Hiking and Mountain Trails

When you visit our mountain parks, remember these seven basic rules.

• If you have any doubt at all as to whether you should climb a trail or mountain, DON'T. The climb up can be difficult but the climb down is always more difficult.
• Be sure to wear proper footwear. This would include hiking boots or high top sneakers; something with plenty of ankle support. Twisted ankles are the most common injury on mountain trails.
• During the summer, the sun is a major factor. Be sure to wear something that provides protection from the sun - cool, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves. Wear a hat or sun visor and be sure to have plenty of water with you.
• Stay on the trail. This is where most people get in trouble. First, the trail is the safest place to be. Second, the mountain parks are protected areas. When a hiker leaves the trail, he or she is defacing the area and there are laws against this.
• Remember that the parks are closed from dusk to dawn. It is against the law to be in them during this time. When someone finds themselves in trouble on a mountain trail in the dark, rescuers put themselves at risk to help them. It is a high risk operation to find someone in the mountains at night, fly a helicopter near a mountain or rappel at night. Please be smart about what you're doing.
• Don't play at repelling if you don't know what you're doing. Take lessons and do it the right way. Know your limitations.
• Make sure somebody knows where you are going and when you are scheduled to return.