Tips for Staying Safe on the Hiking Trails

By Sean Curtis

Staying safe on the trails comes down to minimizing threats through preparation, avoidance and defense if necessary. (Photo: Sean Curtis)
Enjoying the great outdoors is one of the best summertime activities with these soul-feeding trips helping us reconnect with nature while leaving behind the digital world. While most sojourns are rather safe ventures, it’s always best to err on the side of caution with a little preparation.
As a deputy sheriff in the mountains of southwest Colorado for 15 years, I’ve coordinated search and rescue efforts for one of the busiest counties in the state. I’ve witnessed amazing tales of survival and seen hauntingly fatal mistakes. With decades of outdoor recreation, search and rescue, and law enforcement experience I’ve got a few tips to ready you for risks on the trails.
Trailhead Security
One of the most prolific threats you’ll face on your trip is thieves. You’ll likely never see them, but the things you do before your trip will have a direct effect on how this particular encounter pans out. There’s nothing like coming back from a long trip to your ravaged vehicle, especially when you don’t have cellphone service to call the police.
If you’re leaving a vehicle at the trailhead for a

Source: Guns.com