Eldorado National Forest

Recreational Activities: Safety

Staying Safe In the Forest

The most effective way to prevent mishaps is to adequately prepare for the trip. Knowledge of the area, weather, terrain, limitations of your body, plus a little common sense can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

• Travel with a companion. You don't want to be by yourself in case of an emergency. Tell someone where and when you are going, when you expect to return, and how many individuals are in your party.
• Be in good physical condition. Set a comfortable pace as you hike. A group trip should be designed for the weakest member of the group.
• Think about your footing while traveling near cliffs. Trees and bushes can't always be trusted to hold you.
• Stay on developed trails or dry, solid rock areas with good footing. Wear appropriate clothing for the trail conditions and season.
• Check your equipment. Keep your equipment in good working order. Inspect it before your trip. Do not wait until you are at the trailhead.
• Be weather wise. Keep an eye on current and predicted weather conditions. In this area, weather can change very quickly. Know the signs for approaching storms or changing weather conditions. Avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places, lone trees, streams, and rocks during lightning storms. Find shelter in a densely forested area at a lower elevation. Even in the summer, exposure to wind and rain can result in hypothermia.
• Learn basic first aid so you will know how to identify and treat injuries and illnesses. Carry a first aid kit with you. Learn how to identify the symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hypothermia, and dehydration, and know how to treat them.
• Make camp before dark. Traveling after darkness has resulted in many accidents from falls, so travel only during daylight. Set up camp well away from the edge of cliffs, and learn the terrain during daylight. If you have to leave camp after dark, stay in areas you have seen in daylight, go with a friend, and always use a good flashlight.
• Be alert for slippery areas and take your time to avoid tripping. Low-hanging branches and variable terrains make running unsafe, and leaves can hide slippery areas underneath.
• Alcohol and cliffs don't mix! If you drink, stay away from the cliffs. Judgment, agility, and balance are all reduced by alcohol consumption.
• Think before you drink! No matter how clean or pure stream water looks, it's likely to contain water-borne parasites and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Pack your water in, or purify through chemical treatment.

LOCAL AREA EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Accidents happen. Knowing where you might need to go in case of an emergency is important in preparing for any trip.  

More Information

Safety Questions : Is My Car Safe? Can I Bring My Dog? If You Get Lost . . .? Am I Safe On the Trail?

USDA Forest Service - Eldorado National Forest
Last Modified: Tuesday, 10 January 2006 at 16:45:49 EST