Backcountry Considerations
This page presents links to some basic information and suggestions on how best to enjoy a safe visit to canyon country.
As a visitor to canyon country you have an obligation to consider the effect that your visit will have on this wilderness. By minimizing your impact, you can help protect this fragile land.
- Always leave your trip plan with a member of your family or a close friend.
- Tread lightly.
- Avoid traveling alone in the wilderness.
- Never throw rocks; there may be trails and hikers below you.
- Always carry a topo map, adequate clothing, and a flashlight.
- Know what to expect. Check with the Forest or Park Service when you start planning your trip.
- Find out about current regulations, permits, weather, trail, water, and other conditions in the area you plan to visit.
- Lock your vehicle and place all valuables out of sight.
- Don't lock children and pets in cars in the direct sunlight. The extreme heat can kill them.
- Keep your distance from all wildlife and remain quiet. Don't chase or pick up wild animals, and keep your pets under control. Do not feed animals. Unnatural foods are harmful to the animals and visitors have been bitten.
- Poisonous snakes and insects are residents of this area. Watch for them.
- Don't eat wild plants.
- Indian ruins, historic structures, cultural artifacts (arrowheads, pot shards, etc.) and other evidence of the area's prehistory and history should be left undisturbed. Look at them, enjoy them, ponder their significance, but don't remove them. Leave historic sites, rock art, ruins and artifacts untouched for the future. Report any violations.
- During a lightning storm avoid lone trees, cliff edges, and high ridges. Return to your vehicle if possible.
- Ankle injuries are one of the main safety problems in canyon country. Wear boots with good ankle support and traction.
- If you become lost, stay where you are. The area is crisscrossed with steep canyons and cliffs, and wandering will endanger your life and make finding you extremely difficult.
- Keep your party together. Watch your children. Children can become lost in seconds. Keep close tabs on them for their safety. Keep them away from ledges.
- Be careful near cliff edges, especially when rock is wet or icy.
- Watch your step when taking pictures near cliffs. Loss of balance while looking through a view finder (or binoculars) is common, and fatal falls can occur.
Books and Resources
- Desert Hiking Tips
- Native American Crafts and Skills
- Scout Handbook
- The Essential Guide to Wilderness Camping and Backpacking in the United States
- The New Complete Walker
- The Ultimate Desert Handbook
- You Can Backpack
- The 2 Oz. Backpacker
Related Sites
- Backcountry Tips
Wilderness Guide site. - Camp Hygiene
- Dispersed Camping
- Hiking and Camping Safety
American Red Cross site. - Low Impact Camping
- The 4 Ds of Dumping
- Tricks of the Trade Department
- Weather
- Wilderness Skills
More Outside Links |
||
