Wear comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes with good tread. You want footwear that will keep your feet on the trail while keeping out little rocks and blisters. Protect yourself from the sun. Cover any exposed skin with sunscreen, preferably a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
How should I dress for hiking in Arizona?
Wear breathable, lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing when hiking in the desert. Long sleeves and pants are recommended in order to shield your skin from the sun more effectively, so fight the urge to wear as little clothing as possible. Getting sunburned is not fun.
Do you need hiking shoes in Arizona?
Hiking shoes
Hiking boots with a good amount of ankle support are a wise investment if you’re going to traverse a lot of rocky terrain. If you don’t have hiking boots, athletic shoes with good traction are a decent alternative for easier hikes but should be avoided for more difficult ones.
How do I prepare for hiking in Arizona?
In order to optimize your time outdoors, make sure you are well-prepared know which rules to follow while hiking in Arizona.
5 Rules to follow when Hiking in Arizona
- SUN PROTECTION IS KEY. Water + Sunscreen + Hat + Sunglasses.
- START EARLY.
- NAVIGATION IS IMPORTANT.
- KNOW THE CREEPY CRAWLIES.
- CHECK THE WEATHER.
What do I need for a day hike in Arizona?
Bring a small lightweight flashlight and a change of batteries and bulb. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a map, compass, signal mirror, moleskin, and water purification tablets (as a backup). Stay on the trail and never shortcut switchbacks.
What should I pack for Tucson?
Bring tank tops, T-shirts, flip-flops, shorts, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a swimsuit. If traveling to the surrounding mountain areas, bring along a jean jacket, tennis shoes for hiking and perhaps a bandana for sun protection.
Are jeans good for hiking?
That said, no jeans are ideal for hiking. If you’ll be hiking in the rain, cold weather, or very hot temperatures, you should invest in a pair of good hiking pants. Jeans are bad at moisture-wicking, breathability, comfort, and abrasion, which make them a pretty bad choice for hiking.
Can you hike in sneakers?
If it’s a paved nature trail, even a pair of city sneakers can handle it. If you expect to hike in cold, wet conditions, you might prefer the warmth and protection of a sturdy boot with a waterproof membrane, but you can find waterproof trail-running shoes as well.
What shoes should I wear hiking?
Footwear. You need to wear sturdy shoes, and they should provide your foot with support and protection from rocks, as well as give you traction on dry and wet surfaces. Available options are backpacking boots, hiking shoes, trail running shoes, and sandals.
Do you need hiking boots for Cathedral Rock?
For the Cathedral Rock Trail, we recommend wearing boots, or at least sturdy hiking shoes. Either way, you’ll want something with good grip to handle the steepness of the trail and the relatively smooth rockface. You also may even want something with ankle support, particularly when going down.
How do you keep snakes away from hiking in Arizona?
Arizona Hikers’ Guide to Rattlesnake Safety
- Understand what “aggressive” means.
- Get to know the snakes in your area.
- Keep your hands and feet where you can see them.
- Stay on designated trails.
- Don’t wear headphones when you hike.
- Don’t touch, catch, pick up, or kill rattlesnakes.
How do you carry water while hiking?
Best Ways to Carry Water While Hiking
- Hydration Bladders.
- Nalgene-Style Water Bottle.
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle.
- Hydration Pack Backpack.
What is the hardest hike in Arizona?
4 of the Hardest Hiking Trails in Arizona and How to Conquer Them
- Superstition Ridgeline Hike.
- Bright Angel Trail.
- Brown’s Peak Trail.
- Echo Canyon on Camelback Mountain.
What should you not take on a hike?
To help you pack light, here is a list of things you should consider not packing for a trip.
- Jewelry and Valuables.
- Heavy Zoom Lenses For Your Camera.
- Extra Toiletries.
- Too Many Cotton Clothes.
- More Than One Pair of Jeans.
- Those Nice Shoes.
- Hiking Boots.
- More Than One Heavy Jacket.
What food do you take on a hike?
Prepare food that provides lasting energy, such as protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Pack fresh food such as vegetables and fruit. Enjoy refreshing cold food with a cooler. Stay hydrated by packing sufficient water to last the trip.
How do you pack for a day hike?
These items should be on your hiking checklist:
- Hiking backpack.
- Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
- Hiking boots or shoes.
- Plenty of food.
- Plenty of water.
- Navigation tools such as a map and compass.
- First-aid kit.
- Knife or multi-tool.
Do you need a coat in Arizona?
Do bring some sort of lightweight jacket to throw on, or plan to dress in layers. However, if you are going north–to Flagstaff and beyond–you will need a winter jacket. Northern Arizona does get snow and cold temperatures.
What do people wear in Tucson in October?
October is one of the best months to visit Tucson. Temperature highs average between the low 90s and high 80s during the day. At night the temperature will take a dive to the high 50s and low 60s, so make sure to bring a sweater for the cooler nights.
How do people dress in Arizona in January?
Pack clothing you can wear in layers. Breathable natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, will keep you comfortable during cool mornings, balmy afternoons and early evenings. A lightweight jacket or tailored cape provides an extra layer of warmth when the sun sets.
Are leggings good to hike in?
No matter if it’s for hiking, running, or working out, leggings are perfect because they are form-fitting without being too tight and are made of materials that let your skin breathe as you hike or exercise.
What should I bring on my first hike?
Gear
- A light, sturdy backpack.
- Tent.
- Sleeping bag or mat.
- Earth pad.
- Flashlight.
- Whistle.
- 2 sets of extra clothes (including underwear)
- Towel.