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Summer arrives quickly here in Colorado. One day it’s snowing, then the next day it’s 80 degrees and all the trees have leafed out. You’d think that, after 11 years of living here, I’d be used to the idea that seasons change, but somehow the arrival of the warmer months still surprises and delights me. You mean it’s going to be warm and sunny out? For three whole months? I could stay out until 9 p.m., and it still wouldn’t be dark?
If you’re like me, you’re probably sorting through your gear already. But while backpacking during the summer may not be as logistically difficult as planning a winter trek, the warmer months come with hazards of their own. Here are five common summer hiking mistakes to avoid for a calmer, better trip.
Forgetting About the Bugs
I’m pretty tolerant—even appreciative—of bugs, but finding a tick embedded in my body will always be upsetting to me. It seems to happen in slow motion: I absentmindedly try to pick off what I think is a clump of dried mud, my fingers brush something hard, my eyes widen as I notice the tiny, wriggling legs. Thanks to our good old friend climate change, those arachnids and their flying cousins like mosquitoes and black flies are showing up earlier and breeding at higher elevations than ever before.
An effective bug repellent is a must; I’ve never regretted carrying mine, and have lent it to partners more times than I can count. Don’t waste your time with the citronella-infused wristbands: DEET works and has proven to be safe over decades of testing; a newer option, picaridin, is equally effective but, unlike DEET, won’t damage synthetic fabrics like spandex. For extra oomph, consider spraying your clothes with the contact insecticide permethrin, or send them in to a company like Insect Shield ($9 per piece) for professional treatment.
Packing Your Cold-Weather Bag When You Shouldn’t—or Not Packing it When You Should
Knowing when the weather’s warm enough to ditch your poofy, heavy bag or quilt and swap to a lighter one isn’t always easy, but unless you typically rock the same three-season bag all year round, resist the temptation to carry your luxe sleep system later than you need it. Not only will you end up lugging a lot more weight than you need to—REI’s Magma 15 runs a solid 11.2 ounces heavier than its Magma 30 in a men’s medium—you’ll likely find yourself kicking off those covers anyway when you start to sweat in the middle of the night.
With that said, “summer” doesn’t automatically mean “warm,” especially at altitude. In high-elevation destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park, the mercury can drop into the low 40s or lower even during the hottest months of the year. Make sure you know the forecast for the area where you’ll be hiking—not just the closest gateway town—and pick the right bag for the job.
Failing to Account for the Longer Days
Getting benighted by an early sunset during a winter or shoulder-season hike can be a frustrating and occasionally frightening experience. In summer, novice backpackers often run into the opposite issue: plenty of daylight left, and no more miles to make. That may not be dangerous, but if you’re not the sit-around-and-silently-contemplate-the-beauty-of-nature type (or the put-on-a-sleep-mask-and-turn-in-at-7-p.m. type), it can be pretty boring.
If you’re not looking to stretch out your daily mileage, spend a little extra time choosing your campsite. Valuable amenities: side trails to lookouts, lakes to ramble around, big flat rocks to sunbathe on, wildlife to photograph. Packing a small watercolor kit, pen, and notebook and making your own old-school illustrated travel journal can be a fun, device-free project. A long summer night is a great excuse to flex your culinary muscles and prep a more gourmet camp dinner than usual. And if you’re hiking in a group, a deck of cards is always a good hedge in case the conversation runs dry.
Hitting Alpine Trails Too Early
Here in Colorado, prime stretches of the Continental Divide Trail can be snowed over and littered with deadfall as late as July. If you’re an intrepid and prepared thru-hiker hustling to make it to Canada before the seasons start to turn, that may not be a dealbreaker. But if you’re a weekend warrior just trying to have a pleasant and safe trip? Probably better to wait and find something lower-altitude in the meantime.
How soon a given high-altitude trail melts out depends on a lot of factors, from that year’s snowfall to current weather conditions to aspect. Talking to someone who’s up on the trail’s current conditions, such as a forest ranger or another local hiker, is always the easiest way to find out whether your chosen route is passable. If planning in advance, consider double-checking your proposed schedule with an up-to-date guidebook on the area.
Ignoring the Monsoon
Heat isn’t the only summer hiking hazard in the western U.S. Starting in mid-summer, New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of Nevada, California, Utah, and Colorado get regular spurts of rain and lightning. In some areas, especially in the mountains, the precip is almost daily, arriving like clockwork in the early afternoon.
That much-needed moisture can become a danger for peakbaggers who start their trips too late in the day and end up stuck above treeline in a thunderstorm. Here in Colorado, the common rule of thumb is that hikers should aim to summit and be back below treeline before noon to reduce their risk. Want to maximize your chances of a drama-free summit bid? Embrace the alpine start and hit the trail before sunrise. If your chosen route takes you through a valley or creek that’s prone to flash flooding—or, more dangerous yet, a slot canyon—keep a close eye on the forecast, check the outlook with local land managers, and be ready to bail if you notice any warning signs of a torrent.