Hints For Tucson Hikers
Or just about anywhere else…

Hiking is as much a part of the Tucson Arizona outdoor lifestyle as any other activity, and more than most. Little wonder, the area surrounding Tucson is rich with spectacular views of an ever-changing landscape. Hikers are treated to visions that encompass the arid magnificence of the Sonora Desert, the plush greenery of oasis such as Agua Caliente, and the majestic dominance of the four mountain ranges that stand watch over Tucson – including Mount Lemmon, the highest point in the region.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker, or you're just about to break in your first pair of boots, here are four hints to help you have an enjoyable hike – no matter where your feet (and new boots) decide to take you.

1. Be sure to know the area you will be hiking into. Tucson, and in fact all of Arizona, has some exceptional hiking areas, and numerous clubs and organizations which focus on hiking. You can always get great information on wherever you're going to hike – and you should. You can get a wealth of information from websites with information and trail details; maps at park offices; many trailheads; and, or course, visitor centers. You should always check the area you're going to hike before you head out for your trek.

2. Be absolutely sure that you know the conditions you will be dealing with on your hike. Few things are as irritating or disappointing as traveling to a hiking destination, only to scrap the hike because of rain, snow, freezing, or – especially in certain areas around Tucson, [flash] flooding. If the trail you want to hike has been flooded out, or serious snows have shut it down for an extended period of time, you should be able to ascertain this as well. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Check out this lengthy, informative article for details on many of the dangerous plants and animals around Tucson. This is especially important if you're a new desert hiker.

3. Wear clothing that fits properly, and works well in all the weather and terrain conditions you'll address on your hike. You can start in a warm place on Mount Lemmon one morning, and end up in a very cold place by day's end. There are many options available in the hiker's clothing arsenal. Some general guidelines for ensuring that you stay comfortable include:
- Avoid wearing cotton. Look for some of the new synthetic materials designed for the conditions. Also, natural fibers that pull (wick) moisture away from your body, or at least will keep you warm when they get wet. Wool is excellent, though many are averse to wearing it.
- Use the "layer method" of dressing. This will allow you to easily adjust your clothing based on the varying conditions. You're much better off with several effective layers than carrying a Along a bulky, heavy outer garment that is only useful if temperatures plummet a couple of dozen degrees.
- Your two most important pieces of clothing are your socks and shoes! Don't underestimate the grief (and pain) a hike can cause when you're wearing uncomfortable shoes and/or socks. Never go for a hike wearing a pair of 'untested' (new) hiking boots or shoes. Suggestion: always have one extra pair of socks with you for your one day hike! Your body loses over half of its heat through your head. So if it's cold, or even cool since you'll be sweating, be sure to take a good hat along.

4. Take along a custom-made first aid kit. By this, I mean that there are some things you really should consider having with you on desert or mountain hikes. You should also check to see if one of your hiking party is allergic to bee stings, so that you can ensure an injection for that comes along in the kit. Such kits are simple, inexpensive to assemble, lightweight – and true lifesavers when needed. One thing I suggest is to put six wooden, strike-anywhere matches [safely] in the kit. These have limitless uses, not the least of which is removing a locked Gila Monster from your best friend's finger! Just put the flame under the Gila's neck and voila! You can purchase a simple first aid kit at a local drug store, and also the supplies to customize it – like snake bite requirements, etc. I recommend just one bandages style: gauze, 1" wide – no need to take along a bunch of band-aids. Sun screen (at least 32) for emergencies. Aspirin, alcohol swabs, and a small multi-use tool with a sharp knife in it. I know it's not very 'natural,' but a cell phone can quickly go from convenience to necessity in emergencies. Make sure that your kit is adequately protected from the elements, especially water.

Lastly, remember this is the desert. So take along some extra water. Now, suit up and get hiking.