Before I moved to the desert, I could not have imagined hiking in the heat of summer. But I do! Ranger Cathy Bell tells how you can do it safely…
It’s no secret that it gets HOT in the desert in the summertime. But that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck indoors all day and all night. With plenty of preparation and a healthy dose of prudence, you can safely enjoy a summer hike in Joshua Tree National Park. Prepare by drinking water even before you hit the trail. Protect yourself from the sun. Remember to bring along a map and lots of snacks and water. Hiking in the heat can cause you to lose as much as one and one half quarts of water an hour, so drink plenty to replace these lost fluids, and don’t forget to replenish your electrolytes by eating salty snacks. Start your hike early in the morning, when it is still cool, and try to be off the trail by midmorning. If you do find yourself under the blazing sun in the middle of the day, seek shelter in the shade of rock formations or plants. Remember, cell phones don’t work in most of Joshua Tree National Park. For safety, always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
For Z107.7, this is Park Ranger Cathy Bell, encouraging you to explore your national park.
