Hiking in the spring can be tricky depending on where you live due to waiting for the snow to melt, your favorite roads to open, or the never-ending rain that may get in the way. It is best to be overly prepared when going hiking in the spring as the changing ecosystems can have additional risk factors involved.
In this blog post we will cover tips to ensure that when you’re going on a spring hike you feel confident and safe!
Know Before You Go
It is important to check updated trail information through All Trails or the forest service before heading to a hiking trail. Especially in higher elevation climates that receive snow, spring trails may not be safe or accessible due to snow, landslides, or impacts on the road themselves from the cold of winter. If there aren’t updates on All Trails, calling the local ranger station for road updates is always a good idea. Instagram can be a great place to ask others what their experience was like simply by searching and messaging somebody!
Pack The 10 Essentials
Whenever heading out on a spring hike, it is important to pack the 10 Essentials so that you’re able to be prepared in the event of an emergency. Say you break something-do you have a way to contact somebody in an area without cell phone service? If you have to spend the night do you have enough food to get you by? This means in your car well-having a blanket and emergency food packed in the car is going to keep you safe if you get stuck somewhere without cell phone service.
At the very least before going on a hike outside of cell phone service, having these items below will keep you safe and protected in lesser-known areas. As always, tell somebody before you go hiking where you will be going, and when you plan to be back.
10 Essentials:
- Navigation: compass, map, GPS, personal locator, beacon
- Headlamp
- Sun Protection
- First Aid
- Knife
- Fire: matches, lighter tinder, and or stove
- Shelter
- Extra water
- Extra Clothes
- Extra Food (plus some beer 😉 if it fits)
Have Proper Layers
If you’re hiking in the warm desert spring sun of Utah or the rainy Pacific Northwest sun, having the proper layers to keep you protects you from the elements. Be sure to check the weather, pack extra layers and sun protection, and a fresh pair of socks and warm layers for the ride home!
Pro-tip: Pack driving shoes so you don’t have to drive in your hiking boots. Having a clean change of clothing can be nice too so you don’t have to drive home in wet or sweaty clothing
Know Your Hazards
Will you encounter snow on your spring hike? Will you encounter it on your drive-in? Changes in conditions can trigger an avalanche, or collapsing of the snow, especially if you’re hiking in it. If you’re unsure that you’re safe, it is best to trust your gut and not finish the hike if it doesn’t seem safe to finish.
Will you be crossing a river? Or near a stream that may have grown due to heavy rain and snow melt? It’s best to be prepared by knowing your skill level and how you might approach something like this. Trekking poles are a great piece of gear to bring if river crossings might be a part of the hike.
Blowdown trees may be a part of the trail or roads to get there. While some might carry a chainsaw in the car for adventures like this, it’s safe to say that most people don’t. That’s the unfortunate reality of being the first to travel to a destination after a long winter-roads might be unable to drive on. It’s best practice to call the local ranger station to report downed trees so that they can be taken care of.