It’s that time of year when hikers take to the outdoors for exercise and adventure.
Whether it’s a casual trek along the Mesilla Valley Bosque or a challenging scramble in the Organ Mountains, hikers should take the necessary precautions to avoid mishap while exploring the great outdoors.
The City of Las Cruces suggests all adventure-seekers follow these and other safety tips:
- Know your capabilities and the terrain for which you will be traversing.
- Plan your trek carefully and take into consideration weather reports, the expected duration of your hike and other conditions which you may face.
- Never hike or adventure alone.
- Keep groups together unless it is necessary for survival to separate.
- Follow all signage and refrain from straying from established trails.
- Carry a fully charged cellular or satellite phone in case of an emergency. Avoid depleting a cell phone’s battery by overusing the camera function.
- Pack a power bank and the proper cord to recharge a depleted cell phone battery.
- Carry a flashlight and extra batteries even if your hike is during the daytime.
- Avoid prolonging a mountain decent to take in a glorious sunset or full moon. Once the sun sets, it’s difficult to follow a trail or find your bearings on unknown terrain.
- Take plenty of drinking water and food to sustain you during the trek.
- Keep in mind, warm daytime temperatures and relatively high elevations expend energy and resources quickly.
- Avoid hikes during the hottest part of the day.
- Wear or carry proper attire for the trek. It’s best to dress in layers that can be easily removed – or added – depending on conditions.
- Wear a hat or proper head covering.
- Wear comfortable boots or hiking shoes that are suitable for the terrain to be covered.
- Be aware of changing weather conditions and the potential for flash floods from rains that might fall upstream from your location.
- Be extremely cautious when setting or using fire.
- Beware of snakes and arachnids like scorpions, spiders and ticks. They become more active during warmer weather and as daytime temperatures rise. Bite victims should seek help immediately.
- Beware of wild animals – including bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, deer and African oryx – that are known to frequent the Organ Mountains and other nearby areas.
- Never approach or attempt to handle a wild animal.
- If hiking with a canine partner, take into consideration its needs and safety requirements for the trek.
- Refrain from allowing your dog to run off-leash as it might give chase to wild animals and could easily become lost or injured.
- Tell a friend or relative where you are going and when you expect to return. If you have not returned by the designated time, they should know to contact authorities.
- Dispose of waste properly and use the “Pack it In – Pack it Out” motto to help keep wild areas pristine.
- Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. The Las Cruces Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team often works with several rescue groups to help hikers who have become stranded or injured. Call (575) 526-0795 or 911 if it’s an emergency.
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