Things to consider when going

This guide will give you some key tips, links, and tools to help you plan for your park adventure! Having a plan will help you avoid common mistakes that can affect your visit and even lead to injury.

Learn about the park

• Amenities – Does the park have drinking water, restrooms · Weather – What is the weather forecast for the duration of your trip? How will you prepare for it?
• Wildlife – What animals live in the park and how can you prepare for a chance encounter?
• Terrain – Are there uneven surfaces like unpaved trails or stairs you need to be aware of?
• Water – Are there currents or underwater hazards? Is the temperature of the water cold?
• Park Alerts? Are there closures, hazards, or other active alerts that may affect your visit?

Find out what you can be doing at the park

There is more than one way to experience the park. Find a complete list of activities on the park’s website under the “Things to do” page under the Things To Do page. Explore the pages of the activities that interest you.

Know Your Limits

Your experience in the park is yours to decide. Only you know your abilities and your comfort level. Assess the following about yourself:

• Skills – What outdoor skills do you have? Have you used them in a park like the one you’re visiting?
• Experience – How often do you recreate outdoors? Have you recreated in a park like the one you’re visiting?
• *Physical Fitness – Are you physically fit for your trip? Are there any activities that are beyond your abilities?
• *Medical Condition – Do you have a medical condition that could be worsened by the weather, altitude, or physical exertion?

*Consult a physician if you have any questions on fitness levels, health conditions, or medications required.

Pick the right activity for YOU

There is more than one trail to hike, river to paddle, or mountain to climb. Pick an activity that you can safely enjoy during your visit. As you build your skills and experience, you can keep challenging yourself. Consider the following:

• Weather – Will the weather make the activity more difficult? How can you prepare for it?
• Duration – How long will it take you to complete the activity? Do you have the physical fitness and endurance for it?
• Difficulty – What is the difficulty level of the activity you’d like to do? Is it within your limits and comfort level?
• Skill – Does the activity require special skills (e.g., rock climbing)? Do you have that skill? If not, how will you learn it before the trip?
• Gear – Does the activity require special gear (e.g., life jacket, helmet)? Do you have or can you obtain the right gear?

Pack Essentials

• Water
• Weather appropriate clothing (sun protection- hat, sunglasses; insulation- jacket, rain shell hat etc)
• Map, compass and/or a GPS system
• If going near sunset, bring illumination (flashlight etc.)
• First Aid Kit

Make an Outdoor Emergency Plan

• Get a Park Map
• Review Your Route
• Stay on trail and designated areas
• Stay Aware
• If lost; Seek help if you cannot retrace your steps; await help if you don’t have cell reception
• If injured (minor injury like scrapes, bruises, muscle strain)
  • Treat the injury – Use the First Aid kit from your 10 Essentials to clean and cover the affected area
  • Rest – Take rest in a shaded area, if possible
  • Drink water – Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • Eat a salty snack – This will give you energy and help replenish electrolytes
  • Turn around – If your injury does not allow you to safely complete the activity
• If injured (major injuries; chest pain, difficulty breathing, major bleeding etc)
  • Call 911 – Share with them the following information
  • The nature of your injury and any medical conditions you have
  • First aid kit and any equipment you have that might help you stabilize the injury
  • GPS coordinates from your phone, if available
  • Name of the trail or area of the park where you are
  • Description of your surroundings including visible landmarks
  • Stay put once you have shared your location unless there is an immediate threat to life
  • Flag down help – If there is no cellphone reception, flag down a visitor in the area and ask them to travel back to an area with reception and call 911.
  • Minimize movement – This will prevent further injuries
  • Control bleeding – Applying direct pressure to the wound to control bleeding
  • Keep warm – The temperature outside can change throughout the day. If you begin to feel cold put on any extra layers of clothing you have with you
  • Stay safe – Follow the steps for minor injuries while waiting for help