According to Lyons, the temperature drops about 4 degrees every 1,000 feet no matter what time of year. Something hikers often don't realize, particularly in the summer, is the danger of getting hypothermia in high elevation areas such as Mount Charleston, particularly after the sun goes down, Woolever notes. Sweat accumulated from a day of hiking cools down fast as the sun descends and can cause the body temperature to drop dangerously low. It is always a good idea for hikers to bring an extra set of dry clothing and, if they are camping out, to get into those dry clothes before the sun sets, he says. Whitney recommends wearing clothing made of synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene, which will keep hikers both warm and dry.
Water is an essential for hiking.
Keep in mind, everyone is different so some hikers may need more water than this, he says. Each person should also bring enough food to keep them energized and alert during the excursion, items such as power bars that provide plenty of calories and carbohydrates for long, sustained energy. Woolever even recommends canceling that all-day hike for those who get to the site and realize they've forgotten their food at home. You're better off not going up at all because you're going to burn a lot of energy. Timing the hike correctly can mean the difference between a pleasurable experience and disaster.