Every year, there seems to be at least one hiker who needs to be rescued from Joshua Tree National Park due to heat-related illness. On Saturday, June 5, a hiker from Oregon had to be airlifted out of 49 Palms Oasis when she became dehydrated. Hilary Sloane has tips on how to stay safe while hiking in the summer…
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.
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 1.5 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.
