As hikers head to the Colorado mountains, a few extra acts could increase the safety of the trip. Rocky Mountain National Park, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest, and Larimer County Search and Rescue officials encourage hikers to be prepared for weather changes and to always carry plenty of water and snacks. Wear good footwear. Doctors are seeing more and more injuries caused by people hiking in tennis shoes or low cut shoes instead of hiking shoes. Wear layers of clothing to account for weather changes and always carry some sort of clothing to keep you warm and dry if it rains.
Weather changes very quickly in the mountains, and once wet, hikers can easily catch hypothermia.
Be aware that lightning can strike at any time. If caught in a lightning storm, go into your vehicle, a building or into the forest where there are plenty of trees. If you are in the forest, crouch down to be lower than surrounding items and keep only your feet on the ground. Do not go under a rock overhang or into a cave because lightning follows rock. Stay on established trails.