Planning to Go Hiking in Arizona?

Although Arizona has a well-deserved reputation as being one of the warmest states, there is still a wealth of natural beauty to behold, from the beauty of the Grand Canyon to one of the many trails scattered throughout the state. If you want to enjoy these sights while hiking in Arizona, it helps to know how to beat the heat safely and effectively. If you’re not careful, heat stroke or heat exhaustion can ruin Arizona hiking trips and even put you in physical danger. By knowing the proper precautions to take while hiking in the Arizona heat, you’ll stay safe and have a better time.

Drink Plenty of Water

It should seem obvious, but when hiking in Arizona, it helps to have plenty of water with you to replace what you lose through sweating. Keep in mind that you should err on the side of caution and bring more than you need so you don’t get dehydrated. Learn where water stations are on the trail and refill your water containers whenever possible. Staying properly hydrated is one of the most important things that you can do when hiking in Arizona.

Dress to Insulate

Keep in mind that while the air is hot on Arizona hiking trails, the ground will be absorbing plenty of that heat and radiating it back out, which means you’ll be gaining a lot of heat through contact with the ground. By wearing socks that insulate, such as neoprene socks, and covering your body to insulate and protect you from the sun’s rays, you’ll be able to keep cooler than you would in sandals and shorts. There’s a reason why desert nomads in the movies are always depicted as wearing robes that cover everywhere that insulation protects them from the blazing heat.

Take Frequent Breaks

Keep in mind that you’ll need to take frequent breaks when hiking in Arizona, allowing yourself to cool down a little and preventing exhaustion. Look for shady spots so you have somewhere to rest that’s a little cooler than the ambient temperatures, and be sure to also take breaks if you feel dizzy or show any signs of heat exhaustion. While resting, beware of the heat from the ground as well! If you do have to sit on the ground, an insulated military space blanket, made of reflective material, will help to insulate you while you sit on it by preventing the ground from heating you up as you rest. If you follow these three basic rules, you’ve already made significant progress towards keeping safe and cool while hiking in Arizona.