PLAN AHEAD

Never take a quick look at a hike description in a book or on a site like this and head out boldy (and foolishly) into the woods, no matter how easy the hike may appear.

Planning ahead will greatly increase both your safety and your enjoyment of the hike. Below is a list of some things to consider before hitting the trail.

****************************

FOOTWEAR & BEYOND

Without a doubt, the one item that will influence your hiking experience the most is your footwear. Good footwear will make all the difference!

Hiking boots range from less-expensive day boots to the premium trekking boots. Regardless of your investment, make sure your boots are waterproofed with a product like GoreTex. With all the mountain creeks, your feet will undoubtedly get wet at some point, but this will keep you from feeling uncomfortable and minimize your chances of blisters.

Lastly, a hat and sunscreen are must-bring items, even on a somewhat cloudy day.

****************************

FOOD & WATER (and maybe a little Hard Cider & Beer)

Always make sure to bring plenty of water. Freeze a few bottles overnight, so they melt down to a great chill throughout the day.

During the warmer months, we generally go through 2 liters of water per person on a 8-15 mile day hike.



Know how long your hike will take and bring the appropriate amount of food and water, PLUS additional nutrition such as high caloric energy bars, just in case the hike takes longer than you had anticipated.

On occasion it can be fun to freeze a bottle of beer or cider to enjoy at the top of the mountain. And, after burning up a day's worth of calories, we recommend treating yourself to post-hike malted milkshakes.

*************************************

FIRST AID & FIRE

Bring a small first aid kit (a small, sealable plastic bag will do nicely). At a minimum, your kit should contain asprin or ibuprofen, a few bandages, and some antibacterial cream. These are the basics that will come in handy in case of a cut or scrape, and can help until you are able to seek professional medical attention if you need it. Waterproof matches or lighter and small flashlight are also important items, should you get caught out after dark.

*************************************
BASIC SUPPLIES

Compass & Map: Make sure to bring a compass and a good quality topographical map with specific directions for your hike. Knowing the topographical contours of a particular trail will help you if you're unsure of your exact location on the hike.

Mobile Device: Bring a mobile phone, in case of an emergency. You may not get service along the valley trails, but, with the prevalence of communications towers there is a good chance that you may be able to get a service signal from the ridges. If someone in your group gets injured, this may be your best bet to get the quickest help.

***********************************

WEATHER

Before hitting the trail, get a weather forecast as close to your hike time as possible. As we all know, weather forecasting isn't an exact science and the weekend forecast issued on a Monday or Tuesday can be significantly different from the forecast issued on Friday afternoon. You don't want to go out on a hike without wet weather gear, if there is a chance of rain.

*************************************
POISON IVY, OAK, & SUMAC

If you're hiking in a region that has poison ivy, oak or sumac, make sure you are aware of what the plants look like and how to avoid them.

If you believe you may have been exposed to poison ivy, oak or sumac, taking immediate action can reduce the length and severity of an outbreak.

A product we have found to work very well (but please read the product information on the package) is Tecnu, and can be purchased at most drug stores. Applied with warm water, it removes the irritation-causing oils from the skin. Here is a site with a wealth of information about the plants.

************************************

LET OTHERS KNOW

One of the most important things to do before leaving for your hike is to let someone know your plans, whether hiking by yourself or in a group.

At minimum, let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return.

************************************

PLUM's RECOMMENDED HIKES

*************************************

ASPEN

With more trails than you can count, the Roaring Fork Valley boasts amazing hiking for all levels and abilities.

While locals and visitors looking for a casual workout flock to Smuggler Trail, hikers looking to break a serious sweat can make tracks on Hunter Creek Trail and the Ute Trail to name a few.

*************************

SUN VALLEY

The beauty of the Wood River Valley is that you can hike just about anywhere: on Bald Mountain, up north in the Sawtooth Mountains, or in your own backyard.

A must for all visitors is getting to the top of Bald Mountain. You can hike all the way to the top, or pay a small fee to ride up in the chairlift. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views, a nice cool breeze and a place to picnic if you wish.

We also recommend hiking Adam’s Gulch, Fox Creek Loop or Carbonate in Hailey. They are mild hikes, but still rewarding and absolutely stunning.

************************

TELLURIDE

The San Juan Mountains have some of the most glorious hiking areas on the planet, and some great weather as well. Get started early and expect a quick and cleansing rain shower in the afternoon. Plus, this town is unique in that you can start many hikes directly from town, making it incredibly easy to grab a last-minute snack for your backpack or to pop into a bar for a post-hike beer.

Bear Creek Canyon – This 325-acre canyon exhibits waterfalls and stunning scenery. This easy to moderate trail is 2.5 miles one-way and starts at the south end of Pine Street.

Bridal Veil Falls – At the very east end of town where the asphalt on Highway 145 ends, follow the dirt road 1.2 miles to the bottom of the falls, or 2.2 miles to the top. This easy to moderate trail passes a private home at the top of the falls, and does continue on to Blue and Silver Lakes should you want a longer hike.

Cornet Falls – Only about a quarter of a mile round-trip, this easy to moderate hike through a red rock canyon filled with rushing water begins at the north end of Aspen Street and veers to the right of the falls, whereas heading left would take you to the Jud Wiebe trail.

Jud Wiebe Trail – This steeper loop hike of 2.7 miles begins at the north end of Aspen Street before heading above town, offering views of Bridal Veil and Ingram Falls. The trail continues to Tomboy Road and back into town.

San Miguel River Trail – This easier 2.5 mile one-way trail begins at Town Park on the east end of town and continues west beside the river and the valley floor. It offers an up-close view of flora and fauna along the valley floor, beaver ponds and the San Miguel River.

*************************

VAIL

You may know Vail and Beaver Creek mountains by heart from the top down in the wintertime, but they look completely different in summer, especially if you start your work from the bottom up.

Both mountains have an expansive system of hiking trails and guess what? If you’re really not in the mood to go up, it’s not necessary, since both are served by chairlift throughout the summer.

Naturally, the resorts aren’t the only places to find scenic hiking trails. Try Booth Falls and Big Horn trails in East Vail, the lusciously green and wildflower-filled Sylvan Lake area in Gypsum or the Colorado Trail up Vail Pass.

The hardy hiker can even attempt one of the nearby 14,000-foot peaks such as Mt. of the Holy Cross. No matter where you hike, never go alone and never forget that weather can change rapidly in the summer, so bring the necessary provisions: sturdy shoes and socks, a waterproof jacket, water and snacks, a flashlight and a map.