Hiking Preparedness & Safety

Hiking Safety Tips

Come and take a walk through a historic site; stroll along the scenic paths; or maybe traverse through the breathtaking backcountry. Be prepared for your walk or hike, keep in mind these general safety tips in mind before starting your adventure: Know Your Limits, Plan Your Hike, What to Bring, and Hike Smart.

Know Your Limits

Parks offer a wide range of hiking trails to accommodate different hiking skills and capabilities. You won’t miss out on the spectacular views, wildlife sightings, and connection with nature by choosing an easier trail for your adventure. Don’t overestimate your abilities. Take the time to ask yourself before you go:

  • What is my experience level with hiking? Do I go hiking often or is this my first time hitting the trails?
  • How much equipment, food, and water (weight) can I comfortably carry in a backpack? How long can I carry a backpack with all the essentials?
  • Am I physically fit for the hike I would like to do? Have I practiced hiking up and down steep hills or am I more comfortable on flat, paved paths?
  • Have I ever hiked in this type of environment before? Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity take time to get used to, especially if you live in a different environment from the park you are visiting.
  • Am I able to go to higher elevations? More effort is required to hike at higher elevations due to the reduced amount of oxygen available in the air. Remember that at 8,000 feet you are at risk of altitude illness, a potentially life-threatening condition. If you don’t know, ask your healthcare provider.
  • Am I hiking alone or do I plan to bring a friend? It is safer to hike with a companion, but if you prefer go solo, take extra measures to ensure that you are prepared since you will be traveling alone.

Plan Your Hike

Your safety is your responsibility while hiking in parks. Planning is an important step in being prepared and ready for your adventure. If you are going to the backcountry, know how to be self sufficient in case you encounter an unexpected hazard or an emergency occurs.

  • Pick the right trail for you and your group. Recognize your abilities and the abilities of your group. Pick a trail that everyone can successfully complete and enjoy safely. Check the park’s website for details on the difficulty level of trails. If you have any medical conditions, consider discussing your plans with your healthcare provider.
  • Leave a Trip Plan. Complete a trip plan that details where you will be walking or hiking, your contact information, when you plan to arrive and return, and who is coming with you. Leave this information with a trusted friend or family member that is not going on the trip with you. The details in this document can be very helpful to search and rescue teams in the case of an emergency.
  • Have an Emergency Plan. Develop an emergency plan for what to do if you or your hiking companions becomes lost or injured. Consider learning CPR and basic wilderness first aid, especially if your planning to hike in the backcountry.
  • Have a way to communicate. Do not rely on your cell phone because there may not be cellular coverage and reception in your park. Consider having a personal locator beacon, should you need to call for help. If you are using your cell phone, keep the battery fully charged. Searching for a cell signal can quickly drain your phone battery, so consider turning off your phone or switching to airplane mode until you need it.
  • Be weather-ready. Check the weather before you head out on your hike. If conditions in the park are not ideal, don’t take the chance! Be prepared to seek shelter if you encounter severe weather, know what to do in case of lightning or flash flooding. Have your rain equipment packed and ready.
  • Have a Plan B ready, just in case! If weather or other conditions are not ideal for hiking, have a Plan B ready. There are plenty of other ways to explore a park. Check out the park website to see what other activities are available for you, your family and friends!
  • Check for park alerts. Find out about trail closures, wildland fire risks, or other hazards that are in the area.
  • Acclimate to the new altitude. If you plan to hike in higher altitudes than you are used to, take extra time to get used to the new heights. Make sure to get good sleep, drink lots of water, and do not overexert yourself.
You cell phone is not a light source, not a map, not a survival kit and will not always have reception
Don’t rely solely on your cellphone.
NPS Illustration

