A Hiker’s Guide to Staying Safe in the Mountains
We love hiking and think it can be enjoyed by just about anybody, but it’s an activity that requires specific knowledge to be enjoyed safely. The mountains can be dangerous if unprepared for this terrain's unique challenges. Do what you can to prepare for what you may encounter, and be prepared to be flexible and adaptable in response to changing circumstances.
weather in the mountains
The high peaks and low valleys can create some highly variable weather conditions, and although you may leave when skies are clear, you may find very different conditions shortly thereafter. The most dangerous risk faced by hikers is exposure to the elements: sun, wind, freezing temperatures, and lightning are all potentially deadly, so it’s important to prepare for these conditions.
reading the clouds
Many of the most common cloud formations that typically signal changing weather are easily recognizable, even to those without years of experience. Clouds form due to atmospheric changes, so they’re an excellent indicator of what is to come.
Picture this: You’re hiking along a ridge with blue sky all around you, but when you look to a peak in the distance, you see an oval-shaped cloud hovering above the summit. Some have said this cloud formation, known as a “lenticular cloud,” looks like a UFO. Often, you’ll see multiple lens-shaped formations that appear to stack on top of each other, creating a ripple. These clouds are a sure sign that the wind is picking up in the distance and that moist air is building up, too.
If you’re headed toward the summit with this type of cloud over it, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter rain in the next few hours. This gives you plenty of time to throw on your fleece, rain jacket, or any other wind and rain gear you may need.
Thunderstorms
The classic thunderhead is one of the most recognizable and telltale signs of a dangerous thunderstorm. Known as “cumulonimbus clouds” to meteorologists, these clouds are flat at the bottom and have huge blooms rising vertically.
If you’re out on a day hike, you may want to turn around and head back to the car or camp when you see such a cloud formation. These typically result in heavy rains and dangerous lightning and thunder, and can even spawn more serious weather threats, such as tornadoes.
Lightning
If you see lightning in the distance, you can estimate how far the strike was from you by counting the seconds between the flash and the first crack of thunder. Every five seconds that passes equals about a mile, so if you count 10 seconds, the lightning struck two miles away.
If you see lightning, getting off a peak or ridge immediately is extremely important. If you see any sparks travel between you and your gear, other hikers, or the ground, or if you feel the hair standing up on your body, this is the only time I’d advise that you RUN and not walk to lower ground.
Look to the Sky
In addition to cloud formations, you can tell what kind of weather is approaching by how the sky looks overall. If you see clouds that appear high in the sky, wispy, and far from each other, it could indicate a cold front or low-pressure system is headed your way. If moisture is in the air, it can sometimes look like a ring around the sun or moon and could signal that rain is on the way.
If all of this is followed by thick, low clouds over the course of 48 hours, there’s a good chance that it could start to rain in the next half day, making it a great time to consider moving indoors if you’re unprepared to camp in the rain.
Essentials for any hike in the sierras
This list is not meant to be comprehensive, and what you may need on a particular hike will certainly vary. Consider the items on this list a bare minimum of what to bring for a safe hike in the Sierras.
A plan that you communicate to somebody who is not on the hike
Where are you going?
Is there a backup plan if the first choice is unavailable?
What forest or wilderness area is it in?
When?
For certain, or will that maybe change?
By what route?
Are you planning to meet up with anyone?
Is there a waypoint where you’re planning to spend time?
When will you be back?
How will they know you’re back?
Who should they contact if you aren’t back, and when?
Is it possible you might stay longer at the destination and still be doing ok, like if you find a great campsite and want to take a day chilling out there?
Sturdy shoes with a good tread
Traditional hiking boots go up over your ankles and can provide excellent support, but for folks with good ankle mobility and strength, we prefer trail runners or other quick-drying footwear.
Clothing in layers
Cotton makes a great fabric, but it does not stay warm when it is wet. Wool and synthetic fibers like polar fleece or down-alternative keep you warm even if they get wet, so they’re a better choice for warm layers than cotton.
Dressing in layers usually means choosing a base layer, an insulating layer, and an outer shell.
Depending on the season and the forecast, the exact garments you choose may vary: for a shell, you may want a Gore-Tex nylon ski jacket in winter but prefer a thinner, water-resistant windbreaker with better ventilation for the summer.
Choose clothing you can take on or off easily as you hike. Avoid fussy tabs or delicate zippers; you want clothes you can adjust quickly or with cold fingers.
A Mylar emergency blanket
This simple, inexpensive item has saved countless lives and should be carried by everyone at all times in the mountains.
Exposure to the environment and the elements is by far the greatest risk to your safety, and this item can keep you warm and alive, if things go south.
A ten-pack costs $8.99, and a single one weighs 48 grams and takes up almost no space in a backpack or pocket.
There is literally no reason to be without one.
And a few odds and ends
A lighter or matches and a little bit of tinder, like a stick or two of fatwood or some dryer lint
A simple first aid kit, with some ibuprofen, moleskin for blisters, and a bandage or two
A reliable map that you know how to use, like USGS topographic maps or the Gaia GPS app
A calorie-dense snack, like some almonds or a ProBar
A USB battery pack and phone charging cable
the most important safety equipment
is between your two ears. That’s right: as a species, our best safety equipment is our big frontal lobes. Knowing what you may encounter is essential, but knowing when to turn back or alter your plans is priceless. Every year, hikers die in the Sierras; many meet their end at river crossings. There is never any reason why you must cross a waterway, so please don’t let your motivation or hubris get the better of you! Walk upstream, look for an alternate route, or turn back; all are better options than drowning.
While hiking in the Sierras can be an incredible experience, it's essential to prioritize safety and preparedness. Communicating your plan to someone who is not on the hike, bringing essential gear, and having a backup plan in case of changing circumstances are all critical steps to take before embarking on any hiking trip. Remember, being flexible and adaptable can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable hike. So take a moment to plan and prepare before hitting the trails and enjoy all the beauty the Sierras offer with peace of mind.
