Avoid These Mistakes When Hiking in Arizona

Summer is coming.  Spring has sprung and winter is but a distant memory.  The temperatures are steadily climbing and so are heat stroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion when people set out for some hiking in Arizona.  

Turn off the TV and lace up those hiking shoes.  We’ve rounded up 4 of the best hikes in Arizona here!

Every year, Arizona locals and visitors alike fall victim to injury or sickness relating to sun exposure when in fact their mistakes can be easily avoided whether you’re a novice or experienced hiker.  

We’ve come up with 3 mistakes to avoid at all costs for hiking in Arizona.

Not Staying Hydrated

The hiking rule of thumb is to drink a liter of water every hour.  But if temperatures are well over 85 degrees, your body’s need for water increases dramatically.  If you’re not properly hydrated while hiking in Arizona, it is easy to become dehydrated without even realizing it’s happening.  Signs of dehydration include fatigue, headaches and nausea.  Always carry more water than you think you will need.  Here’s a system you can use for almost every time of the year here in Arizona:

• Drink water every 20 minutes—even if you’re not thirsty
• Aim to drink around a half a liter every hour
• If you are going on a hike that will last around 4 hours, take 2 liters of water with you or a little more

Going on the Wrong Hike

Always select a hike that best fits your fitness level.  It can be a horrific experience if you choose a hike that doesn’t align with your physical abilities and hiking skills.   Check out the trail descriptions for their difficulty scale.  Are you able to hike 5 miles?  Can you climb over large boulders?  Are you looking for something more laid back and easy? Ask yourself these questions before choosing your hike.  

Hiking When it’s Scorching Outside

This may seem like a no-brainer but people still attempt to go out in the dead of summer and end up regretting it big time.  During the scalding hot summer months, start your hike as early as possible and avoid hiking at the hottest time of the day in the summer.  

Arizona’s beautiful mountains and hiking trails are known around the world.  Although beautiful, they can be dangerous if you are unprepared.  Bring enough water, wear the right clothing and choose the right hike for your ability and you will be able to enjoy your experiences hiking in Arizona.  Stay safe the next time you hit the trail.  

Before you head out to hike, take a few minutes to do some warm-up stretches to avoid injury, improve your flexibility and increase blood flow to your muscles.  Try these 5 awesome warm-up stretches.