Clear Skies Can Be Deceptive. Here's How to Manage the Unexpected Dangers of Summer Hikes
There's a specific moment at the start of summer when the trails become completely irresistible. The morning sun finally has some real warmth to it, a clean breeze takes the edge off the heat, and the sky drops that dull, rainy gray color it has been wearing for weeks. It feels like the safest, most forgiving time of year to get lost in the woods. And while we instinctively respect the dangers of winter hiking, where untouched snow poses obvious threats like hypothermia and frostbite, the volatile mountain snowmelt of spring and the beloved warmth of summer trick us into letting our guard down.
But hot-weather trekking comes with its own hidden hazards, from loose trail erosion ground down by peak-season crowds to sudden afternoon thunderstorms that cause excess water that can be absorbed by the dry, hard-baked summer dirt.
"Always look at the ground. Look for signs of run-off or a dry stream," Glenn Barnes, DNP, RN, EMT-P, NHDP-BC, FWEM, FAWM-former Green Beret and current clinical associate professor with the Texas A&M University College of Nursing at Texas A&M Health. "If there has been rain or mountain snow melt, those can suddenly become active streams. Walking sticks are a great tool to test the ground in front of you."
We've all been there. You're walking along, taking in the sweeping views, and enjoying a blue-sky day without the rain. But paying attention to your immediate surroundings is just as critical in the summer as it is in the winter. Beyond sudden runoff streams, warm-weather hazards include uneven paths, sunbathing snakes, crumbling edges, and thick vegetation that can easily trip you up while you are distracted by the scenery.
Related: Beat the Heat: Hydration Hacks Every Guy Needs for Hot Days and Hard Workouts
Manage Your Trail Hydration
In addition to the above, when it comes to hot-weather trekking, the most critical hazard you need to account for is the constant threat of dehydration. Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related injury, typically caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and a lack of fluids, and it hospitalizes approximately half a million people each year.
To mitigate the risks, Barnes suggests having a contingency plan for your water consumption. To do this, he suggests considering "how much water you are taking and divide that into the length of your trip," he says. "If you are walking 10 miles and you are taking 3 liters, your math works out to 3000ml/10 miles. So, each mile, you should consume 300mls of water."
While everyone's water consumption will vary, this is a good basic starting point. As you learn your body more during extended hikes, you can adjust. If you're just starting out, it might be a good idea to have an extra liter as a safety net, he says. This is also where knowing your surroundings becomes even more important. Never head out on a trail without knowing what is close to you. Are there convenience stores, shops, park water points, and local natural water points such as streams or lakes nearby that you can turn to in case of an emergency? If you come to a point where fresh and clean water isn't available, that is where water purification systems like the Sawyer system or the Grayl water filter come in handy.
Watch for Red Flags of Heat Injury
If you do get into a situation where you are low on water, it's important to know the early signs of a heat injury, the first and most common of which is often thirst.
"If you are thirsty, drink. Always remember to include electrolytes," says Barnes. "Drinking water to excess without replacing electrolytes can cause a condition caused by water-induced hyponatremia (low blood sodium), Hypokalemia (low blood potassium), or other electrolyte abnormalities. After thirst, symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, and nausea. If you get to these symptoms, you need to stop, rest, and hydrate with fluid and electrolytes until the symptoms are resolved."
Establish a Communication Protocol
In case of an emergency, you always want to make sure you let someone know you are heading out on the trails. If it is a longer journey, plan to make check-ins at certain times and a plan of what to do if you miss a check-in. With this, you need multiple means of communication, such as a cell phone, a satellite phone for when service is not available, and an understanding of local ranger or information stations if all else fails.
"If your check-ins are daily, one missed call should trigger Search And Rescue (SAR); if hourly, you can allow one missed call, but two would trigger SAR," Barnes says.
Related: Don't Let Bluebird Days Fool You. Here's How to Navigate the Risks of Spring Avalanches
Prepare for the Emergency Extension
You should also plan to pack for an emergency extension. Storms are even more common in the summer months, so even if you're only planning a day trip, have an emergency shelter, water, and food to stay overnight in a storm if you have to.
"A week would require 1-2 days [of] emergency supplies," Barnes says. "If you are hiking a very long trek, establish resupply points along your route. This allows you to hike with less equipment/supplies and acts as a great time to update your loved ones."
Stay Ready for the Summer Rush
As school ends and the weather gets better, more and more people are flocking to their state parks and heading on adventures to national parks, making it more important than ever to be prepared. Summer trails offer some of the best experiences of the year, but they require a level of planning that goes beyond just lacing up your boots and heading out. By keeping an eye on the terrain, mastering your hydration math, and establishing a solid backup plan before you leave the trailhead, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health & Fitness section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 9:40 AM.