The Dangers of Hiking in Arizona

Hiking is an outdoor activity that is very popular all over the world. Hiking in extreme conditions (low/high temperatures) is hard on the body and if the right precautions are not taken, death can occur. The American West provides so many places to hike with beautiful scenery. Arizona is a place with large mountains and great hiking destinations such as the Grand Canyon. However, Arizona can be a very dangerous place for hikers. Hydration is the most important factor when hiking during the summer. On long hikes, especially 2-4 hour hikes, a sufficient amount of water MUST be taken with you to ensure that you do not dehydrate.

The biggest mistake that people make is thinking that a gallon of water will be plenty for a 2 hour hike on a 105 degree day. That gallon will be consumed before you know it and if you are still an hour away from the trailhead, you can quickly dehydrate. Water backpacks are very useful and you can also carry additional water with you when you have the backpack on. Caching water is also not a bad idea. When you hike in from the trailhead, find an isolated shady spot, if you can, to store water. This way, if you run out of water, you know that you will have reserves and will not have to worry about dehydration. Another great idea is carrying a small pouch of Gatorade powder and if you feel dehydrated, mix it with some water to help replenish your electrolyte balance. However, do not make it too sweet, otherwise your body thinks that it is food and will not absorb the Gatorade as quick. Dilute it to a 50/50 and drink that to help with hydration.

On top of water, there is a class of plants in Arizona called Cacti. These plants have large thorns on them and can be quite painful if stepped on or punctured through anywhere else on the body. This is why it is a good idea to carry a med kit with you that has a pair of tweezers or pliers for larger thorns. A huge mistake hikers make when going on a long hike is not telling anyone where they will be hiking to. Hundreds of hikers dehydrate each year and no one knows where they are. So, before you go on that long hike, call a friend or family member up and inform them of where you will be hiking to. Let them know how long it should take and what time you expect to get back from the hike. Now, if you get stranded on the hike, someone will know where you are and a search and rescue can be sent to your location. Just remember to stay on the trail and do not venture off into the desert, otherwise you would make it more difficult for a rescue team to find you.

During the summer months, rattlesnakes become more active. If you are hiking off of a trail, be especially careful as the snakes can hide under rocks and strike with little provocation. Being bitten by a rattlesnake in the desert is extremely dangerous especially if you are already dehydrated. Hiking back with a bite on your leg is dangerous too because you are stimulating blood flow by walking on that leg and increasing blood pressure (thereby increasing the rate at which the venom spread through your bloodstream). Make sure you research the area and what the temperature is going to be for that day. Hiking is an extremely fun hobby, but can be a deadly hobby if the necessary precautions are not taken.