There have been a record number of deaths and injuries in Yosemite this year. Follow all safety signs the the Park Service has installed. Make sure you notify someone of your trip plans and expected time of return.
It is extremely important to take care and precautions when hiking in Yosemite National Park. The area covers hundreds of miles and rescue teams are always searching for lost or injured hikers. It is therefore recommended to follow a few simple rules in order to be safe.
Some injuries may occur as you are on the trail. Factors such as being out of shape dehydration, illness, pulling a muscle, a slip on sand, ice or wet rock may cause bruises, rainstorms or snowstorms can cause hypothermia, downed trees, high waters at stream crossings and animal encounters can be dangerous so take precautions.
If you are on a trail, hiking, it is very common to get lost and lose the trail. Such factors include a rocky or sandy area where the trial is hard to see, following a false trail, mistaking a drainage ditch for the real trail, snow, downed trees, an inadequate or no map, darkness, finding a photo opportunity off the trail and shortcuts all contribute to losing the trail.
Sometimes losing the trail, or hiking off the trail can be a fun a rewarding experience. You should only do this if you are comfortable with a compass and map. Remember; because Yosemite National Park is so big, it is very easy to get lost, even with the most experienced hikers and it is also very common so don’t get discouraged.
Make sure you don’t take off cross-country without knowing what lies ahead. One-way paths i.e. going up or down terrain you can reverse can work but if you get stuck, it can be fatal. No one may know where you are and dehydration, starvation, or exposure may kick in. Loose rock cannot be trusted to use as a foothold and remember it can be next to a large cliff or gushing waters. Swimming in strong currents, wading, or simply filling up your water bottle may be a dangerous affair as the waters can be unpredictable. The dangers of whitewater can be replfect in terms of strong currents, and hydraulic that prevent you from swimming or breathing in it. When standing next to a stream, the difference cannot be seen sometimes, so you may not know there’s a huge cliff right off of it.
Basic items you should carry with you should be a flashlight, rain/wind jacket, lots of water, food, watch, pen/paper, whistle, first aid kit, decent shoes, and a compass. Together with these things and a little common sense, you should be aware of the dangers and have fun hiking.
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