When it comes to hiking safety, there are at least four reasons why you can't rely on web information
Ours or anyone else's. First, trails/routes change.
What once was public access may now be private or the access might be prohibited.
Hillsides erode, boulders come tumbling down and trail markers change.
In winter, some trails/routes are impassable or too dangerous. Second, a map is not the trail.
No matter how descriptive a map or text is, it can't describe every feature, root, rock or rut.
Third, there are errors in our descriptions.
Fourth, our descriptions may not apply to you. When we say a hike is easy or moderate, it may be too difficult.
The hikers describing the hikes on this site are very experienced hikers, hiking in this area a couple of times a week. If you are not an experienced hiker, the hikes will certainly be more difficult than described, so easy becomes, moderate, hard or even impossible for you to hike, try out a couple of the easy hikes first.
Now for the fine print.
We cannot accept responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of our maps, trail information or trail conditions.
Additionally, we do not accept liability or legal responsibility for any injuries, damage, or losses allegedly caused by using our web pages.
This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail or activity
nor is it a recommendation to attempt the trail or activity.
The writer and/or publisher of this website is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, inconvenience, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the hikes or activities on this website.
It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgement by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities.
If you use the information contained within this site, it is AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity.
Although all maps and trail descriptions contained in BorregoHiking.com are as accurate as possible, they are not meant to be a substitute for official maps provided by the parks and official topographic maps.
Descriptions or maps may even contain serious errors.
The (wilderness) terrain can change drastically due to both man made and natural occurrences. When hiking, it is always wise to have current maps available. In addition, be sure to check with the rangers that are on duty for current trail conditions.
All BorregoHiking.com trails are day hikes. This means that for a person of average ability, the hike can be finished in one day. It must be strongly emphasized that the wilderness can be a dangerous place and no one should undertake any hike described in BorregoHiking.com without recognizing and personally assuming the associated risks.
You alone are responsible for determining if you should attempt any of the hikes described.
Gps data is inherent accurate up to 300 feet, this means you have to follow an established path, the Gps data is only intended to steer you in the general direction. Sometimes it is even illegal, to leave an established path. As a general rule: assume you are not allowed to leave the established trail, unless an official person/paper tells you otherwise.
Access by car as mentioned, is only an average year indication. In a specific year, an all cars road may turn into a AWD road. So always check at the visitor center or with a ranger.
Flash floods:
More people lose their LIVES in floods than in any other weather-related event. 80% of flood deaths occur in vehicles, and most happen when drivers make a single, fatal mistake - trying to navigate through flood waters.
Watch for the following signs:
Unusually hard rain over several hours
A monsoon or other tropical system affecting your area
A Weather report
In hilly terrain, flash floods can strike with little or no advance warning. Distant rain may be channelled into gullies and ravines, turning a quiet stream into a rampaging torrent in minutes. Never camp on low ground next to streams since a flash flood can catch you while you're asleep.
DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODED AREAS! Even if it looks shallow enough to cross. The large majority of deaths due to flash flooding occur with people driving through flooded areas.
Water only a foot deep can displace a 1500 lb. vehicle! 24 inch of water can easily carry most automobiles! Roads concealed by water may not be intact.
If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and its occupants and sweep them away. Remember it's better to be wet than dead!
Be especially cautious at night. It's harder to recognize water danger then.
Don't try to outrace a flood on foot. If you see or hear it coming, move to higher ground immediately.
When hiking, follow these steps:
Do not walk through a flowing stream on foot where water is above your ankles.
When walking through or on rocks over a stream, Loosen pack buckles so if you fall you can easily get away from your pack and it will not drag you under.
Wait for everyone to cross before continuing (in case the last person needs assistance).
Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest statements, watches and warnings concerning heavy rain and flash flooding in your area, report it to the National Weather Service.
Campers/hikers should always determine if local officials, such as park rangers, post local cautions and warnings. This goes along with -- in those areas where it's required -- completing any local tour/entrance/trip plan.
Rattlesnakes: Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open:
Out of all the precautions a hiker should take while hiking in rattlesnake country, this is undoubtedly the most important.
An unaware and distracted hiker is an accident waiting to happen. Not just in terms of potential rattlesnake bites, but in terms of overall safety.
Whether it's getting lost, falling, or running into some other kind of nasty predicament, a hiker who is not adequately tuned into his surroundings is just asking for trouble.
And in rattlesnake country, keeping your eyes focused on your immediate vicinity and keeping your ears open to the various sounds emanating from around you will go a long way towards keeping you from any surprise encounters with a rattlesnake.
Focus on the trail in front of you, and focus on the sides of the trail. Know exactly where you are stepping, and know exactly what is coming up in front of you.
And since rattlesnakes, fortunately, possess a natural built-in alarm system in the form of rattles on their tails that are designed to alert you to their presence, paying attention to the sounds emanating from around you will alert you to their presence. Warning: some rattlesnakes don't make any noise.
So, while out hiking, I would advise you to keep the headphones and ear pieces tucked away in your backpack. Save the music listening for another time!
Be aware that some people can't hear the rattlesnake, it sometimes sounds like high pitched insects.
Always be prepared:
Wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the hike. Don't thrown on a pair of worn out tennis shoes because some of these hikes require a sturdy tread to maintain a solid footing along the trail. Furthermore, wearing a pair a shorts might sound ideal on a hot summer day unless you are walking through thick scrub.
Hike with a partner in case one of you needs to seek help.
Leave detailed instructions with family or friends on where you will be hiking and when people can expect you to return. Providing a specific route you will follow and sticking with will make it easier to locate you in case of an emergency.
Check the current and future weather conditions if you are planning an extended hiking. Keep in mind that thunderstorms tend to form during the afternoon, so planning an afternoon picnic on a high ridge isn't always a good idea.
Leave a note in your vehicle at the trail head indicating where you will be hiking and when you anticipate returning in case you don't return.
Carry a cell phone and GPS with you. Of course, keep in mind cell phone reception varies from location to location, so it might be useful in some cases.
Learn basic first aid for handling medical emergencies like hypothermia, heart attacks, snake bites, heat exhaustion, and avalanches.
Carry plenty of water or a water filter, and never depend on a spring indicated on a map or in a guidebook.
Springs dry up, and Uncle's recollection of a spring from a trip 30 years ago is no guarantee.
Pack a first aid kit, including a possible snake bite kit.
Practice Leave No Trace principles of hiking and camping. Leave nothing behind but footprints.
Summer heat: Law and jurisdiction
This disclaimer will be governed by and construed in accordance with Dutch law, and any disputes relating to this disclaimer will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of The Netherlands.
