in your group. You can be as prepared as you want, hang your bear bag in a tree, keep your campsite clean, but then someone in your group decides to keep a brown paper bag full of food in their tent. And even though it can be fun to watch everyone run away in the middle of the night as a furry friend has a late night snack, it can also lead to everyone jumping in the lake and losing all their food for the rest of the trip. You are only as strong as your weakest link. If that's you, be honest about it, if it's not, then it helps to be prepared.
~ Mikey