TRAVEL ARIZONA
your guide to recreation and tourist activities
Whether you are a beginner going on your first hike or an expert who has been hiking for years, it is important to always
be prepared for your experience in the great outdoors. Here are some tips on how to be prepared for your hiking trip.
Pick a trail & Bring a friend
Choosing where to hike is very important. There are several things to consider when choosing where you want to hike such as how accesible it is, the landscape and views, if there are marked hiking trails and the length of the trails based on your level of experience.
Unless you are and experienced hiker and are familiar with the trail, you should enlist a friend to come with you on your hike. It is not only good company, but it is much safer to have one buddy come along with you on your hike. Make sure that the friend you ask to come along is at the same level as you so no one gets left behind. Also make sure you tell someone where you will be hiking and when you plan to return just in case anything goes wrong.
Dress Comfortably
You want to make sure you dress comfortably when going on a hike. Make sure to wear closed footwear and thick socks. Hiking boots are the most ideal type of footwear, but if you do not have hiking boots any supportive thick sole shoe would work. Bring extra pairs of socks if you are going on a long hike.
Weather can be very unpredictable when hiking. Although it may be warm at the base of the trail, the climate could be much colder at a higher elevation. Make sure to dress comfortable in layers that you can put on or take off as the weather changes. Wear sunscreen and pack a hat to keep yourself from getting sun burnt.
Packing Essentials
It is important to remember to pack the essentials when going on your hike. Most importantly make sure that you pack plenty of water. It is easy to get dehydrated when hiking long distances. Bring snacks such as trail mix, granola bars or fruit to keep your energy levels up during your hike.
Bring a small backpack with you where you can keep all of your hiking essentials. Other important things to remember to pack include: first aid supplies, hiking gloves for steep rocky slopes, a camera to take pictures, and a cell phone or gps just in case you get lost along your hike.
How to prepare for your hike
