Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
» Use a hiking pole, grasped in both hands, on the upstream side as a third leg.
» With a companion, clasp at the wrist and cross side-on to the flow in short steps.
Fire
Fire danger in the Rockies varies from year to year, but is often extreme in July and
August. Local park and USFS offices can advise hikers about forest fires, and fire warn-
ings are usually posted at wilderness access points. For fire updates contact the parks at
307-739-3300, stop at a visitor center or check out their websites. Also contact the Na-
tional Interagency Fire Center (
208-387-5050; www.nifc.gov ) .
Lightning
Getting struck by lightning during a summer afternoon storm is a real possibility. Your
best bet is to undertake long hikes early. Follow these tips during lightning storms:
» Avoid exposed ridges, open areas and lone trees.
» Move away from bodies of water or beaches.
» If camping, crouch on a sleeping pad with your arms around your knees.
Rockfall
Even a small falling rock could shatter your hand or crack your skull, so always be alert to
the danger of rockfall. Don't dally below cliffs or on trails fringed by large fields of raw
talus. If you accidentally let a rock loose, loudly warn other hikers below. Mountain goats
and bighorn sheep sometimes dislodge rocks, so be vigilant.
BEAR JAMS
For some reason, perfectly reasonable adults lose all their sense when sighting wildlife: it's happened to us and it
will probably happen to you. Rubbernecking at wildlife doesn't just cause traffic jams; along with speeding, it's
the main cause of more than 600 annual vehicular accidents in Yellowstone. Trust us when we tell you, the bear,
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