Summer Hiking Safety Tips in Colorado

Summer and hiking trips in the Colorado Mountains are almost synonymous. What better way to get out and enjoy the wilds of the Colorado backcountry. Fresh air, sunshine, cool breezes, breathtaking scenery and wildlife all to yourself.

Before heading off on a rural day hike or backcountry exploration of Colorado, be aware that Colorado has hiking hazards not normally found in the rest of the USA. A hike can quickly turn dangerous without prior knowledge and preparation. If you are planning a hike in Colorado, here are safety tips for your next hike.

Weather

The weather can quickly change in Colorado. Thunderstorms often develop in the afternoon leaving hikers exposed to lightning. According to the National Lightning Safety Institute, Colorado had the third highest fatality rate due to lightning strikes from 1990-2003. Check the weather forecast before heading out and plan on being off high mountain peaks by noon. For more lightning safety tips.

Altitude

Some 20-30% of visitors to Colorado experience altitude sickness. If you experience nausea, headaches, shortness of breath or insomnia, these are the classic signs of altitude sickness. The severity of symptoms experienced are directly correlated to the amount of physical exercise, rate of ascent and hiking altitude. Gradually acclimatizing to Colorado's higher altitudes, increasing fluid intake, and taking frequent rest breaks can help prevent altitude sickness. Those with known medical conditions should consult with their physician prior to their Colorado trip.

Be prepared

It's not uncommon for day hikes to turn into unexpected overnight trips in Colorado. Be sure to wear the proper hiking gear and pack extra water, food, clothing, headlamp, safety kit and sunscreen. You may spend a cold night out in the mountains but you'll have food and water for the hike out in the morning.

Know where you are going

Have a map of the area that you are hiking. Stay on the trail and follow the trail markings. Taking shortcuts damages sensitive high alpine terrain and many hikers have gotten lost or 'cliffed out' trying to take that shortcut back to the trailhead. Let friends know of your hiking plans so they can notify authorities if your party is overdue.

Rattlesnakes

As soon as the weather warms up, rattlesnakes come out of their dens. In Colorado, rattlesnakes have been found from the open prairie up to 9800 ft. When hiking, try to remain alert and avoid surprising rattlesnakes. Stomping on logs before crossing them should alert the snake to your presence. Rattlesnakes rattle to warn you not to step on it and prefer to strike only in self-defense. Stop immediately and wait for the snake to leave.

Bears

Black bear encounters frequently happen in rural and suburban Colorado. Suburban bears have generally lost their fear of humans and can be quite aggressive. They've learned how to open car doors and home door handles in their search for food. If you surprise a bear while hiking, don't try to run away as it is much faster than you. Instead, try to alter your route around the bear or stop and slowly back away from the bear. If the bear approaches, shout loudly and make noise. If it attacks, use bear-rated pepper spray and fight back. For more bear information.

Moose

Moose were reintroduced to Colorado in 1978 and can now be found in many areas of the state. Moose are fast, aggressive creatures when disturbed and are extremely dangerous. They've been known to charge people, cars, and locomotives. Slowly back off and leave the area if you see a moose while hiking. If it attacks, run away. Moose hate all canines so keep any dogs under control and away from them.

Mountain lions

Mountain lions range from rural to suburban areas in Colorado. They regard humans, pets, and wildlife as prey. They will stalk, attack, and kill humans no matter the setting. Children are often first targets. Children should be kept in the middle of hiking groups and not be allowed to race ahead of the group. If stalked - try to make yourself look bigger by raising your arms, yell loudly, throw rocks at it or grab a heavy branch. Do not run from it. If attacked - fight back with everything you can. Your life depends upon it.

Calling for help

Cell phones do work in many popular hiking spots in Colorado. More often, the mountains do not have cell coverage. One option for emergencies is a personal locator beacon to summon help. Unfortunately the beacons are being abused by hikers who get cold or tired and just want a lift out. The abuse of satellite beacons or 'Yuppie 911' nicknamed by Search and Rescue Teams, may trigger rescue charges.

Wilderness rules

Hiking in Colorado Wilderness Areas requires a valid wilderness use permit. Registration is free and can be done at the trailhead. Dogs are required to be on leashes at all times in all Colorado Wilderness Areas. Moose regard dogs as predators and may attack those with dogs.

Abandoned mining claims

Colorado has a rich mining history resulting in many marked and unmarked abandoned adits and mineshafts. Old mines pose many hazards including: falling, rotted timbers, deadly gas, low oxygen, hidden winzes, and forgotten explosives. Be alert for unexpected mine openings and avoid them.

Getting lost

Many trails have spurs that look like the main trail or a shortcut. Next thing you know, you're lost. Should you become lost, stop and regroup. Pull out the map and GPS. Wandering around may only make things worse. If you notified friends and filed a trail plan, authorities will be notified. Do not set a signal fire - they easily turn into a raging forest fire. Carry commercial signal smoke devices instead.

Hiking is a terrific way to see the Colorado outdoors and get some exercise. With a little pre-planning and knowledge, it can be safe too.

Some great Colorado hiking resources:

Colorado Mountain Club
U.S. Forest Service
Colorado Hiking

Related Content:
The Ten Best Scenic Drives in the Colorado Mountains
Top Ten Summer Travel Tips for Colorado

Sources:
http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_lls/fatalities_us.html
http://www.roadandtravel.com/health/altitudesickness.htm
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1594/is_n1_v8/ai_19192504/
http://www.9news.com/news/investigative/article.aspx?storyid=70286
http://www.peeniewallie.com/2006/04/mountain-lion-a.html
http://www.modernhiker.com/2009/10/26/yuppie-911/
http://www.fidofriendly.com/destinations/moose/
http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/survive-a-moose-attack/
http://wildlife.state.co.us/WildlifeSpecies/Profiles/Mammals/Moose.htm
http://www.sangres.com/colorado/wilderness/index.htm
http://128.121.167.61/Sheriff/Rescue.htm
http://salida.com/salida-recreation/recreation-hiking.html
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/18844097/detail.html