Southwest Safety & Hiking Tips

Arizona’s landscapes are breathtaking but they can also be dangerous for the unprepared. Heat, dehydration, unpredictable weather, and unfamiliar terrain are some of the biggest risks, and first time visitors often underestimate them. Follow these tips to minimize your risk of needing rescue, ending up in the ER, or worse.

1. Use a navigation app when outdoors - I highly recommend the free AllTrails App for hike stats, difficulty levels, photos, and GPS tracking. You will have to upgrade to AllTrails+ ($2.99/month or $35.99/year) to download offline maps so that you can access them if you lose service on the trail. I know no one wants to spend more money but this could literally save your life. Fully charge your phone before heading out, and consider a portable charger for backup so that you can access the downloaded offline maps at all times.

2. Prepare for temperature extremes and fluctuations - Mid day sun can be particularly brutal in the southwest, especially in the summer when temperatures can exceed 110°F. Start early or late and pack layers or a jacket since temps drop quickly at night and in shaded canyons. Plus high altitude hikes can be surprisingly cold.

3. Bring plenty of water and manage electrolytes - Hydrate before and during your hike. On hot days, aim for at least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking. Arizona’s dry heat makes dehydration a real danger and people die every year from it. Electrolyte supplements or sports drinks can help your electrolytes to stay balanced as well.

4. Flash flood awareness - Summer is monsoon season in the southwest. Thunderstorms can quickly turn washes, low lying areas, and slot canyons into deadly places with large amounts of water moving through at a fast pace. Never enter these areas if you see storm clouds or hear thunder even if the rain isn’t directly overhead. Storms miles away can still send a wall of water your way so check the forecast to be sure no rain is predicted in surrounding areas.

5. Sun protection - The Arizona sun is intense year round. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen to often forgotten areas like your hair part, lips, and ears. Reapply sunscreen frequently especially during long hikes or near reflective surfaces like water, sand, or snow.

6. Hike with someone if possible - Hiking with a friend is typically safer and helps with navigation. If you hike alone, always tell someone your planned route and expected return time so that they can check on you.

7. Pack tweezers - Arizona trails are full of cacti needles. Even a small prick can be painful so keep tweezers handy to help remove them if you receive an unwanted prick.

8. Consider a GPS or SOS device - Satellite devices like the Garmin inReach allow you to call for help anywhere if you are injured or lost. Newer iPhones also have satellite SOS features so learn how to use them before heading into remote areas.

9. Pack Chapstick with SPF and lotion - Dry air and sun exposure will leave your lips and skin cracked within 24 - 48 hours of setting foot in Arizona. This is a small but essential item that travelers often forget.

10. Pay attention to local conditions - Roads, trails, and weather can change quickly across Arizona. Check updated trail conditions, parking restrictions, and fire alerts (especially in summer) before heading out.