Safety and Outdoor Ethics

Image

• Bring water
• Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return
• Read all trail head signs and follow local regulations
• Stay on the trail
• Hike in groups
• Don't hike in the dark
• Carry bear pepper spray
• Keep children within your sight

Image

• Set up your campsite away from streams. Flash flooding can occur quickly, without warning and from storms far away from your location.
• Set up cooking and eating areas 100 yards from your sleeping area.
• Use bear resistant food containers. Store food and odorous items when not in use.
• Keep sleeping bags and tents completely free of food, beverages, and odorous items.
• Do not sleep in the clothes you cook or handle fish and game in. The odors may attract wildlife.
• Keep a flashlight and bear pepper spray readily available.

Trees routinely fall in the forest. Avoid walking or camping under leaning trees, dead or partially dead trees, or trees with two tree trunks.

Mining began long before the establishment of National Forests. No one knows the exact location of all the abandoned mines in National Forests, therefore we cannot warn the public of the existence of all abandon mines.

Each year people are killed or injured in abandoned mines. Many of these structures contain dilapidated frames, open shafts, and water-filled pits. The dangers that are found in the mines include old explosives, hazardous chemicals, and wildlife. Entrance puts a person at risk for hazards such as falls and cave-ins.

Before heading to the Prescott National Forest, check to see if there are fire restrictions in effect, get information about prescribed burns, and get wildland fire information by visiting our Fire Information webpage. 

Image

Image

1. Winter conditions, such as accumulation of snow and/or ice, often lead to temporary closures of year-round recreation sites and facilities. Recreation sites are not plowed in winter.
2. Visitors are encouraged to check and monitor weather forecasts when planning to visit and before travelling to national forest recreation sites.
3. Visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather.  Should tow services be needed, contact a local tow company.
4. Response to storm conditions is situational and based on available resources, hazards, and severity of conditions.  Snow removal is infrequent.
5. In life and death emergencies and crimes in progress, visitors should call 911.
6. For non-life-threatening situations, when Forest Service personnel are not available, call the Yavapai County Sheriff non-emergency dispatch at 928-771-3260.
7. For 5 or 6 above, be prepared to identify yourself, describe the situation, identify your location, how to get there, and how you can be reached.