Have Fun, Stay Safe! 10 Tips for Family Hikes
Longer days, warmer temps and pandemic fatigue… what better motivation to get outdoors? Normally I’d be thrilled with the flood of families who are flocking to hiking trails. But inexperience is overloading rescue workers, who are stretched thin trying to save tired, hurt or frightened first-timers. And newbies toss trash and leave pet waste that threatens animals, destroys sensitive areas and is just plain disgusting.
So, whether you're walking a well-worn path for an hour or climbing a craggy summit all day, these 10 tips will help you stay safe, have fun and treat our trails with respect.
Gauge Ability Honestly. You walk miles around your neighborhood and your teenager is a soccer star. This doesn’t mean you’re ready to scale a mountain with rock scrambles and strenuous elevation changes. Start off with shorter, easier trails to learn your family’s comfort levels and abilities.
Give Yourself Time. Figure you’ll cover about two miles an hour on a moderate hike (slower with small children or on challenging trails.) My teens always went faster and wound up slowing down to wait for us. Pick a trail that leaves you enough time to get back to your car before dark.
Know Before You Go. No matter the trail, download a trail map or trail ap and review your route. Check the weather and bring appropriate clothing. (Many rescues are of hikers who started in shorts and didn’t realize it might be freezing at the peak.)
Share Your Plans. Let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you plan on returning.
Carry Essentials.
- water (energy drinks or mix for strenuous hikes)
- weather protection (sunscreen, SPF lip balm, hat, sunglasses, rain poncho, gloves/hat if cold)
- bug protection
- first aid kit (there are a variety out there, you can make your own with a waterproof bag or container. Include antibiotic ointment, anti-inflammatory medication, electrolyte tablets and an insect sting remedy, along with band-aids, bandages, gauze, tweezers and alcohol wipes.)
- food/snacks for longer hikes (energy bars, trail mix, chews)
- whistle or bells
- duct tape and/or paracord (these can fix broken hiking boots, shore up packs, secure splints in an emergency and so many other things. To save space, wrap a long strip of duct tape around itself.)
- multi-use tool (like a Swiss army knife)
- lighter, matches (in a waterproof container)
- headlamp or small flashlight (some of those rescues were of people who got caught, and lost, after dark.)Don’t Leave Your Waste. Put trash in proper receptacles or, if there are none around, put it in a plastic bag and carry it out in your backpack. Learn trail etiquette for your bathroom needs. There are plenty of online resources about how to sh#t in the woods.
But Leave What You Find. It is illegal to remove natural materials from national parks.Imagine if tens of thousands of hikers each took “just one” gigantic Kings Canyon pine cone?
Respect Wildlife. You are visiting their home; don’t feed or venture near animals, even "friendly" squirrels and birds. It can be dangerous and is also illegal to disturb or come too close to some wildlife.
Be kind. Use common courtesy when hiking or enjoying a popular view. Wear your mask when others are around.
Notice, laugh, discover! Let yourself relax and truly see, hear, and smell your surroundings. Breathe in the healing pheromones of trees. Smile at tiny wildflowers, twisting vines, soothing streams, sculptural rock. It’s natural to watch your step, but don’t forget to look up. And embrace “games” in this best of all playgrounds, like stepping only on rocks or guessing the number of switchbacks to the top. One dad challenges his kids to find the letters of the alphabet in the shapes around them. Embrace your imagination, your senses, your family love!
Find more tips in Eye Rolls & Awe: A National Park Road Trip with Teens