The Bay Area has a lot to offer when it comes to the outdoors. And hiking is a great way to get exercise, experience nature, and explore your surroundings. But without proper knowledge it can sometimes be dangerous.
In 2021, an experienced trail runner went missing and was later found dead, after most likely succumbing to heat exhaustion. And just last weekend a local hiker went missing in Sunol Regional Preserve after embarking on an overnight hike on Friday. Authorities were notified after the man failed to show up at his preplanned pickup time and were later able to locate the man on Monday.
California State Parks see around 68 million visitors each year. They also see a significant number of search-and-rescue events yearly. Yosemite National Park alone averages around 250 emergency incidents yearly. While we don’t see those numbers in our regional parks, hitting the trails without proper preparations can pose a risk even for experienced outdoors people. The Oaklandside has put together a list of tips for tackling the trails safely this summer.
What to take with you
When heading out on any trail, remember to check that you’ll have everything you need for the day. Water is key, even for shorter hikes. Staying hydrated can lower your risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. If you’re going out for a long hike, it’s a good idea to bring extra sun protection, layers, food, and water. Clothing choice is important. You want to ensure you’re dressed for the weather ahead of you and that you have proper footwear.
The folks at the National Park Service has a list of 10 essential items they recommend for hikers heading out for the day, including navigational equipment, sun protection, insulation (like jackets, hats, and raincoats, depending on weather), illumination, a first-aid kit, matches or a lighter, a repair kit and multitool, food, and hydration. They also recommend bringing emergency shelter for those hanging out in national parks, which could include a safety blanket or a small tent.
Plan ahead
It’s always good to know your hiking plan before heading out. If you’re less experienced, understanding what trails are easiest for beginners can help you start your day out right. Many parks have a trail’s grade, length, and difficulty listed online. Trails are also often listed on trail-tracking apps like AllTrails. Check your park’s website for information before you head out to make sure you’re up to date on any trail closures or important park alerts. Know your trail ahead of time and stay on it. Going off trail puts you and the environment around you at risk.
Weather or not to go
Check the weather before hitting the trails. The Bay Area’s weather is variable, with changing forecasts throughout the day. Keep an eye out for incoming rain or heat waves on the horizon. It’s always a good idea to bring layers or an extra sweater, especially if you’re hitting trails closer to the coast. Check park websites on the day of your trip for any weather alerts, like extreme heat.
Heat illness can cause serious issues even for the most fit athletes. However, young children and older adults face the highest risks. Heat illness can present as fatigue, nausea, muscle weakness, cramps, and dizziness. To keep yourself and your hiking partners safe, check the weather ahead of time, drink plenty of water, wear adequate sun protection, eat salty snacks or drink electrolytes, and rest often. If you do experience heat illness symptoms, move to a cool area, drink water, and splash yourself with extra water, if available, and call for help.
If the weather looks questionable, always play it safe–the trails will be there another day.
Buddy system
Always tell someone where you are going. If it’s a longer hike, plan to check in with someone when you reach cell service again. Parks officials always recommend at minimum hiking in pairs when possible. Hitting the trails with a friend is an easy way to boost safety.
Hike smart
Pay attention to how you’re feeling on a trail. Make sure to take adequate breaks for rest, food, and water. If you feel it may be best to head in, listen to your body and play it safe. If you’re hiking in a group, let the slowest hiker determine the pace. You should also keep track of how long you’ve been on a trail and how far you’ve been traveling. Keeping your distance in check can help you avoid getting overtired or stuck outside in the dark.
Animal awareness
You’re looking to take a sunset hike. Beautiful? Yes. The safest option? Unfortunately not. Sunrise and sunset are when many animals can be a little more active. You’re more likely to see a mountain lion or a rattlesnake during these times. Hiking during the daytime is the safest, but if you are hiking in the early morning or evening remember to stay on the trail, keep dogs on leash and children close by.
It’s always a good idea to bring bug spray and check yourself and your companions for ticks after leaving the trail. Ticks can carry a bacteria called borrelia, which can cause Lyme disease. To lower your risk of a tick bite, the East Bay Regional Park District recommends wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes; tucking your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks; staying on the trail; and using insect repellent on your shoes, socks, and pants. The East Bay hills also have quite a few grazing animals, which should be given a wide berth.
Flora and fauna
The East Bay has so much beautiful nature to offer, but not all of it is friendly. Poison oak and toxic mushrooms are just some of the plants to be aware of. Avoid touching poison oak by staying on the trail, but if you do come in contact, wash the area immediately with soap and water. If you don’t know if something is poison oak, don’t risk it, but a good rule of thumb is “leaves of three, let it be.” Every park is different, so do some research ahead of time for plant life that you may encounter when visiting. It’s best to leave any off-trail plant life or animals you encounter alone.
Navigation is key
We have a lot of hills out here in the Bay Area. The beautiful trails run throughout the East Bay, but they can be winding and daunting if you don’t know where you’re headed. Check maps ahead of time. If you are at risk of losing cell service, bring a printed map or directions with you. You can also check in with a ranger if you feel unsure about where to head out. Stay on trail and pay attention to trail signs and maps.
Something went wrong, do you know what to do?
Have a plan if something goes wrong. The National Park Service advises hikers to have an outdoor emergency plan in case they get lost or hurt. Make sure your phones and other necessary devices are charged but also keep in mind that you may not have cell service where you are hiking.
If you do get lost, stop and take a deep breath. Take time to calmly assess where you are. Use a map or visual landmarks to assess where you are and try to retrace your steps. If that’s not possible, stay put and call 911. 911 may be available when you do not have active cell service, depending on your location and the location of the nearest cell phone tower, but operators will not be able to automatically locate you and if the call is dropped without cell service operators will not be able to call you back. If you cannot call for help, find shelter, conserve your resources, and stay warm. You can signal for help, but try and wait for help to arrive to avoid becoming even more lost. If someone you’re with gets lost, stop what you’re doing and go back to the last place you saw them. Do not look for the person off-trail. Call 911 if the person cannot be located. If you cannot call 911, find a ranger station.
If you are injured and it’s minor you can stop and use your first-aid kit to treat the affected area. Sit, drink some water, and fuel up with a snack. If your injury means you cannot continue to hike safely, then it’s time to turn around. If any major injury occurs, call 911 immediately. If you cannot call 911, flag down someone for help, minimize your movements, and control any bleeding. If you’re hiking with another person, follow the same steps. If you’re hiking in a group, two or more people can go out to seek help while others stay with the injured party.
Have fun!
Trails are there to be used. Whether you’re a hiking newbie or a seasoned pro, be prepared, stay safe, and enjoy what the Bay has to offer!
