Backpacking Safety Tips

Backpacker

Backpacking

  • Never feed or touch wildlife. Do not approach or attempt to move sick or injured wildlife. Please report any encounters with aggressive, sick or injured animals to a park ranger.
  • Drink and carry plenty of water (a minimum of 1 quart for every two hours). Even when stream, river and lake water looks clean, it can make you ill.
  • Be prepared––backpacking requires careful planning and gear before heading into the wilderness.
  • Speak to a ranger or park staff at the visitor center for current trail conditions, weather forecast and reliability of water sources.
  • Let someone back at camp or at home know where you are going and when you’re returning.
  • Hike with a friend or family member.
  • Do not walk off-trail or enter closed areas.

 

For more information, visit our Hiking page.