Longer days and warmer weather make spring and summer some of the best times of year to enjoy the outdoors!
Before heading outside this season, check out these warm weather outdoor tips to help you have safe and enjoyable experiences in nature all season long:
- Heat and Sun Exposure
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and breathable clothing.
- Be careful not to overexert yourself. Pick easier, shorter, shadier hikes on especially hot days.
- Limit physical activity during the hottest part of the day. Try beginning your hikes in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and when you won’t be in direct sunlight.
- During extreme heat and fire danger, consider alternatives to outdoor activities.
- Carry extra water. Drinking water is not available in the preserves. Take frequent sips even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Bring salty snacks and/or drinks with electrolytes to replenish salt lost through sweating.
- Take extra caution with hikers who are more sensitive to heat.
- If you get overheated and need help, CALL 911 if you have cell reception. Let the operator know where you are, and someone will come out to assist you!
Fire Danger
- Check conditions before you go. Due to red flag warnings, trails may close due to high fire danger creating unsafe conditions. Check our website or Facebook page for notices about trail closures.
- Fires, fireworks, and smoking are prohibited on ALL Authority open space preserves. If you see smoke or signs of fire, don’t assume someone else already reported it. Call 911 immediately.
- Monitor air quality (AQI) for unhealthy levels of smoke. On days with poor air quality, limit outdoor exposure and pay special attention to sensitive groups.
Pet Safety
- Pets are not allowed at any Open Space Authority preserves, so please protect and respect wildlife by leaving pets at home. It’s also illegal to leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle in a manner that endangers their health or safety, so NEVER leave pets in your car while you hike.
General Outdoor Safety
- Before heading out, tell family or friends where you are going and when you expect to return. Cell coverage is unreliable in the preserves.
- Know the terrain. Always carry a map or download one to your phone.
- Pack snacks or lunch, especially if you’re hiking with children.
- Pack a simple first aid kit.
- Learn more about avoiding unwanted encounters with wildlife such as rattlesnakes and ticks, and how to identify poison oak on our website.
Learn more about our open space preserves & download trail maps here.
For a list of general hiking tips to ensure your safety on the trails in every season, check out our Beginner's Guide to Hiking!
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