Preparing to visit the Wilderness

• Leave word where you are going and when you will be back.

  • Give complete route details of where you are going to close relatives/friends.
  • Tell them about anyone's special medical conditions e.g. diabetes, asthma.
  • Tell them when you plan to return and have them call authorities if overdue.
  • Leave a note 'inside' your car or truck outlining your hiking plans. For security reasons, it is not necessary to place the note so it can be read through the windshield. If you're missing and we find your car, we will get inside to read your note.

• Take the correct map and a compass. Know how to use them.

• Take appropriate clothing and footwear.

  In the Colorado mountains it is especially important to avoid hypothermia. Weather changes rapidly in all seasons.
  • Always take a waterproof windbreaker, and clothing that can keep you warm when wet, e.g. wool.
  • Avoid cotton which absorbs perspiration and rain and becomes cold when wet. Avoid cotton jeans.
  • Even in warm weather in the mountains, be prepared for rains and night cold if stranded. Large plastic trash bags can substitute for raingear in an emergency.

• Take drinking water, take drinking water, take drinking water!

  • Water is much more important to your survival than food.
  • Take high calorie/high protein snacks to maintain energy.

• Don't overestimate your abilities.

  • Always allow time for the unexpected, e.g. thick scrub, cliff lines.

• Don't go faster than the slowest member of your group.

  • At regular intervals do a head count of your group.

• Don't split up your group during a hike. There is safety in numbers.

  • Don't leave an injured person alone. A group of three or more will allow one to look after the injured while the other goes for help.
  • If there are only two of you, do not leave the injured person alone unless you know exactly the route to get help. Stay on trails, roads, etc.!

• Stay put when lost.

  • Find a campsite (with nearby water, if practical) and that will be visible from a helicopter.
  • Wave vigorously (a bright or white shirt, jacket, etc.) at any helicopters - they are probably looking for you!

• Don't forget if you are overdue to phone home from the first phone you come to. Make sure, if you are overdue, that you notify local authorities that you are safe.

Compliments of El Paso County Search and Rescue, Inc., Colorado Springs, CO

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