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Tips From a Local #3
A weekly column by
Kevin Ordean
|
Sedona.biz
People come to Sedona for a variety of
reasons but one of the most popular is to enjoy the amazing hiking.
Getting to see the Red Rocks of Sedona is an awe inspiring sight to
most, but getting to hike into them really is an experience that can
last a lifetime. There are countless trails and pathways amongst the
Red Rocks and many that go far above them onto the Mogollon rim.
Growing up in Sedona I made the forest my
home and I have spent many days and night hiking, climbing, and
camping in and around the area. I have unfortunately seen, and read
about, many a hike gone wrong. My ten tips will be focusing on what
to bring / not to bring on your hikes in and around the area.
| 1. |
DON’T WEAR NEW SHOES. If you are planning a hike then get
some walking done in your new shoes before you hit the trail. There are few
things as painful, and totally preventable, as having blisters on your feet. For
most of these hikes you don’t need a big heavy boot. I usually wear running
shoes on the shorter day hikes. Just make sure not to roll your ankle |
| 2. |
FIRST AID KIT. I carry as much first aid supplies as I can
because I have seen people all banged up and far from the car. All you really
need is a simple compact first aid kit. There are cacti and other sharp pointy
hazards along your hike and being able to treat an injury right away can save a
lot of pain and suffering. I would also recommend throwing in an elastic bandage
as well. |
| 3. |
STAY ON THE PATH. More and more people get lost by wandering
out into the forest and not staying on the marked path. The path is there
because it follows a safe and marked route from point A to point B. If you feel
like getting adventurous then pick a harder hike instead of venturing off. |
| 4. |
BRING A MAP. The forest service has maps of the areas and
you can find them at just about any outdoor store in Sedona. If you are lost
without a map….you are lost. |
| 5. |
BRING A WHISTLE. Yes, a whistle. If you are hurt or lost, or
both, then using the whistle to signal for help will greatly increase your
chances of being found. A whistle doesn’t require the same energy as yelling,
so you can relax and signal longer. [In today's high tech age consider bringing
a cell phone but still bring the whistle because you may not get a signal]. |
| 6. |
TELL SOMEONE. If you have friends or family in town, or if
you are talking to them on the phone, tell them where you are going hiking. If
you don’t turn up at the hotel then someone will be wondering why. If you call
someone tell them you will call to tell them about the hike when you get back.
The sooner someone is looking for you the less time you have to spend sitting in
the hot sun blowing your whistle. |
| 7. |
SNACK. Take a snack. It doesn’t have to be much; a little
bag of trail mix will work. |
| 8. |
WHOA. Hike for your level. If you are out of shape,
overweight, and have never been hiking then you may want to stick to easier
hikes. A 1000 foot elevation gain will wind even an experienced hiker. |
| 9. |
CLICK. Take a camera. Some of the most amazing pictures I
have taken are from places you can’t get to without hiking / climbing. Also the
pictures will have a great story, “I hiked back 5 miles and was standing on top
of a Red Rock formation.” |
| 10. |
EASY. Pack light. I know I just added some weight with my
list of stuff but weight is an issue when you are out on the trail so leave any
bulky or heavy items and make sure to PACK WATER |
Bonus Tip: WATER WATER WATER. Arizona is a
desert. When the thermometer is at 108 and you are lost in the canyons you will
be thanking me that you took some extra. How much should you take? Well that all
depends. I always take twice what I think I might need, and then I make sure all
my companions have some too.
Click for past tips:
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