Boulder is known for being an active city - rain or shine, summer or winter.
No matter the weather or the time of year, there are always safety precautions to be taken when it comes to hiking. Many of these precautions are listed on the open space and mountain parks website.
According to the site, hazards to look out for on trails such as those at Chautauqua Park are poison ivy, insects, animals and lightning.
Ticks and black widows are among the insects to keep an eye out for. The best defenses against ticks are wearing pants tucked into socks as well as bug repellent. Being bitten can have serious consequences, such as trouble walking and breathing and potential limb numbness.
The site also cautions hikers against conditions such as hypothermia and heat exhaustion.
According to the information, hypothermia can occur year-round, even in the summer months, due to rain. The best means of warming up in dangerously cold conditions are layering on dry clothes, staying active, drinking warm liquids and eating warm foods. Eating proteins and carbohydrates in order to maintain energy is also helpful.
Although many of these hazards are present year-round, Jake Davis, a staff member at Chautauqua Park who works in education and outreach, outlined one that is particularly pertinent at this time of year- ice.
Davis said in the presence of icy conditions, hikers will want to be cautious about the areas of the open space and mountain parks they choose to explore.
“There’s certain trails in the winter, it’s like - picture an ice-skating rink at a 45 degree angle with a cliff at the end; you probably don’t want to do (hike) that one,” Davis said.
He said hiking is a safe activity no matter the time of year, however, as long as particpants are alert and informed.
“...most of the trails, most of the trails, you can do any time you want. But you do need to be aware.”
No matter the weather or the time of year, there are always safety precautions to be taken when it comes to hiking. Many of these precautions are listed on the open space and mountain parks website.
According to the site, hazards to look out for on trails such as those at Chautauqua Park are poison ivy, insects, animals and lightning.
Ticks and black widows are among the insects to keep an eye out for. The best defenses against ticks are wearing pants tucked into socks as well as bug repellent. Being bitten can have serious consequences, such as trouble walking and breathing and potential limb numbness.
The site also cautions hikers against conditions such as hypothermia and heat exhaustion.
According to the information, hypothermia can occur year-round, even in the summer months, due to rain. The best means of warming up in dangerously cold conditions are layering on dry clothes, staying active, drinking warm liquids and eating warm foods. Eating proteins and carbohydrates in order to maintain energy is also helpful.
Although many of these hazards are present year-round, Jake Davis, a staff member at Chautauqua Park who works in education and outreach, outlined one that is particularly pertinent at this time of year- ice.
Davis said in the presence of icy conditions, hikers will want to be cautious about the areas of the open space and mountain parks they choose to explore.
“There’s certain trails in the winter, it’s like - picture an ice-skating rink at a 45 degree angle with a cliff at the end; you probably don’t want to do (hike) that one,” Davis said.
He said hiking is a safe activity no matter the time of year, however, as long as particpants are alert and informed.
“...most of the trails, most of the trails, you can do any time you want. But you do need to be aware.”
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