OPINION OPINION HIKING WITH T

BY THERESA SAMA

The heat came late this year; prior to mid-June, we’d only hit triple-digits a few times in the Coachella Valley. I’m certainly not complaining; the cooler temperatures have been ideal for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors, for sure.

But scorching summer heat is inevitable, so per usual at this time of year, we need to discuss how to stay cool when hiking in the high heat; how to plan and prepare for your hike; and the importance of staying hydrated before, during and after your hike.

REI’s Expert Advice column offers great advice for hiking in the hot weather, including tips on planning when and where to hike, what clothing to wear, and how to protect yourself from sunburn, dehydration, overhydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Do you know it can take 10-14 days to acclimate to high heat?

One obvious but important tip: Stay in the shade! It’s a good idea to choose trails with some kind of shade, whether it be from trees or steep canyon walls, to avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible. Another tip: Choose a hike near water to keep yourself (and others with you) cool during hikes in the high heat. Hiking along flowing water is refreshing and rewarding. You can always keep cool by dipping your hat and/ or bandana/neck gaiter into the cold water, then wearing them to help lower your body temperature.

We’ve had above-average rainfall here in the desert, with more snow in the higher elevations, which has led to an abundance of running water that is still plentiful late into the summer months. Here are three great water-adjacent trails within the Indian Canyons (tribal land managed by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians):

• Andreas Canyon Trail is a popular hiking destination that provides shade and a stream with flowing water. The easy 1-mile scenic trail loop takes you through a lush palm oasis, offering a refreshing and cooler environment when compared to the surrounding desert. It has diverse vegetation with stately skirted palms and is excellent for birdwatching. As mentioned on the Indian Canyons website, this trail features beautiful and unusual rock formations where one can still see bedrock mortars and metates used centuries ago for preparing food.

• Murray Canyon to Seven Falls Trail offers shade and the opportunity to enjoy a seasonal stream while walking under a cool tree canopy. This is an easy to moderate trail, approximately 4 miles round trip. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of plants, including majestic palm trees, and you may see wildlife, such as the peninsular desert bighorn sheep and the Least Bell’s vireo bird, which is known to nest there.

• Palm Canyon is a 15-mile-long area offering many moderately graded trails that wind deep into the canyon and make for amazing exploring experiences. There are places for picnics along the stream, and there are plenty of great spots for meditation, too. The upper canyon offers an easy 2-mile out-and-back hike, starting and ending at the Trading Post. The dense vegetation and towering palm trees provide shade and a cooler atmosphere. Palm Canyon is the world’s largest Washingtonia filifera (California fan palm) oasis.

Indian Canyons charges a modest entry fee and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through July 4. After that, the canyons are only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 30. Dogs are not allowed. If you want to take your furry friend out in this heat, they will be most welcome at the Whitewater Preserve. At one time the desert’s best-kept secret, the Whitewater Preserve offers more than 2,000 acres of hiking with shade and an abundance of cool running water this year (at least as of this writing). It’s a perfect escape and a great place keep relatively cool on hot days, allowing you to get some good exercise— followed by a picnic lunch in the shade, if you wish. It’s one of my coolest hangouts on the hottest days of summer. Learn more about The Wildlands Conservancy’s Whitewater Preserve at wildlandsconservancy.org/preserves/ whitewater.

Regardless of what trail you select, always wear a hat, preferably with a brim that will protect your face, ears and neck; wear light colors—such as white, tan or khaki—which will reflect the sun and keep you cooler (rather than darker colors, which absorb the sun’s rays). Clothing should be lightweight, loose-fitting and breathable to help regulate your body temperature. UPF-rated clothing (ultraviolet protection factor) is best.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion (dizziness, headache and clammy skin) and heat stroke (dizziness, nausea, vomiting, a lack of sweat, confusion and disorientation). If you start experiencing any symptoms, get out of the heat; drink water; and eat a snack. Stay calm, and don’t try to continue on if you’re exhausted; instead, seek shade, and stay put.

Even on trails with shade and water, the desert heat can be intense, and it’s essential to follow precautions, such as staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding the hottest parts of the day. Otherwise, your fun day of hiking could quickly become painful, dangerous and lifethreatening.

Always take more water than you should need—at least one liter per hour—and always be prepared for the unexpected. Have a plan! In addition, don’t forget the 10 desert essentials (www.desertmountains.org/10essentials) suggested by Friends of the Desert Mountains.

Stay safe, and have fun!