Water is very important, as dehydration is a real threat in the warm months of the year. In the summer, hats with wide brims will provide more protection from sun and heat when you leave your vehicle. Gloves help protect your hands when crossing fences or opening gates, and a waterproof windbreaker helps protect against the unexpected cold wind and rain. We suggest long pants or trousers and sturdy shoes for better protection from insect bites, cactus spines, sharp pointed yucca leaves, and sudden drops in temperature. Mosquitoes and gnats can become a real nuisance in spring and summer, especially when the wind dies down.
Rattlesnakes are a natural part of the environment.
If you hear a rattler, stop, locate the snake, and then move slowly away. Winter on the prairie can be dangerous if a traveler becomes stranded in a snowstorm without proper equipment. Before starting a tour on the Grassland, be sure to check the weather reports. Take extra clothing, blankets, tire chains, a shovel and sand, and some non-perishable food in the event you become stuck and stranded. Tell a friend or neighbor where you are going and the time you should return home.