Hiking in the Rocky Mountains is practically required if you live in Colorado. But the summer sun complicates things a bit, making a leisurely climb risky if you’re unprepared. Fortunately, the rise in temperature doesn’t need to leave you running away from the hills. There are several ways to stay safe while you’re on the trail. Consider the following:
The higher the elevation of your hike, the more likely a sunburn becomes, particularly if the area is stingy on trees and other shade. This makes a hat and bottle of sunscreen hiking accessories that aren’t optional. Choose a hat with a wide brim that fully covers your face and neck and use sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply every hour, especially if you’re sweating profusely.
The biggest risk of hiking in heat is dehydration. A good rule of thumb is to drink around four ounces of water approximately every 15 minutes on mildly warm days and double that on days that are hotter. The more you sweat, the more you’ll need to replenish your fluids. Still, there is such a thing as an H20 overdose. Drinking too much water can deplete the sodium in your body and cause a medical emergency. A hiking trail is certainly not where you want to be if that happens.
Even the most seasoned hikers risk getting lost when they’re unfamiliar with the route. This makes maps and compasses important. You should bring your cellphone, as well, but nature’s Wi-Fi is nonexistent and there’s no guarantee that you’ll have service. As an extra precaution, tell someone close to you where you’re going and when you’ll be home. That way, they’ll know to send help in the event you’re in trouble.
An early morning hike is a great solution if you want to get in your workout before the sun peaks. This doesn’t mean you need to be up and on the trail at dawn. Going anytime during the morning is a cooler option than hiking in the afternoon. Morning hikes aren’t known for thunderstorms, either, reducing the odds that Mother Nature will rain on your parade.
There are certain fabrics that are more appropriate for summer weather than others. Linen makes a good option because of its lightness as do clothes designed to wick away moisture. Cotton, while breathable, is known for absorbing water, which might lead to chafing. Polyester, wool, and fleece should always be avoided as they can cause your body to overheat.
Traversing a mountain trail in hot weather is doable with a little planning. Just be sure to take precautions before you take a hike.
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