What to Bring

  • The 10 Essentials: You should always pack the 10 essentials. These are the minimum items that everyone should have with them at all times while recreating outdoors. Keep in mind that you may need to pack extra equipment and equipment depending on when you are hiking, where you are hiking, and for how long.
    • NAVIGATION – Map, compass, and GPS system: Navigation systems are used when planning your route before your trip, and when you need help orienting yourself in your surroundings during your activity. Know how to use a topographical or relief map as well as your compass or GPS unit before going out.
    • SUN PROTECTION – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat: Sun protection is necessary to protect your skin and eyes against harsh UV rays that are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. Consider using sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats. Sun-protection clothing such as pants and long sleeve shirts can also help minimize your exposure to the sun.
    • INSULATION – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear: Nature is unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Pack an extra layer of clothing that reflects the most extreme conditions you could encounter.
    • ILLUMINATION – Flashlight, lanterns, and headlamp: Lighting is indispensable in the outdoors where no conventional light sources can be found. Items include flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps. Headlamps are the preferred light source because they are hands-free. Be sure to pack extra batteries.
    • FIRST-AID SUPPLIES – First Aid Kit: Be prepared for emergencies by packing first-aid supplies with you. Start with a pre-made kit and modify it to fit your trip and your medical needs. Check the expiration date on all items and replace them as needed. Consider including an emergency guide in case you are faced with an unfamiliar medical emergency.
    • FIRE – Matches, lighter and fire starters: Fire can be an emergency signal and a heat source for cooking and staying warm. Pack matches (preferably waterproof) and fire starters – items that catch fire quickly and sustain a flame (e.g. lighter). Familiarize yourself with the fire use regulations of your park before heading out.
    • REPAIR KIT AND TOOLS – Duct tape, knife, screwdriver, and scissors: Carry a basic repair kit with you to help repair equipment. The kit should include items such as duct tape, a knife, and scissors. Consider packing a multi-tool, a compact version of many tools that can include a knife, screwdriver, can opener, etc. Be sure to bring any tools specific to your trip and your activity.
    • NUTRITION – Food: You should always be prepared for the possibility of changes to your trip plans. Pack an extra day’s supply of food, preferably no-cook items that have good nutritional value in order to keep your energy high. Salty and easy to digest snacks (e.g. trail mix, nuts, and granola bars) work well for outdoor activities.
    • HYDRATION – Water and water treatment supplies: Staying hydrated on your trip is of utmost importance! Physical activity increases your risk of dehydration (loss of water and salts from the body), which can lead to negative health consequences. If you’re active outdoors (hiking, biking, running, swimming, etc.), especially in hot weather, you should drink water often and before you feel thirsty. Prepare your water before you need it and do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. Before heading out on your trip, be sure to identify if there are any bodies of water at your destination that you could collect water from and treat using your water treatment supplies.
    • EMERGENCY SHELTER – Tent, space blanket, tarp, and bivy: Shelter is one of the most important elements during an emergency survival situation. It can protect you from severe weather conditions and exposure to the elements. A tent, tarp, bivy sack, or emergency space blanket are all light weight options for emergency shelter.
  • Water and Food.
    • If you will be hiking in hot weather, think about how much water you will need for the day. Plan ahead to prevent dehydration or a heat-related illness.
    • Some hikes have reliable water sources whereas others do not, and you may be required to carry extra water or treat water.
    • Think about how long you will be out on your hike. Pack food that does not need to be cooked with good nutritional value in order to keep your energy level high. Bring an extra day’s supply of food, just in case.
  • Additional equipment. Research the route and terrain of the hike before you go and identify the right equipment for your trip. Check your equipment to ensure that it is in good working condition and learn how to use it before you set out. Consider packing:
    • Proper shoes for walking. Heels, open toed shoes, and flip flops are not ideal for hiking. Opt for: Sturdy, rubber-soled hiking boots with ankle support for dirt and gravel trails; Tennis shoes for paved, urban pathways
    • Bug spray
    • Thick, wool or synthetic-material socks that wick moisture for longer hikes (Don’t forget to bring an extra pair!)
    • Moleskin for blisters
    • Personal Locator Beacon. Some backcountry areas do not have cell service.
    • Water filtration and purification equipment
  • Extras for overnight hikes. If you are planning an overnight trip, consider having the following equipment:
    • Backpack with good support
    • Tent
    • Sleeping bag and pad
    • Stove and fuel
    • Extra food and safe storage container
    • Equipment repair kit

Hike Smart

  • Ask for Information. Stop by the visitor center or ask a ranger about conditions in the park before you head out on your hike. There may be park closures or alerts that are in effect.
  • Let the slowest hiker set the pace. Always stay together. Put the slowest hiker near the front to keep your group together. While it may take a bit longer to reach your ultimate destination, staying together helps reduce the chance of someone getting lost and if someone gets injured you are there to help.
  • Keep Track of Your Time and Distance. Remember that your total hike time includes the time it took you to hike to your destination and back to your starting point. If any of your hike, in either direction, is uphill, plan for it to take at least double the time it took you to go downhill. Be aware of the time you set out and turn around so you don’t get stuck outside in the dark. Set a turn around time if your trip is taking longer than planned and make sure you stick to it.
  • Yield to uphill hikers. Be courteous and cautious of others out on the trails. If you are downhill, carefully step to the side to let others pass.
  • Take breaks often. Know your limits and pay attention to how you are feeling when on the trail. A good rule of thumb is that if you can talk while you are walking, you are traveling at the perfect speed.
  • Eat snacks and drink water. Hiking can drain your energy quickly. Dehydration and heat exhaustion may sneak up on you while you are hiking on the trails. Be sure to drink as you are thirsty. Snack on nutritional foods such as trail mix, nuts, and granola bars to keep your energy high.
  • Take your time and watch your step. Be careful and watch where you are walking, especially on slippery areas or near cliffs. Stick to dry paths and solid rock areas with good footing.
  • Stay away from rapid waters and slippery slopes. Be careful and cautious when hiking near water including waterfalls and swift or cold water. Climbing on rocks near waterfalls is extremely dangerous and can lead to a fatal fall or drowning. Do not attempt to cross streams during icy conditions, flooding, moving or white water, or any time you cannot be certain of the water depth. If you plan to cross any rivers, plan and prepare to do so safely.
  • Consult local tide tables and pay attention to tidal behavior. Oceans, estuaries, and their tributary streams are tidal – Tides reverse about every six hours. Beach users, rock climbers, and cave explorers can become trapped, and potentially drown, when incoming tides flood their return to safe ground. Keep track of time so you don’t get caught by the incoming tide.If trapped by a flooding tide, seek higher ground and call for help.
  • Spray for mosquitoes and check for ticks. Repellents, netting, long pants, and sleeved clothing are the best ways to protect yourself from insect bites. Wear bug spray repellent to ward off mosquitoes and ticks. Check your clothing and your body for ticks during and after your hike.
  • Be aware of wildlife. You might see some wildlife while you are out exploring. Check out the park’s website to learn more about the animals and educate yourself on responsibly watching wildlife. Store your food properly and do not wear strong scents.

Source: National Park Service (6/13/2024)