Tips to a successful hike
by, Terri Saragosa
Student Contributor
When exploring the Coachella Valley, there are a lot of trails to hike and beautiful scenery to enjoy.. Hiking in and around the Coachella Valley can be fun and exciting. However, it can also be very dangerous and unsafe. Anyone can enjoy hiking, but does anyone really like hiking in 100-degree heat in the summer? Every year, countless hikers come unprepared, experience severe illness, injury, or even death. Hiking is a comforting and satisfying outdoor activity, but there are a few things that every hiker should know before they head out on the trail.
No matter where you go hiking, you must always have the correct equipment and plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Almost every week, hikers have to be rescued from our local trails because they either wander off the trails and get lost, or run out of water. Please don’t be one of those people. It’s very important to always carry more water than you think you’ll need. Dehydration is one of the biggest issues when hiking a trail. Also, try to wear clothing that will keep you warm or cool based on the weather.
According to Hohanna Running-Waters, the owner of Mother Earth Father Sky Wellness Center, who passionately hikes throughout the Morongo and Coachella Valley and gathers herbs provided by the desert for her healing practice. ”I recommend that you don’t hike in the Coachella Valley during the very hot summer months, unless you are a very experienced hiker and have the proper equipment with lots of water.”
Running-Waters also said, “You should always check out the weather reports before heading off onto the trails. It is also a good idea to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return just in case something happens to you. You should never hike alone, and you should always carry a cell phone.”
Here are a few items you should consider taking with you on a hike:
- Hiking boots
- Water
- Food
- Trekking poles or walking sticks
- Compass & Map
- Whistle
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Lighter
- Flashlight
- Sunblock
- Aspirin or Ibuprofen
- Knife
So with that in mind, enjoy your Coachella Valley hikes, but please use common sense. Stay on the trails, bring plenty of water, and also leave plants and other natural wildlife as you find them. Remember not to leave trash behind and follow the safe hiking rules above; you will be glad you did. For more information about Mother Earth Father Sky Wellness Center, contact Running-Water at (760) 363-7175 or visit www.motherearthfatherskywellnesscenter.com.