Disclaimer and Safety Information

These pages are a work in progress.  The information contained here could be inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or just plain wrong. 

Safety

Water: Many people don't take enough.  It depends on the length of the hike, the difficulty, the temperature, and the person.  I would recommend 2 liters for a half day and 4 liters for a full day.

You can't drink from streams in the mountains.  It may be infected with Echinococcus, which is a tape worm.  A few places higher up in the mountains are considered safe by some.  I would suggested only drinking water from signposted natural springs.  Otherwise it must be boiled (3 minutes) or filtered.

Clothes

It can be 20 C cooler at the top of the mountains.  The weather can go from a clear blue sky to a storm in minutes.  Even in the middle of summer, extra clothing and a rain jacket are essential. A spare pair of socks are always a good idea

Footwear

People go hiking in running shoes.  Even rubber boots.  Hiking boots are more comfortable and safer.

Getting Lost

Most trails are well marked.  Some are not.  If you're not sure you're on the right trail, stop and go back a ways.  Plowing on in what might be the wrong direction is not a good idea.

Cell Phones

Recently, cell phone coverage in the mountains is occasionally possible.  However, if you are out of range your cell phone's battery will deplete quite quickly as it continuously searches for a signal.  A topped up cell phone can be dead after 12 hours of being out of range.  It makes sense to turn it off if you go out of range and turn it on when you need it.

Communicate

Tell people where you are going and when you'll be back.