July is the start of peak-bagging season in the High Country. From now until the snow flies, Colorado’s tallest peaks are ripe for climbing.
But Colorado summit hiking is not your average walk in the woods.
Krystal 93 talked with Ben Butler, of Summit County Rescue Group, for pro tips on how to prepare for a 14’r hike before you leave the trailhead.
Start early
“Get an early start, as early as 5 a.m., especially if you’re going and hiking a bigger objective,” Butler says. “It can be easy to get caught above treeline when an afternoon lightning storm approaches. If that does happen to folks, just get down below treeline as quickly and safely as possible.”
Pack for a full day – and maybe a night
“Have the right equipment,” Butler says. “That means bringing extra food and water, having the appropriate footwear, and having extra layers. That’s important because our weather can change really quickly.”
He also recommends bringing a headlamp, even if you don’t plan on hiking after dark. Your cell phone flashlight won’t cut it for a long and possibly treacherous downclimb.
Share your travel plans…
“We’ve had a couple of calls so far this year where hikers or skiers were out and they let their contact know in the front country, ‘Hey, I’m due back at 5 p.m.,’” Butler says. “Five o’clock rolls around and they weren’t back, and those people who were their safety contacts called dispatch, and that’s awesome.”
… and don’t hesitate to call if a hiker is overdue
“We encourage people to have that person who understands where you’re going and when you’re going to be back, and to call 911 if you’re not back to get search and rescue going.”
Search and rescue in Colorado is ALWAYS free.
Mark your gear with a name and phone number – especially watercraft
“A couple of weeks ago we had just a rash of boating calls on the Blue River, on the Snake River, on Lake Dillon, where folks were coming across unmanned vessels,” Butler says. “Boats were floating down the river, inner tubes that were floating down the rivers. A phone number at least gives us a good place to start.”
Download maps before you leave
Switch your phone into airplane mode for extended hikes. Rescuers can often find your location, even if you’re out of cell range – but not if your phone is dead.