For Your Safety: - Carry adequate drinking water—at least 1 gallon per person/per day. Carry additional water for your vehicle.
- Camp 100 yards from dry washes or stream beds. Flash floods may occur without warning, even if you do not see rain.
- Technical climbing is dangerous. Most rock in the park is unstable. (see Climbing Regulations).
- Designate a trip leader and follow the schedule on your backcountry permit. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
Survive the Sun
Too much sun can be dangerous; take heat safety seriously.
Do not attempt cross-country travel without an experienced leader.
Maps, good boots, first aid and survival kits, and plenty of water are essential.
Be alert for poisonous snakes and insects.
Watch where you place you hands and feet, always carry a flashlight at night, and shake out your shoes and clothes before putting them on. Remember that snakes and insects are also protected in the park--do not harm or harass them.
Learn how to prevent hazardous encounters with wildlife.
Mountain lions and black bears are a natural part of the environment; be prepared for the possibility of an encounter. If you encounter a lion or bear, DO NOT RUN! Yell, scream, wave your arms, throw rocks or sticks, and look big. Keep children with you at all times. Report lion and bear sightings to a ranger.
Secure your food from bears and other wildlife.
Do not feed any wildlife. Keep your food in a hard-sided vehicle or a food storage locker. Ice chests are not animal-proof.
Lock your vehicle and safeguard your valuables.
Theft of property from unoccupied vehicles and campsites can be a problem in remote areas of the park. Check with a ranger.
Swimming or wading in the Rio Grande is not recommended.
Sudden dropoffs and unpredictable currents make the river potentially hazardous.
Report any illegal activity to a ranger.
