E D U C AT I O N A L
Backcountry Basics BY MONIQUE BEELEY
WHAT DOES BACKCOUNTRY MEAN TO YOU? Is it the areas that are only accessible by hiking or backpacking for several miles? Or, must you venture out on remote, super gnarly, highclearance-only dirt roads? By definition, a backcountry area is a geographical region that is isolated, remote, undeveloped, and difficult to access. So the answers to the above questions are yes… but… there are plenty of backcountry areas in Utah that are fairly easy to access. And, thanks to the influence of social media, they are heavily visited by people who may not necessarily have the knowledge, skills, understanding, gear, etc. to be safe. Examples are the many bucket list destinations in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument that are all easily accessed from the Hole in the Rock Road. For some, when they hear that this is a National Monument, they have the expectation you can just show up and there will be signs, well-established trails, hiking details at trailheads, bathrooms, water, and of course, cell service so that you can just google directions in route, if needed. Amenities and infrastructure similar to what you find at Zion National Park… right? Even the well-seasoned adventurer can get themselves into sticky situations in the backcountry because accidents do happen to all of us. The difference is, in these remote areas, your go-to call or easy out is not that easy, and with no cell service the call is more of a shout than an actual call. 28 DISCOVER UTAH KIDS
So be prepared, and make sure your whole family is prepared, not just one member of your group, but everyone. Even the kids should have a basic understanding of what to do if something unfortunate happens. I have had this conversation with my daughter many times, because often it is just the two of us out adventuring, and if something happens to me, she needs to know what to do. I’m hoping that at this point you are not thinking you should just avoid backcountry exploring, but instead, you are thinking about how you can prepare yourself and your family for these types of adventures.
10 Backcountry Basics 1. Know before you go – weather, road
conditions, route, download map, cell service, trailhead amenities (bathroom, water).
2. Check in with a local – visitor center, BLM,
forest service office. Especially if it is your first time visiting the area. This can also be an educational stop for kids to learn more about the area.
3. Follow Leave No Trace Principles – Be
prepared to pack out everything… including in W.A.G bags.
4. Food and Water – Be sure to carry 1 liter of
water per person per 2-hours of hiking. This is the perfect time to have some of your kid's favorite snacks in their packs. Also, have additional food and cold water in the car.
