Safety Tips for Hiking & Climbing in the High Country

We have had several active search and rescue missions on our mountains early in the summer of 2023 and we want to reverse this trend immediately. We encourage all forest visitors to be well-prepared for your outing. Especially, if you plan on climbing any of our high peaks. Some of the common factors that led to calls for help over the last couple of years include:

• Being caught in inclement weather
• Lack of appropriate gear/equipment
• Climbers going off established or planned routes
• Physical exhaustion / medical emergencies

To address these, here are a couple of tips that can get you started on planning your trip:

Check forecasts

This step is critical. If inclement weather is forecast, plan your trip for another day. The mountains don’t care about your schedule. You need to go by theirs. Weather can change. Be committed to the possibility of having to turn around and make the decision BEFORE it is too late.

Gear-up

These are the Rocky Mountains. Even on nice days, they can be unforgiving. Pack and carry the appropriate gear for all weather situations. Bring enough water or know where your water filtering sources are. Have the appropriate equipment for navigating in confusing areas and over loose rocks and snowfields. Doing your homework will help immensely.

Know your route

It is easy to unknowingly veer off-route in many of our alpine environments. Be hyper-aware of your location and route at all times. Climbers have descended to cliff areas and have been stranded due to dangerous retracing conditions or inclement weather. Again, do your homework.

Be physically fit

Often, people have become physically exhausted or experience a medical emergency leading to their help requests. Please know and respect your fitness level and physical limits. The high country is no place for the ill-prepared, whether it be physically or mentally. 

Stick with your plan

Finally, if you were just out for a day hike and suddenly the peaks beckon you to climb, you need to have the strength to resist that urge. Since it wasn’t your original plan, you are likely to not be prepared for that activity and doing it could lead to a life-threatening outcome. 

There are several other resources that can help you plan your next adventure. Seek them out and learn - BEFORE you go.