By Diane Del Toro For most places in Utah, summer is the best time for hiking and backpacking. Clear, sunny skies and longer daylight hours make it possible to spend a full day on the trail, and with its close proximity to the Mighty Five National Parks—Bryce, Zion, Canyonlands, Arches, and Capitol Reef—outdoor enthusiasts list Utah as one of the most beautiful places in the world to hike, bike, and camp. However, in southern Utah, summer can seem like the worst possible time to be outdoors, let alone to hike. Here, the long, sunny days enjoyed by hikers in other regions of the state can bake the ground and create temperatures that hover in the triple digits, and the awe-inspiring rock formations through which you hike reflect the sun’s rays and provide very little shade. Despite the harsh summer temperatures, you can still enjoy the stunning vistas found throughout southern Utah. Just adjust your hiking habits and take extra precautions so that the summer heat won’t keep you off the trails.
Tips for Hiking in the Southern Utah Heat Hydrate! The importance of staying hydrated can’t be stressed enough, especially when it comes to summer hiking. While it is wise to drink plenty of water every day, be more diligent about your intake of H2O the day before your hike. Starting your body out in a state of hydration will give you a definite advantage. Bring more water on your hike than you think you will need and sip at it often. Your body will lose about a liter of water every hour when hiking in moderate heat, so strenuous hiking in hot weather can more than double that amount. Remember to check trail information before beginning your hike. Is there water available for drinking along the way? Are there springs from which you can replenish your water bottles and hydration bladders? If not, plan accordingly.
Keep Your Boots
Dusty
This Summer
Six Tips for Hiking in the Heat of Southern Utah 14 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com
