Hiking Safety Tips (short list)

• Bring 1 - 2 liters of water
• Stay on marked trails.  Don't hike alone. 
• Stay with others in a group who you are compatible with.
• If someone is injured, don't leave them alone. There is safety in numbers.
• Bring a little extra water, just in case someone else is in need.
• Pay attention to weather conditions and adjust your plans accordingly.
• If possible, bring and carry a small first aid kit, ready to help someone in need.
• Be prepared.  Be alert for others who may need your help.
• Know your own physical strengths and weaknesses and adjust accordingly.
• Speak up and tell someone in our group if you have a problem, question or concern.
• Remember, this is NOT a competition.  Have fun and enjoy yourself among friends!   

"Going UP a mountain is optional, 

coming DOWN is mandatory."

Hiking Safety Tips (the long list)

When hiking with us, you agree to obey basic safety rules which are for your own protection.

I am not an official guide or ranger for the Wasatch Mountains, however, I have organized, promoted and enjoyed 950+ hiking/snowshoeing outings in the Wasatch Mountains every week for the past eight years.  We have also promoted adventure trips to hike in Maui and the Swiss Alps.

Many of us have logged more than 3000+ miles on several pair of hiking shoes.

Much of my success comes from obeying important safety rules. When you go with us, you will be expected to follow these same basic rules.

• Know your own physical limitations and act accordingly.
• Cut it short if you are new to the sport or don't feel comfortable for any reason.  Stop often and rest.  Don't let anyone talk you into doing otherwise.
• Understand that walking, running, snowshoeing and hiking are all different sports and work different muscles. Hiking in the mountains on the terrain with elevation to deal with is very different than walking or running around your neighborhood.  Give yourself time to adjust and ease into this environment.
• Hiking is an excellent aerobic sport.  Bring water and drink often.  Stop and take a rest often, if necessary. We won't leave you behind.
• Because I am a mother of 4 grown children, I have a nurturing attitude.  Our group doesn't leave anyone in the dust!  We care about every person who joins us and we look out for their safety and well being.   Get acquainted with other like-minded hikers and get to know those who join us.  We have a wide variety of physical abilities on each hike.  Don't hike alone.  Speak up and tell someone (preferably me or one of my assistants) if you have any problems or concerns. Tell someone if you want to leave early, for whatever reason.
• We are eager to make sure everyone who joins us, has a fun, memorable adventure - starting with the first outing they attend!
• Bring water (1.5 - 2 liters) and drink often.  Water energizes a body.  It will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  It helps a lot with high altitude sickness.
• During cool seasons (fall and spring), think like an ONION.  Dress in thin layers and remember, COTTON kills.  Avoid cotton fabrics including demin, since it retains water.
• Nylon, polyester and other thin "wicking" fabrics work best.
• Pay attention to the weather. We take weather and road conditions seriously and will adjust our outings accordingly. In eight years, we have never canceled an outing but have modified our hiking trail.
• Don't hike alone.  When you hike with us, you are expected to stay with others in our group and not take off on your own.  Plan on meeting a lot of amazing people with a wide assortment of abilities and ages. If you are a fast hiker, we won't hold you back but ask that you stop every so often at land marks.  If this doesn't work, you are always invited to hike on your own.Find others in our group who are moving at a pace that is comfortable for you.
• Get in the habit of telling someone where you are going and when you plan to return. You can always leave early if you like, just let us know.
• Based on weather and trail conditions, some adjustments may be made at our meeting place.  Because SAFETY is always my first priority, I may alter our hiking destination BUT I won't cancel the outing. Always plan to meet at the posted meeting place at the expected time.