Oh, beautiful red rocks of Sedona! So accessible, so inviting! Hiking and biking are the most popular activities in Sedona. It’s easy to forget that being prepared and staying safe are essential on the trails when you visit Sedona. In summer, soaring daytime temperatures over 100°F (40°C), elevation near 5,000 ft above sea level (1,500 meters) and low relative humidity <20% can all combine to create dangerous conditions for even experienced outdoor enthusiasts. In winter, changes in temperature or weather conditions can happen suddenly, and even in cooler temps, it’s necessary to stay hydrated. Be prepared for any scenario, no matter what the forecast says.
Be prepared
Here are some tips for staying safe while adventuring in the red rocks:
- Bring lots of water and electrolytes. When your water is half-empty, turn back to the trailhead.
- Pack and eat hydrating snacks like fresh fruit and veggies. Hydrate well before and after each adventure for a full recovery.
- In cooler temps, bring several layers of clothing to regulate your body temperature. Stay off sandstone covered in ice or water. Slickrock, as the name indicates, is very slippery.
- In hot temps, bring a wide brimmed hat/sunglasses/cooling sun hoodie. Start before the sun rises and be off the trails by 10 AM. Or hike in the evening when the sun is less intense. Resting under trees to help regulate your body temperature can be helpful!
- Pro Tip: bring a headlamp in case you are out after dark. Your cell phone isn’t bright enough.
- Turn your phone on airplane mode to conserve your battery life.
- Make sure you have the right shoes for the terrain and the soles and laces are in good condition.
- Check with the Forest Service about fire restrictions, permits and trail conditions. Staying on designated trails will lessen the likelihood of getting lost and will protect the sensitive environment.
Make smart decisions
The best thing to do is know – and accept – your limitations. Only have water for a 2-mile hike? Don’t decide halfway through to go for an extra 2 miles. Got a late start? Cut it short and go back another time for a longer adventure. Battery on your phone running down? Turn back with enough power to reach the trailhead. Think twice before changing your plans or trying something new if you aren’t fully prepared with water, clothing and shoes, and a clear plan for returning safely.
Leave No Trace principles
These principles can save your life and preserve the future of Sedona. Use the Leave No Trace principles as your roadmap to any successful adventure:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Stick to the trails
- Trash your trash
- Leave what you find
- Be careful with fire
- Respect wildlife
- Share the outdoors
Safety is your #1 priority
Outdoor adventures in and around Sedona are unforgettable. Make sure all your memories are happy ones by treating the landscape and weather with respect. Plan accordingly and stick to the plan. Enjoy Sedona safely!
