If you, too, are extremely online, you’ll likely remember it: the most GIF-able Arizona moment since the Great Sun City Llama Chase of 2015, when an injured hiker’s airlift off Piestewa Peak went scarily wrong. (The woman endured nausea and dizziness, but fortunately no further injuries, Fox 10 reported.)
While that incident happened on June 4, the dangerous time of year for hikers is by no means over; just last week, 12 News reported that another woman needed rescuing from Piestewa Peak for dizziness.
High temperatures are expected to exceed 110 degrees over the next week, so here are some tips for staying safe should you choose to hit the trails soon.
1. Water, Water, Water
This isn’t as simple as it might seem. The City of Phoenix says it’s important to drink water before, during and after your hike, which means it’ll take some preparation to both show up hydrated and have enough water with you.
2. Dress for Success
Your hiking attire should be both light in weight and light in color, says the Town of Fountain Hills. So, leave the ASU Football “blackout” shirt at home. The Arizona Office of Tourism says your shoes should be “well-fitting and broken in.”
3. Use the Buddy System
“Don’t hike alone,” says the Arizona Office of Tourism. You do not want to be stranded in the event of an emergency. The City of Phoenix also says you should carry a cell phone, so you can call for help if necessary.
4. Stay on Course
As tempting as it may be for the more adventurous among us, “Don’t trail blaze, ” says the City of Phoenix. Piestewa Peak boasts 11 trails, ranging from moderate to difficult. Camelback Mountain, meanwhile, has two trails, Echo Canyon and Cholla, the first of which is “intense and difficult.”
