Savvy-Boomers

Hiking within the city limits on urban hiking trails may not require as much equipment as do the longer cross country treks but it’s still a good idea to be well prepared especially if you decide to tackle some of the steeper mountain trails like those found in The Phoenix Mountain Preserve in Phoenix, Arizona. When hiking in the Desert Southwest you will need to gather some information about the area you plan to hike in and about the condition of the trails you will be on. Find out all you can about location and the length of your chosen trails. There are guide books available in the local bookstores which will show you all the trails that are available in your area and will give you lots of information about the trails. Next be sure to pay particular attention to the weather conditions on the day you plan to be out and don’t start your first hike on a day the temperature will be over 90 degrees. This can happen nearly anytime if you happen to be in the Desert Southwest .

 

No matter where you are planning to do your hiking water has to be right at the top of you list of concerns. You should have plenty of drinking water with you and if you take along the family dog don’t forget to bring a bowl so he can get a drink now and then.

If you need only a small amount of water for yourself you can always carry the plastic bottles of drinking water that are found at the local grocery stores. You may consider the water packs that are carried on your back and have a drinking tube that runs to a location

close to you chin. I usually take along at least a gallon of water in my cooler with enough ice to keep it cold for a refreshing drink at the end of my hike.

 

Hiking boots come in many different styles and are adopted to different situations. When hiking on rough mountain trails you will need boots that give your ankles and feet plenty of support. If you are going to cross rivers or streams you will need footwear that can be

easily dried and will give you sturdy footing on wet rocks. Walking in high topped leather boots that are wet from to much moisture can be very uncomfortable. Make sure you have the right boots for the job. Never go walking on the desert trails while wearing flip flops and even tennis shoes are not recommended.

 

The next item you should take with you on your hike will be a first aid kit. For urban hiking trails it doesn’t have to be anything elaborate. You need a disinfectant, perhaps an ointment with a germicide, sterile bandages or gauze, some tape and perhaps a finger splint. You would expand on this kit if you were trekking across country but in an urban setting you probably won’t need much more than this minimal first aid kit to help keep you safe. A top quality sun screen should be high on the list of priorities and kept with the first aid kit. Make sure you reapply a sun screen every 3 to 4 hours throughout the day for maximum protection.

 

Other items you should remember for your hike will be a hat and sun glasses. The sun is very intense in the Desert Southwest and you need to shield your eyes from the UV rays. A pair of binoculars will always come in handy and you should take along a camera for a few pictures to help you remember you wonderful adventure on the urban hiking trails you have chosen to spend you day on.