Things to Know

            Various aspects of any adventure, such as hiking, climbing, horseback riding, and kayaking, have certain hazards and risks associated with them. Some of these hazards include, but are not limited to, rapidly changing weather conditions, lightning rugged terrain, exposed rock, loose rock, forging streams, snake and insect bites, hypothermia, altitude sickness, dehydration, heat exhaustion, or other types of injuries that could be potentially  deadly.

            No website, book, or map is a substitute for experience, skill, knowledge of safety procedures and common sense. The author of this website makes no representations as to the safety of any hiking, skiing, horseback riding, kayaking or driving route discussed on this website. The responsibility of your decisions and actions are yours and yours alone.

            Make an honest assessment of your health and fitness level before you start. If you donít walk or roll around a lot in your normal day do not try to do a  excessive hike on vacation. If you are new to or not well versed in wheelchair ìtricksî (i.e. transferring in and out of your chair, hopping down curbs, etc.) donít do the more difficult trails where these skills may be required. Rest as much as you need to, enjoy the experience, it is not a race. The view will still be there if it takes you an extra hour to get to the end. Judge your time as best as you can. If  it takes you two hours to go one way it  might take  three to four hours to return because youíre tired from the first half of the hike (a good rule of thumb is that it will take twice as long returning from your trek). Make sure you get back to the trail head before dark (unless itís an overnight or night time hike) because finding your way back  sometimes is difficult enough even in  the light of day. If the trail is a mile down a steep hill, realize that it is also a mile going back up that hill.  In other words, use your common sense.

Hiking Essentials

            Hiking in the wilderness is a fun and exhilarating experience, but weather conditions, trail hazards (like thorns for us wheelchair users), and your actual time on the trail are unpredictable. In order for your experience to stay an adventure and not turn into an ordeal, there are several items that you should have with you at all times.

  1) Map - a good topographic map of the specific area.

  2) Compass - the knowledge of how to use it.

  3) Warm Water Proof Clothing - a warm day can quickly turn into a very cold down pour in        a matter of minutes in the higher elevations.

  4) Hat - waterproof.

  5) Food & Water

  6) Matches - store them in a water tight container like a zip-loc bag.

  7) First-Aid kit

  8) Flashlight or Headlamp - always carry extra batteries.

  9) Whistle - in case you get lost or injured you can whistle for help. The whistle will        carry farther than a scream.

 10) Tire patch kit & Spare tubes - if the patch or slime doesnít work spare tubes will save the        day (thrust me on this one).

 11) Sunglasses

 12) Sunscreen and Lip Balm

 13) Insect Repellent - bring a couple different types.

 14) Camera, extra batteries and film - it's better to gloat about your adventures when you        have pictures.

 15) Medications - All prescription medicine that you take daily.