Heading Outdoors? Tips to Stay Safe

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With cooler temperatures, colorful leaves, and fewer crowds, many people are heading up north this month to hit the trails and explore the great outdoors. If you’re planning a hike or other outdoorsy adventure in northern Arizona or elsewhere, check out these tips to stay safe.

Remember the Sun

The weather may be cooler but we still need to be cautious when spending time in the sun. Sunburn can occur in any temperature, especially at higher elevations where you are actually closer to the sun. There’s also still a risk of dehydration.

What to Do:

  • Use sunscreen with SPF or 30 or higher. Don’t forget you scalp and the tops of your ears.
  • Wear protective hats or other clothing to shield yourself from the sun.
  • Drink plenty of water to hydrate before going out into the sun and continue to drink water throughout the day. When hiking, head back when your water supply is half gone.

Watch Out for Bugs

Your best defense against bugs is to use insect repellent. Most brands use picaridin or DEET as an active ingredient. Picaridin is the more common choice for its overall feel and odor. It’s also ideal for sensitive skin, safe to use on young children (over two months old), and won’t damage your clothing or gear. DEET is a harsher compound with a greasy feel and distinctive odor, however some studies suggesting it lasts longer than picaridin.

Ticks

Even in the fall, ticks can still be active in forested or grassy areas. These tiny bugs can carry diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

What to Do:

  • Wear long sleeves and tuck loose pants into your socks.
  • Do a tick check after your hike — especially behind ears, knees, and underarms.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito activity starts to slow down in the fall, but they can still be around, especially near water or on warmer days.

What to Do:

  • Avoid hiking around dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Empty any standing water near your campsite or picnic area.

Scorpions

Scorpions become less active as the temperatures begin to cool down but are still considered in-season through October.

What to Do:

  • Visibly check shoes before putting them on or knock them on the ground to shake out any hitchhikers or other debris.
  • Use a grabber tool or your shoe to knock over rocks or wood before moving.
  • Look for scorpions at night using a black light. They will glow fluorescent green under the UV light.

Bees and Wasps

Bees and wasps can still be active in October, especially if the weather is warm.

What to Do:

  • Keep snacks and drinks sealed when not in use.
  • Teach kids to stay calm and move away slowly if they see a bee or wasp.
  • Pack antihistamines in case of a sting (and an EpiPen if you or someone you’re traveling with has a known allergy).

Plants to Avoid

Poison Ivy or Oak

Not as common in northern Arizona as in other places, but still something to be aware of near streams or shady areas.

How to Spot It:

  • Look for clusters of three leaves. In the fall poison ivy is usually shiny green and poison oak is typically brilliant red or russet brown with deep purple splotches.

What to Do:

  • Dress in long pants and long sleeves if you know you’ll be in an area prone to poison ivy or oak.
  • Stay on marked paths.
  • Wash skin and clothes if contact happens.
  • Be cautious of plant oils that may stay on skin or clothing after washing. If your skin remains irritated, you may need to use something stronger like dish soap or a product specifically formulated for poison ivy or oak.

Cactus and Other Prickly Plants

Prickly pear and agave are often near trails.

What to Do:

  • Watch for plants knocked down by recent storms.
  • Do not touch or get too close to unfamiliar plants.
  • Remove any large cactus thorns from your skin (or shoes) with tweezers. Small fuzzy fibers can be removed by repeatedly patting the area with sticky tape.

Know the Wildlife

Black Bears

While bear sightings are uncommon, be aware of your surroundings as bears are preparing for winter and may be foraging during the day.

What to Do:

  • Store food securely and never leave food out.
  • Hike in groups and make noise to avoid surprising a bear.
  • If you see one, back away slowly and keep your kids close. Never run.

Mountain Lions

Sightings are rare, but they do live in forested areas of northern arizona.

What to Do:

  • Keep kids within sight at all times.
  • If you encounter a mountain lion, stay calm, make yourself look bigger, and do not run.

Rattlesnakes

Cooler weather means fewer snakes, but they can still appear on sunny days.

What to Do:

  • Stick to the trail and avoid stepping over rocks or logs.
  • Teach kids to look before putting their hands on the ground or into bushes.

When you encounter anything unexpected or unpleasant in the Arizona desert, the best plan of action is to use your common sense. Be prepared for encounters with nature but don’t let the thought deter you from enjoying the great outdoors. The health benefits of fresh air, physical activity, and quality time far outweigh the risk.