Keep Your Boots Dusty This Summer: Six Tips for Hiking in the Heat of Southern Utah

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.

Hike in the Morning

The obvious reason for hiking in the morning is that you beat the heat. This is crucial in southern Utah when the temperature is often at ninety degrees by 10:00 a.m. Hitting the trail while it is still dark or semi-dark allows you to gain most of your elevation before the sun rises.

There are a number of other reasons you may find hiking in the morning more pleasant. You can maximize your time alone, avoid the crowds, and watch the sun rise. Nothing beats sitting in the still of the morning on the top of Angel’s Landing as the sun comes up.

Everybody loves a few extra hours of sleep in the morning, but if you don’t want to go for months without getting your trail runners or hiking boots dusty, you are going to have to get an early start.

Pick a “Summertime” Trail

If you hike a long trail in the middle of the day where there is little or no shade, you are going to feel uncomfortable no matter how much water you’re drinking. When choosing your hike, look for the following:

• Shade. Is there vegetation and/or rock formations that provide ample shade along the length of the trail?

• Water. Are water taps located on the route? Can you purify water from a stream or river or is there a natural spring? Is there flowing water in which you can get cool?

• Length. Can most of the hike be completed in the cooler morning hours?

• Elevation. Does the trail gain elevation quickly, making it difficult to hike in the heat? Or is the trail located at a higher elevation where the temperatures are cooler?

There are a few spectacular hikes close to St. George that meet the requirements of a good summertime trail: the Riverside Walk in Zion National Park, the Santa Clara River Walkway in the Pine Valley Recreation Area, the Kanarraville Falls hike in the BLM Spring Creek Wilderness Study Area, and the Cascade Falls hike located near Navajo Lake.

For hiking trails in and around St. George that can be completed in the early morning hours, check out these five hikes:

• Taylor Creek Middle Fork Trail, Kolob Canyon.

• Aspiration Trail, Bloomington.

• Yant Flats, southern slopes of Pine Valley Mountain.

• Owen’s Loop, northern side of St. George in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve.

• Lower Sand Cove Trail/The Vortex, north of Dammeron Valley.

Each one of these hikes keeps you within cell phone range in case of an emergency, provides spectacular views, and can be completed in a relatively short period of time.

For details on any of the hikes listed above (and many others), visit roadtrippinwithbobandmark.com, hikestgeorge.com, aspirationrocks.com, and redcliffsdesertreserve.com.

Wear the Proper Clothing

Covering up may seem counterintuitive: the idea is always to wear less when the heat soars, right? But long sleeves and pants are your friends when you are hiking in the summer. The more you protect your skin from the rays of the sun, the more comfortable you will be. Make sure the clothing you are wearing is light-colored, breathable, moisture-wicking, and light-weight. A hat is a must, and widebrimmed is best. Slather on the sunscreen, and don’t forget the UVblocking sunglasses to protect your eyes.

One thing you might want to throw in your daypack is an extra pair of socks. Sweaty feet can cause blistering, so a change of socks halfway through the hike might be just what you need to enjoy walking in comfort.

Replenish Your Electrolytes

When you sweat, you lose more than water; your body loses important minerals, especially sodium and potassium. Bring along some salty snacks and complex carbs to keep your electrolytes in balance (trail mixes are great). Or pack some powdered electrolyte drink mixes to go with your regular drinking water.

Know the Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke—when your core body temperature gets too high—is a potentially lethal condition. Signs of heat stroke should be taken very seriously. The most common early signs are:

• Throbbing headache

• Dizziness

• Muscle cramps

• Nausea

• Disorientation or confusion

• Lack of perspiration despite hot temperatures

If you or your hiking companion suspect heat stroke, find shade and cool down as soon as possible. Immediately determine to get off the trail and seek medical attention. If symptoms persist—even for a short time—don’t hesitate to call 911.

Keep Your Boots