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RimSurfer
It's Fun to Surf the Rim
It's Fun to Surf the Rim
Arizona Hiking Trails Photo Gallery
Adventure Resource
Adventure Resource
Hiking Safety Tips
Be aware of natural hazards
Plants and Insects
• Poison Ivy, cactus, thorny vegetation, mosquitos, bugs, spiders, etc
• Mushrooms - do not eat or touch them as they could be poisonous.
Critters
• Bears, skunks, wasps, scorpions, bats and snakes - leave them alone and usually they will leave you alone. Bring a snake bite kit in your first aid.
Stream Crossings
• Determine water depth and speed - rocks are often slippery - a fall can become a serious problem and require rescue.
Winds
• In Arizona forests branches or trees can fall, especially when lots of them are dead or dying from drought and bark beetles - be alert.
Lightning
• Arizona is known for its severe lightning strikes and can also have "dry strikes" and "winter" lightning. See Forest Service website for more info.
Stay on the trail.
• Bushwacking is dangerous: Watch where you put your hands or feet. Pets often step or jump on top of critters and get bit.
• Climbing is dangerous: Arizona rock formations are often very dangerous to climb on or over.
Unneccesary risks
• Do not take them. Be aware of your environment, physical movement and the condition of the trail.
Injuries
• usually occur from poor preparation, not paying attention, getting in a hurry, becoming exhausted, taking unneccesary risks or just plain bad judgment.
In the event of an emergency
• Determine and prioritize the injury
• Stay calm and if in a group stay together
• Listen to your leader
Forest Service Safety Guidelines
Be sure to see the USDA Forest Service website for specific Arizona Hiking Trail info and safety guidelines.
Be aware of natural hazards
Plants and Insects
• Poison Ivy, cactus, thorny vegetation, mosquitos, bugs, spiders, etc
• Mushrooms - do not eat or touch them as they could be poisonous.
Critters
• Bears, skunks, wasps, scorpions, bats and snakes - leave them alone and usually they will leave you alone. Bring a snake bite kit in your first aid.
Stream Crossings
• Determine water depth and speed - rocks are often slippery - a fall can become a serious problem and require rescue.
Winds
• In Arizona forests branches or trees can fall, especially when lots of them are dead or dying from drought and bark beetles - be alert.
Lightning
• Arizona is known for its severe lightning strikes and can also have "dry strikes" and "winter" lightning. See Forest Service website for more info.
Stay on the trail.
• Bushwacking is dangerous: Watch where you put your hands or feet. Pets often step or jump on top of critters and get bit.
• Climbing is dangerous: Arizona rock formations are often very dangerous to climb on or over.
Unneccesary risks
• Do not take them. Be aware of your environment, physical movement and the condition of the trail.
Injuries
• usually occur from poor preparation, not paying attention, getting in a hurry, becoming exhausted, taking unneccesary risks or just plain bad judgment.
In the event of an emergency
• Determine and prioritize the injury
• Stay calm and if in a group stay together
• Listen to your leader
Forest Service Safety Guidelines
Be sure to see the USDA Forest Service website for specific Arizona Hiking Trail info and safety guidelines.