Thanks to KOLD 13 for their recent reporting on how to be safe on Tucson-area wilderness trails — see https://www.kold.com/2025/07/03/hikers-warn-about-lack-mile-markers-maintenance-sabino-canyon-trails/
12 tips for summer safety:
- Buddy system or tell someone where you’re going
- Bring your phone and make sure it works where you’re going
- Know where you’re going: check maps and use apps like TrailForks or AllTrails
- If you don’t have apps, screenshot the maps at the trailhead
- Don’t go off-trail
- Bring water, electrolytes, and sodium (sports drinks should be fine, Skratch, etc)
- Wear appropriate knobby-soled shoes, loose and light-colored clothing, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Do not use headphones
- Watch for snakes (do not put hands down without looking, etc)
- Don’t overestimate your abilities — understand your capabilities and plan for returning
- Start early in the morning — do not go out in the middle of the day
- Watch for summer monsoon storms — be sure you can manage rain run-off and streamflow
When you Visit Tucson, be safe!