Hiking Tips

The Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue is proud to serve the residents and visitors of the greater Palm Springs area and would like to remind you whenever you go hiking to follow these tips:

• Always hike in an approved, open area.
  These areas are usually monitored to insure that trails are well-marked and safe to use.
• Be prepared for the trip.
  Take lots of water, even when it's cold out. Your body needs to replenish its water supply lost through sweating. Pack warm clothes for evenings even in the summer. Pack enough supplies to "get you through" should you become lost or injured during your "adventure".
• Never hike alone.
  If you should become injured and can no longer travel, a hiking partner can go for help. Remember, PSMP-SAR doesn't get the "golden hour" to perform their rescues. It will usually take our hiking partner that long to get to a phone. Consider carrying a cellular phone just in case.
• Wear the right shoes.
  Hiking in thongs, sandals, or other slippery-soled shoes has spelled disaster for many of the victims rescued by PSMP-SAR.
• Tell someone!
  Even the most experienced hikers run into elements that overcome them. tell someone where you are going, when you expect to get back, how long you will be gone, what you are wearing, and who is going with you. Make sure the person you tell will be around to make sure you made it back.