Hiking Trails of Southwestern Colorado, Fifth Edition. John Peel
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kill or maim in a split second. High points where the charged cloud is closest are the strike zones. This makes high or isolated peaks and ridges especially vulnerable.
Any dark cloud nearby in the summer should be considered suspect, even if it is small. There are additional signs of an imminent lightning flash. If you are on or near a high point and hear a buzzing in the rocks, or if the hair on your arms or legs or even your head begins to stand up, you’re in prime territory; get down to lower levels as fast as possible—not so fast, however, that you trip and fall, which is a much more likely way to get hurt than a lightning strike. Also, if you seek shelter from rain under a tree, make it a tree that is lower than others nearby.
Lightning is the worst danger from storms, but it’s not the only one. Rocks that call for scrambling can be very slick when they get wet. Lichens on them increase this problem. Paul Pixler related this story: “Once on El Diente, it began drizzling just after our party started down from the top; the rocks are near vertical and are very irregular in this area. I slipped on one that would have held easily when dry. Though I fell only 3 feet, that led to an edge where there was another drop, followed by another and another. Fortunately, two companions were at the edge of the first one and stopped me before I could go to the next drop. Though embarrassing, it served as a reminder to me to become more cautious, but it could have been disastrous.”
Another danger from rainstorms is hypothermia. This is a condition in which the core body temperature begins to drop below normal. Cold fingers and toes are uncomfortable, but a cold body core is highly dangerous. Soaked clothes and some wind can bring this on quickly at high altitudes, even in July. If you begin to shiver violently, hypothermia is starting. Companions must come to the rescue and furnish heat immediately, because the victim soon becomes disoriented and may not recognize the danger. Extra clothing will help, as will a faster pace if possible. However, in more severe cases, skin-to-skin body heat transfer is likely to be the only answer. (Hopefully the victim is someone you like.)
High altitude is an unseen hazard, particularly to visitors from low elevations. Air at higher altitudes contains less oxygen; therefore, your heart and lungs work harder to oxygenate and circulate the blood. People with a history of heart problems or high blood pressure should probably consider only the easier and lower hikes.
Acclimatization to high altitude seems to basically involve an increase in red blood cell count, which makes for a more efficient use of the available oxygen in the thinner air. Different theories abound on how long this acclimatization takes.
Sometimes, snow blocks the road and thwarts early-season hiking plans. Usually you could drive from Silverton to Animas Forks by late May, but in 2019 it wasn’t possible until August because of a huge avalanche from Grouse Gulch.
Altitude sickness brings on lightheadedness or headaches. Often symptoms will subside with a quick rest and slower pace. If these symptoms become severe, the way to recover is to hike to a lower altitude. Remember to stay hydrated; sometimes headaches are simply caused by not drinking enough water.
Snowfields and scree fields (loose dirt that you can basically slide down on your hiking boots) can help speed you down a mountainside or land you in deep trouble. Particularly with snow, the risk should be obvious: Get going too fast or out of control, and suddenly you’re speeding down a steep slope on your butt. The landing is a rocky runout below—or worse. Broken legs and heads can result. Bring an ice axe and know how to use it if you’re going to glissade down a snowfield. Know the runout zone. Be smart. Scree fields are generally a little safer. The problem comes when scree suddenly disappears and you find yourself on hard dirt, but you can’t stop so easily, if at all. Be careful and think ahead.
It won’t keep you from making bad decisions and getting hurt, but it’s a good idea to have a Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search & Rescue (CORSAR) card. The fund it creates helps defray counties’ costs for search and rescue expenses. Without it, those search and rescue teams you rely on may not be able to respond as quickly, or as well, to your emergency. The cards are available at many outdoor gear and fishing/hunting stores. La Plata and San Juan counties, by the way, have two of the finest search and rescue squads in the country.
GEAR ESSENTIALS
In addition to decent hiking boots, a day pack with adequate water and food for the day, and an extra clothing layer or two (depending on the altitude), there are a few pieces of gear that you should seriously consider packing. Some of these items will only be necessary in an emergency. If you start out the day with absolute certainty there will be no emergency, then I think the likelihood of your needing one of these items goes up.
RECOMMENDED GEAR:
These are what I recommend as essentials to have on hand when hiking.
•Headlamp.
•Bivouac sack/space blanket. This is extremely valuable in keeping an injured hiker warm, particularly if they go into shock. It’s also handy for unplanned overnights.
•Water purification. Whether it’s tablets or a UV “pen” or filter, don’t head into the wilderness without it.
•Sunscreen.
•Matches, compass, knife, perhaps a whistle.
•Extra insulation. Synthetic is best. And don’t forget rain gear. Sunny days turn cloudy quickly in the San Juan Mountains.
•First-aid kit. (Details on the contents are below.)
•Extra calories and water. Experience helps determine how much food and water you need, but it doesn’t hurt to overestimate.
•A hiking partner. On easy and moderate hikes this isn’t as important. But if you get hurt, you’ll want some help.
•A small rope. Again, this isn’t necessary for all hikes. But when you’re on steep scrambles and exposed ridges, an 8-millimeter cord about 10 meters long can be a lifesaver. It weighs less than a pound.
FIRST-AID KIT
Not everyone will have an identical first-aid kit, and that’s okay. Just make sure that whoever in your group is bringing one (someone must!) that includes the essentials. This is one example of a first-aid kit. It is carried by Leo Lloyd, a fire department paramedic who also serves with La Plata County Search & Rescue and is an international instructor with Rigging for Rescue.
•Baggie with an ibuprofen-Tylenol mix. A mix of three ibuprofen to two Tylenol pills works well for moderate to severe pain.
•Band-Aids.
•Moleskin for foot blisters.
•Gauze. This can be applied with pressure directly to a wound to stop bleeding.
•Triangular bandage. This can serve as an arm sling and has other uses.
•A pressure wrap over gauze to stop bleeding. This can be some sort of pressure wrap, such as gauze wrap, elastic wrap, or a triangular bandage.
•Tourniquet. In an emergency, this rubberized piece can stop serious blood loss or double as a wrap.
•Surgical gloves.
•Tweezers.
•Bandage scissors. Scissors will give you an easier, cleaner cut than you can get using a knife.
Leo Lloyd’s first-aid kit includes gloves, Band-Aids, moleskin, an ibuprofen-Tylenol combo mix, gauze, wraps, tweezers, and scissors. (Photo by Leo Lloyd)
PLANNING AND COMMUNICATING
Perhaps the most overlooked aspects of an outdoor adventure, planning and communicating can prove critical in preventing or lessening an emergency situation.
•Plan. Have a plan, make sure everyone in your group knows what it is, and stick