Hiking Guidelines

Hiking Guidelines

The purpose of the Mountain High Hikers is to provide a healthful form of recreation and fellowship. There are risks and responsibilities involved, and each member and guest must assume these for himself/herself. For this purpose the Club has adopted the following guidelines.

SCHEDULE OF HIKES:

A calendar of hikes scheduled for the coming quarter will be posted on the website, e-mailed to each member with an e-mail address, and mailed to those members without an e-mail address. Information included will be the location of the hike, hike rating for distance and terrain, meeting place, time of departure, and name and phone number of the Leader. Hike descriptions will be brief; call the Leader if further details are needed.

PARTICIPATION IN HIKES:

Hikers should arrive at the meeting place 15 minutes ahead of the designated time in order to sign in, hear the Leader’s instructions, and be ready to depart on time.

If you plan to meet the group at any place other than the one on the schedule, contact the Leader for any possible change in plans.

CANCELLATION OF HIKES:

Hikes will be cancelled if any of the following conditions exist:

Ice and/or snow which may create hazardous driving or hiking conditions.

Temperature at or below 20 degrees, unless a warming trend is forecast.

Heavy rainfall which is predicted to continue into the day.

If any of the above conditions exist, or if in doubt, call the Hike Leader before reporting to the meeting place.

WHAT TO BRING:

Lunch, water, and emergency snacks.

Raingear.

Extra outer wear, such as a jacket, hat, and gloves. Sudden drops in temperature may occur at any time of the year in the mountains.

ID card, insurance card, and emergency medical information.

Large plastic bag.

Personal items such as insect repellent, toilet paper, handwipes, etc.

A cellular phone, if you have one.

Personal first aid items, including medications, an antihistamine for insect stings, painkiller, etc.

Good sturdy hiking boots are recommended for all hikes.

Hiking sticks are recommended, and are especially important for inexperienced hikers.

Poison ivy is common along trails in summer months, and should be considered before wearing shorts if you are allergic to it.

CAR SHUTTLES:

Many hikes are some distance away, and often carpools and shuttles are required.

Everyone is encouraged to take his or her turn driving, but do not volunteer unless you have a valid driver’s license and insurance to cover passengers. Passengers should offer to share the driver’s expenses.

CONDUCT DURING HIKE:

Each hike will be designated by the Hike Leader, and a Sweep will be appointed (by the Leader) who will hike at the rear of the group. In the event of a large number of hikers, or to accommodate the differences in hiking skills, smaller groups may be formed. Each group should have its own co-leader, who will advise the Hike Leader of any alternate plans.

If you begin the hike with one group and decide to switch to another one, you should make your change known to both leaders. Do NOT hike alone between groups.

When it is necessary for you to leave the trail, let another hiker know you are doing so.

If you decide to leave the hike altogether, be sure the leader is aware of it.

If you are in doubt about your ability to complete the hike without problems, heed the advice of the Leader. It is better to miss the hike than to encounter problems, which may result in an unpleasant experience for you or your fellow hikers. The Leader may exclude any person from a hike at his or her discretion.

Pets are not to be brought on any hike.

You are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the hike you are taking, as you may be asked to lead a similar one in the future.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: Enjoy all of your hikes and your friends in the Mountain High Hikers.

Rev: 9/07

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