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Outdoor Safety & Ethics
Hiker Safety
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Carry water
Even the alpine forests on Mt. Lemmon are extremely dry and there is almost no natural water available. No untreated or unfiltered water should be consumed. Read about Avoiding Dehydration.
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Beware of animals
From scorpions to rattlesnakes to black bears, Southern Arizona animals can cause serious injury or death. Be aware of your surroundings and never approach a wild animal. Look carefully before you touch, sit, or walk. Be Bear Aware! & use Mountain Lion Safety.
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Don't go alone
A party of at least four persons is recommended. Avoid leaving an injured person alone.
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Plan carefully
Plan a route ahead of time using Geological Survey and Forest Service maps. When traveling on foot, allow about one hour for every two miles covered, plus an additional hour for every 1,000 feet of altitude gained.
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Check the weather
Fast-moving frontal systems can bring sudden and violent changes in mountain weather during both summer and winter. National Weather Service Tucson office.
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Check with authorities
Forest Rangers know their District and can offer valuable advice on trails, campsites, and potential problems. Fire restrictions and closure notices may affect your planned route.
Go Properly Equipped
A shirt, sweater, socks, mittens, and cap should always be carried. For protection against wind and wetness, carry a weatherproof outer parka. Sun protection and adequate water are essential in desert areas.
Always carry these items when going into the mountains: map, compass, flashlight, sunglasses, waterproof matches, whistle, pocketknife, candle, protective clothing, minimum first aid, and extra food.
Look Out For...
In some areas, loose rock can be a serious hazard. Never roll rocks down a mountainside. Another party may be below.
Border crossing by undocumented migrants and illegal entry of those smuggling contraband into the United States of America is common in areas close to the border. Be aware of your surroundings, stay on designated trails, and report any suspicious activity to the Border Patrol, 800 BE ALERT or (800) 232-5378.
High on the list of activities where people are injured by lightning are mountain hiking, climbing, camping, fishing, boating, and golfing. Many vacationers are unaware of the measures they can take to lower their risk of being struck. They should educate themselves about lightning strikes. They should be near safe shelter and try to avoid high terrain, large meadows, and bodies of water during high lightning activity (late morning to evening).
- If you are caught above the tree line when a storm approaches, descend quickly. Avoid isolated trees. It is better to run into a forest.
- Electric storms can develop in the middle of the night. Don't pitch your tent near the tallest trees in the vicinity.
- Avoid holding or being in the vicinity of metal (umbrellas, utility poles, etc.)
- If you are caught in an open field, seek a low spot. Crouch with your feet together and head low.
- People who have been hit by lightning carry no electric charge and can be safely tended to. Also, victims who appear dead can often be revived. If the person is not breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. But if a pulse is absent as well and you know cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), begin CPR.
- Don't sit or lie down. These positions provide much more contact with the ground, providing a wider path for lightning to follow. If you are with a group and the threat of lightning is high, spread out at least 15 feet apart to minimize the chance of everybody getting hit.
- Don't return to an open area too soon. People have been struck by lightning near the end of a storm, which is still a dangerous time.
- Swimmers, anglers, and boaters should get off lakes or rivers and seek shelter when storms approach. Drop any fishing rods. Boaters who cannot get off the water before the storm hits should crouch low. Once on land, get at least 100 yards away from shore.
Remember: This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a health-related concern, consult a physician. Also, the tips discussed here may lower injury risk, but the unpredictability of lightning affords no guarantees.
To avoid trailhead break-ins, forest visitors are encouraged to follow these tips:
- Remove valuables from vehicles; if possible, leave them at home.
- If you must leave valuables in vehicles, hide them out of sight before you get to the trailhead. Do not leave behind your wallet, keys, or phone.
- Scan the trailhead to make sure no one suspicious is hanging about. Trust your instinct. If you see something, consider moving to another trailhead and contacting the local authorities.
- Do not leave a hiking itinerary on your dash. Leave it with friends or family members before heading out.
- If possible, take an older vehicle, or one that attracts less attention. Better yet, get dropped off and picked up.
- Park near the road or in high traffic areas. Try to find the place with the least amount of privacy.
If your car is broken into you should contact the local police and file a report. You should also file a report with your insurance.
